Listen

St. Thomas Aquinas Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Creator:
Published:
December 22, 2023
January 28, 2019
Who was St. Thomas Aquinas? Learn more about him through our Spotify playlist.|Who was St. Thomas Aquinas? Learn more about him through our Spotify playlist.|St. Thomas Aquinas Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

January 28 is the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas. He is a giant in the Catholic intellectual tradition, but his mental powers did not outpace his prayerful faithfulness.

Born in 1225 in Aquino, Italy, he was educated at the Monte Cassino monastery before studying at the University of Naples when he was 13. There, Thomas met the Order of Preachers, the religious community founded by St. Dominic.

When considering joining religious life, Thomas’ noble family supported him, but they did not want him to join a community that strongly emphasized poverty. So they kidnapped him and tried to talk him out of joining the Dominicans. In fact, they even brought in a prostitute with the intention of luring Thomas to sin. But the tactic did not work — Thomas just chased her out. While he was confined by his family, Thomas began studying the Bible, even learning much of it by heart.

Eventually, his family gave up and he completed his studies under St. Albert the Great at the University of Cologne. As he began his classes, Thomas was given the name “dumb ox” because he did not initially participate in class discussions like his other classmates. Yet, Thomas’ incredible intelligence would soon prove he had plenty going on upstairs.

Outside of the classroom, Thomas developed a rich prayer life — during Mass, he would fully submit himself to God and give his full attention to the Eucharist.

After receiving his doctorate, Thomas taught at the University of Paris and preached across Italy. He incorporated the philosophy of Aristotle in his explanations of divine revelation, and the theology that flowed from his synthesis has served the Church for centuries. Though he never finished his greatest work, the Summa Theologiae, it remains the fullest body of theological teaching ever written.

Thomas died at the age of 50 following an illness. After being canonized, he was declared a doctor of the Church.

Get to know the patron saint of students, universities, and schools through our study playlist inspired by his life and work.

If the entire playlist isn't loading below, click on the Spotify logo to listen to the full playlist on Spotify.

Creators:
Grotto
Published:
December 22, 2023
January 28, 2019
On a related note...
A Prayer for Easter Light

A Prayer for Easter Light

Grotto

Need a Dose of Joy? Try This Cookie Recipe From a Medieval Saint

Need a Dose of Joy? Try This Cookie Recipe From a Medieval Saint

Maureen O'Brien

A Pilgrimage Can Change Your Life

A Pilgrimage Can Change Your Life

Will Peterson

“Living Alongside Death”

“Living Alongside Death”

Janelle Peregoy

Faith Brings Light to a Dark World

Faith Brings Light to a Dark World

David Fagerberg

How to Find and Serve a Cause That Speaks to You

How to Find and Serve a Cause That Speaks to You

Megan Brown Czerwinski

Galentine’s Day Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Galentine’s Day Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

"Frosty Kept a Silent Vigil"

"Frosty Kept a Silent Vigil"

Hannah Tonsor

"Noisy Praise"

"Noisy Praise"

Shemaiah Gonzalez

Bringing Jesus' World to Life in Nazareth

Bringing Jesus' World to Life in Nazareth

Grotto

3 Tips for Learning from Your Mistakes

3 Tips for Learning from Your Mistakes

Matt Paolelli

Is the Daily Grind Spreading You Thin? Here’s How to Slow Down

Is the Daily Grind Spreading You Thin? Here’s How to Slow Down

Emily Bouch

Abstract Artist Creates Fresh Take on Religious Art

Abstract Artist Creates Fresh Take on Religious Art

Grotto

Join Our Live Conversation in Rome Tomorrow

Join Our Live Conversation in Rome Tomorrow

Grotto

How to Build Your At-Home Bar and Level Up Your Hospitality

How to Build Your At-Home Bar and Level Up Your Hospitality

Molly Cruitt

5 Adult-ish Activities to Gather New Friends Together

5 Adult-ish Activities to Gather New Friends Together

Mariah Cressy

What to Know When Going Back to Mass on Christmas

What to Know When Going Back to Mass on Christmas

Josh Noem

Learning to Pray Through My OCD and Perfectionism

Learning to Pray Through My OCD and Perfectionism

Molly Cruitt

Salesian Priests Give Hope to Victims of Sex Trafficking

Salesian Priests Give Hope to Victims of Sex Trafficking

Mary Rose Somarriba

Boost Your Lenten Fasting with Prayer

Boost Your Lenten Fasting with Prayer

Caitlan Rangel

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.