2. Saint of teaching

3. Born : Around the year 1225 Birthplace: Roccasecc a, Naples, Italy Died: 7- Mar-1274 Nationality: Italy Feast day: January 28

4.  Thomas Aquinas was born in the Italian town of Aquino in 1224 or 1225. He was one of nine children. His parents were wealthy and the family lived in a castle. Thomas older brother was destined to inherit his family’s wealth. Therefore, his father decided that Thomas should join the church and become Benedictine.

5.  At only five years of age, Thomas began his education in the Benedictine abbey at Monte Cassino. He was educated by the monks. When he was 18 Thomas went to the University of Naples. While studying in Naples Thomas become interested in a different religion. Which he knew his parents would disapprove. So he secretly joined the Dominican order in 1244.

6.  Thomas' parents had always wanted him to be Benedictine. So when he was on his way to Paris to study, his brothers kidnapped him and kept him a prisoner in one of their castles for over a year. But during that time, they did all they could to make him change his mind. But it didn’t work. Then finally one of his sisters, too, came to convince him to give up his silly dream of becoming a priest. But Thomas spoke so many beautiful things about the Lord that as soon as his sister heard it she changed her mind completely. With the help of Thomas she decided to give her life to God as a nun. And within fifteen months Thomas was finally allowed to leave

7.  In 1245 Thomas went to study at the University of Paris. His fellow students thought that he was slow, both mentally and physically, and called him the Dumb Ox. Proving them all wrong, he finished his studies before becoming a teacher himself.

8.  St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of students we celebrate the Feast of St Thomas Aquinas on January 28, because he is also considered the model teacher for those entering the priesthood.

9.  www.catholic.org/ saint s/ saint.php? saint _id=2530 Cached - Similar Cached Similar  Saint Thomas Aquinas: The Dumb Ox