Thomas Aquinas always wanted to be a priest, but his family tried to stop him.
About 1245, when Thomas went to live with the Dominicans, his two brothers brought him back and locked him in their castle for almost two years.
The pope himself heard about Thomas and commanded his family not to stand in his way.
Thomas was very wise and also very holy. In Latin, his nickname was Doctor Angelicus, which means the teacher who is like an angel.
Thomas wrote the most famous theology books of all time. All priest and seminarians study his books.
Thomas also wrote beautiful poems and music. We still sing some of his hymns in Church.
When God asked Thomas what reward he wanted, Thomas said, “Lord, I want only You.” He died in 1274.