Catholic Prayer of the Day — Thursday, January 29th

Today, the Church celebrates Saint Thomas Aquinas, one of the greatest minds in Christian history. A humble Dominican friar, Thomas showed the world that faith and reason are not enemies—but partners.

As we journey through Ordinary Time, his life reminds us that loving God involves both the heart that believes and the mind that seeks truth.

Prayer of the Day

O God,
who made Saint Thomas Aquinas
outstanding in his zeal for holiness
and his study of sacred doctrine,
grant us, we pray,
that we may understand what he taught
and imitate what he accomplished.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Mass Readings of the Day

(Weekday in Ordinary Time / Memorial of Saint Thomas Aquinas)

First Reading

Hebrews 10:19–25

We are urged to approach God with sincere hearts, hold fast to our faith, and encourage one another in love and good works.

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 24
Response: Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

Gospel

Mark 4:21–25

Jesus teaches that light is meant to shine and that those who listen attentively will receive even more

Saint of the Day: Saint Thomas Aquinas

Born into a noble family in 13th-century Italy, Thomas Aquinas shocked his relatives by choosing the life of a Dominican friar instead of wealth or power. Quiet, humble, and deeply prayerful, he devoted his life to studying Scripture, philosophy, and theology.

Thomas believed that truth leads to God, whether discovered through faith or reason. His writings—especially the Summa Theologiae—shaped Catholic teaching for centuries. Yet near the end of his life, after a powerful encounter with God, he declared all his writings “like straw” compared to the glory of heaven.

Saint Thomas teaches us that holiness is not about knowing more—but loving God more deeply through truth.

10 Facts About Saint Thomas Aquinas

1. He was born in 1225 in Roccasecca, Italy.
2. He joined the Dominican Order against his family’s wishes.
3. He studied under Saint Albert the Great.
4. He wrote the famous Summa Theologiae.
5. He is known as the “Angelic Doctor.”
6. He believed faith and reason work together.
7. He had a deep devotion to the Eucharist.
8. He experienced a mystical vision near the end of his life.
9. He died in 1274 while traveling to a Church council.
10. He is the patron saint of students, teachers, and theologians.

🕊️ Saint Thomas Aquinas, lover of truth and servant of God, pray for us.