ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Rocca Secca in the kingdom of Naples around 1225 and died around 1274. He was a philosopher, theologian, doctor of the church (Angelcius Doctor). Landulph, his father, was Count of Aquino while his mother, Theodora, was Countess of Teano. His family was related to the Emperors Henry VI and Frederick II, and to the kings of Aragon, Castile and France. At 5 years old, he was sent to receive his first training from the Benedctine Monks of Monte Cassino. At this early age he was already devoted to prayer and to meditation. His preceptor was surprised at hearing him say frequently, "What is God?" Around the year 1236, he was sent to the University of Naples. Between 1240 and 1243, he received the habit of the Order of St. Dominic. There was a time that his mother, with the help of his two brothers who were soldiers under the Emperor Frederick, captured him and confined him in the fortress of San Giovanni at Rocca Secca. They tried for two years to try to destroy his vocation but Thomas never faded. Under the mentorship of Albertus Magnus,the mentor stated that, "We call this young man a dumb ox, but his bellowing in doctrine will one day resound throughout the world.

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