> [[09-figures|↑ Back to TOC]] # Saint Thomas Aquinas ## Biography Philosopher, theologian, and Doctor of the Church, born at Rocca Secca in the Kingdom of Naples in 1225 or 1227; died at Fossa Nuova, 7 March, 1274. His family was of the highest nobility, related to the emperors of Germany and the kings of France and Aragon. He entered the Order of St. Dominic as a young man, against the determined opposition of his family. He studied under Albert the Great in Cologne and Paris, and became the foremost theologian of the medieval Church. His *Summa Theologiae*, *Summa contra Gentiles*, and commentaries on Aristotle and Scripture have shaped Catholic intellectual life for centuries. He was canonized in 1323 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1567. *Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, "St. Thomas Aquinas"* ## Notes - Summa Theologiae. - Summa contra Gentiles. - Commentaries on Aristotle and Scripture. - Major influence on Catholic theology, philosophy, and scholasticism.