Photo by: Mark Jhonel Abad
Edited by: Michaela Alyanna Dela Cruz
Canonized on July 18, 1323 by Pope John XXII, St. Thomas Aquinas’ contributions continuously embed itself in the growth of Christendom and the spread of the Church’s teachings. In this septcentennial celebration, let us look back at the Angelic Doctor’s ventures for the bloom of Christianity:
Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567, he prayed, wrote, preached and traveled, emphasizing the importance of being grounded in virtue and helping the church by living out Her doctrines. St. Thomas Aquinas, being one of the most prominent figures in the Order of Preachers, believed that preaching is the noblest of all ecclesiastical functions as it spearheads in spreading God’s glory. He determines that to preach ultimately stands for: having the sacred knowledge that must be taught to others, possessing the capacity to prove such knowledge, and ensuring that those who listen will also enable the teachings in their daily lives.
More than these endowments, St. Thomas had written wonders for faculties of theology and philosophy, namely Summa Theologiae, and Summa Contra Gentiles. In them, the saint wrote about faith and truth: the truths that we must acknowledge and faith that we must preach to demonstrate God’s greatness and goodness. Through these pieces of literature, he had made a lasting influence by showcasing his intellect in discussions of truth, being, essence, human nature, and soul. His literary activities also extended into commentaries on the Bible, Aristotle’s own teachings, and other philosophical works. With these accomplishments, the saint established himself as one of the summits of Christian tradition and a foundational figure in modern thought.
St. Thomas left behind his legacies in spreading the Gospel, pursuing his philosophical, religious, and political endeavors through these feats. As student nurses, may we be inspired by his efforts in strengthening the word of God and translate these insights into our own pursuit of holistic patient care as future Thomasian nurses.
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