St. Thomas Aquinas is certainly one of the best known saints. But most of us, I imagine, think of him more as a figure from whom we can learn so much about the theology and philosophy of the Church. Usually, Aquinas is not thought of as one to whom we can relate to on a personal or spiritual level—the way that a devout Catholic might pray to St. Joseph or St. Anthony for assistance.
But there is another side to St. Thomas Aquinas. He was, after all, the author of five of the richest Eucharist hymns sung by the Church as well as numerous prayers. Aquinas brought his whole heart to his faith, not just his mind. So, with that in mind, here is a prayer to the saint that I found in an old prayer book, Blessed Be God, which dates back to the 1920s:
O Angelic Doctor St. Thomas, prince of theologians and model of philosophers, bright ornament of the Christian world and light of the Church; O heavenly patron of all Catholic schools, who didst learn wisdom without guile and dost communicate it without envy, intercede for us with the Son of God, Wisdom itself, that the spirit of wisdom may descend upon us, and enable us to understand clearly that which thou hast taught, and fulfill it by imitating thy deeds; to become partakers of that doctrine and virtue which caused thee to shine like the sun on earth; and at last to rejoice with thee forever in their most sweet fruits in heaven, together praising the Divine Wisdom for all eternity. Amen. [emphasis added]
It’s a prayer for all of us, but seems like one especially fitting for theologians and priests—as well as any student who is preparing for final exams and papers as the academic semester draws to a close.