St. Thomas Aquinas

Birth of Thomas Aquinas at Roccasecca - future Angelic Doctor born to nobility

Aquinas begins studying under Albert the Great - called 'Dumb Ox' by fellow students

Aquinas begins teaching at University of Paris, establishes principle: 'Grace does not destroy nature but perfects it'

Aquinas writes Summa Contra Gentiles - proving God's existence through reason alone

St. Thomas Aquinas seen levitating during Mass at Dominican convent - witnessed by many brothers

Aquinas begins Summa Theologiae - synthesis of faith and reason

Aquinas's mystical experience during Mass - stops writing mid-sentence in Summa, tells Reginald: 'All I have written seems like straw compared to what has now been revealed to me' - shows reason leads to mystery, not comprehension

Death of Aquinas at Fossanova Abbey - 'I receive You, the price of my redemption'