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The Life of St. Thomas
This insightful biography of St. Thomas Aquinas appears for the first time in English after its composition seven centuries ago. Its author, Brother William of Tocco, used his own contact with the saint and interviews with many who knew him to set down his life. Brother William's book was used as part of the canonization process for St. Thomas Aquinas.
In this easy-to-read translation, you will find the remarkable story of the life of the Angelic Doctor, including his imprisonment by his family; his incredible powers of abstraction and memory; his refutation of heresies and his heroic virtues; his levitation and other miracles; and his holy death.
This book gives a charming eyewitness account of the unseen life of St. Thomas Aquinas and helps us better understand the family, friends, and era that produced one of the greatest theologians of all time.
In this easy-to-read translation, you will find the remarkable story of the life of the Angelic Doctor, including his imprisonment by his family; his incredible powers of abstraction and memory; his refutation of heresies and his heroic virtues; his levitation and other miracles; and his holy death.
This book gives a charming eyewitness account of the unseen life of St. Thomas Aquinas and helps us better understand the family, friends, and era that produced one of the greatest theologians of all time.
- GenresCatholic
227 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 6, 2023
This wonderful biography of St. Thomas Aquinas appears for the first time in English after its composition seven centuries ago. Its author, Brother William of Tocco, used his own contact with the saint and interviews with many who knew him to set down his life. You will find, in this excellent translation, the remarkable story of the life of an Angelic Doctor: his imprisonment by his family; his incredible powers of abstraction and memory; his refutation of heresies and his virtues; his prayer and levitation; his miracles and his holy death. All who desire to know St. Thomas personally would do well to read this striking account of his life.
February 20, 2026
The best, most complete, most reliable, most entertaining biography of St Thomas Aquinas. The foreword and introduction are very good, the latter showing how William of Tocco’s work in investigating the life of Thomas is not mere medieval legend, but rather thorough and intentional, getting to the closest sources possible. While not in chronological order, the footnotes help to organize, and it’s not like the time of the stories is overly important.
St. Thomas Aquinas (whom I will call St Thomas, or the Angelic Doctor, or just Doctor) was born to a wealthy and powerful family, close to the Emperor, in Aquino. Though wealthy, this family was devout and Catholic. Lady Theodora, the mother of our Doctor, received a prophecy from a certain friar, that she would conceive and bear a son, to be called Thomas, and who would become a Dominican, and not a Benedictine at the Monte Cassino Monastery, contrary to her plans. To this, Lady Theodora gave her fiat.
Our Doctor as a boy was devout, holding dearly to the Ave Maria and to paper, foreshadowing his future. He was sent to study at Monte Cassino at the age of five. He would only talk about God or to God, yet he was not given to speaking, but rather to silence, solitude, and prayer. He was sent to Naples to study. He has an event parallel to that of Christ at the age of 12 (Luke 2:40-52). He desired to join the Order of Preachers for a long time, until he finally came to do so.
Lady Theodora wished to confirm our Doctor in his decision, yet the Dominicans prevented her thinking she might have other motives, like stealing him. She plotted to have his brothers take him away and lock him in a castle, to test what had been prophesied to her. St Thomas was taken by force, yet he could still read the Scriptures and the Sentences of Peter Lombard while in his imprisonment. One day, his brothers sent in a prostitute, in order to seduce Thomas. He resisted this temptation, sending her away, and with a torch marked a black cross on the wall. He fell asleep in prayer and two angels girded him with the girdle of chastity. His mother eventually allowed him to escape.
Our Doctor studied under Albert the Great, and in his classes he would be quiet. He earned the nickname “Dumb Ox.” One day, a student wished to explain something to him, and when he stumbled, Thomas corrected him and could explain everything perfectly. A disputation arose and Thomas’ notes were taken to Albert, who seeing them ordered he be set in charge of the next disputation. At such an incredible performance, Albert uttered a prophecy that Thomas would be heard throughout the whole world.
St Thomas became a Bachelor, and his fame spread, with his lectures revealing all he had learned. St Thomas was specially good in combining the profane sciences with theology, letting them serve as the servants of divine Wisdom. He was promoted to Master, and for his inaugural lecture, not knowing what to preach on, St Dominic appeared to him and told him plainly: Psalm 103:13. His fame further spread, he wrote many books throughout his life, and his Summa Contra Gentiles is a mix of his own reasoning and God’s illumination in prayer. He would dictate on different subjects to three or four scribes at the same time, and he could even continue in his sleep. He would also be absorbed in contemplation, and the candle he held would drop hot wax to his hands and he would not even notice, till the whole candle was consumed.
St Thomas completely refuted the error of the Greek Schismatics (the Eastern “Orthodox”). To Friar Albert of Brescia was revealed a vision (after him entreating God, the Virgin, and Augustine) in which he saw St Thomas and St Augustine, the latter of which introduced the former as his son, stating they are equal in glory. This vision Albert confirmed under oath.
St Thomas abounded in humility and purity. Friar Raymund Severi, who heard his confessions for seven years, testified under oath that Thomas had never consented to a single carnal thought. This Thomas’ lifelong companion, Reginald, confirmed at the end of his master’s life, saying his Confessions were as pure as that of five-year-olds.
William of Tocco records a vision in which Thomas appeared to him and confirmed his virginity to death, even stating that William had gotten a detail wrong in a previous edition of the biography. St Thomas often celebrated Mass, and would stop in ecstasy and cry. St Thomas would also walk through the garden, absorbed in his meditations.
When writing a commentary on Isaiah, he came upon a difficult passage and he fasted for days. Then Sts Peter and Paul appeared to him and interpreted it for him. Reginald overheard them speaking and asked Thomas who it was that spoke to him. He did not want to say it but eventually revealed the identity of the two saints. Another Friar reported to overhear Thomas speak with another person, though alone in his room.
St Thomas was at the Chapel of St Nicholas when Christ spoke from the Crucifix, saying, “You have written well of me, Thomas. What would you receive from me as a reward for your labor?” Thomas answered the classic, “Non nisi Te, Domine.” He also levitated from time to time.
As to his physical appereance, Thomas was tall, erect, wheaten brown, fat, strong, with a big head, bald, and beautiful. It is related that he, in his fortitude, did not shake at a turbulent storm, and he could move an entire boat by himself.
As to his detachment from the material world, he said he would prefer St Chrysostom’s commentary on Matthew over controlling Paris. King Louis invited him to his table, and he declined the request. Yet forced by his superiors, Thomas went. Suddenly, he smashed his hand on the table, saying, “Now that is the end of the heresy of Manichaeus!” Since he was lost in his head, thinking about these matters. His superior told him to collect himself and Thomas apologized, yet the king sent for his scribes, so that Thomas would not lose his train of thought.
St. Thomas received a vision of his sister Marotta in Purgatory, and she asked for Masses to be offered for her. Later, he again had a vision, and now she was in Heaven. He inquired about his two brothers, and one of them was in Heaven, the other still in Purgatory. He asked about his own state and she confirmed he would soon join them. Another time a Friar, Romano, who had died, appeared to Thomas. Thomas asked theological questions about the Beatific Vision, and the friar answered, “Brother Thomas, I now see God; ask no further about this question.”
St Thomas’ companion, Reginald, was sick. Thomas implored St Agnes and placed her relics on Reginald and he suddenly healed. Thomas therefore declared a feast for his students yearly, celebrating this.
A dispute arose regarding the Eucharist and the masters went to St Thomas. He wrote about his answer and presented it before Christ at the Altar. Christ spoke from the Crucifix, saying he had written well about the Eucharist, and St Thomas levitated. Friar Martin Scola saw this and testified under oath.
St Thomas was called by the Pope to a General Council at Lyon. Along the way, he fell sick. Eventually he came to the Monastery of Fossanova, and there he knew he would die. He received a revelation, after an oddly extended period of ecstasy. When he returned, he could no longer write, rather, it all seemed like straw. He gave an oral exposition on the Canticle of Canticles, which is now lost. He received the Viaticum and Extreme Unction and passed away in peace, submitting all he had written to the judgement of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It is related that someone was cured of blindness by touching his body and a solemn rite was performed for his burial. His body remained incorrupt and on three occasions gave off an extremely pleasing aroma, to the surprise of all present. William of Tocco spoke with the witnesses of this fragrant smell.
I end with St Augustine to Friar Albert of Brescia: "Why, Brother Albert, do you marvel in this way? Your prayers have been heard. Behold, I tell you now that I am Augustine, Doctor of the Church, who am sent to you to reveal the doctrine and the glory of Friar Thomas of Aquino who abides with me. For truly, he is my own son who followed apostolic teaching and my own, and who has enlightened the Church of God with his own doctrine. […] Although I precede Thomas in my episcopal vestments, he surpasses me with his golden halo of virginity, yet in glory we are equal.” (Pages 94-95)
St. Thomas Aquinas (whom I will call St Thomas, or the Angelic Doctor, or just Doctor) was born to a wealthy and powerful family, close to the Emperor, in Aquino. Though wealthy, this family was devout and Catholic. Lady Theodora, the mother of our Doctor, received a prophecy from a certain friar, that she would conceive and bear a son, to be called Thomas, and who would become a Dominican, and not a Benedictine at the Monte Cassino Monastery, contrary to her plans. To this, Lady Theodora gave her fiat.
Our Doctor as a boy was devout, holding dearly to the Ave Maria and to paper, foreshadowing his future. He was sent to study at Monte Cassino at the age of five. He would only talk about God or to God, yet he was not given to speaking, but rather to silence, solitude, and prayer. He was sent to Naples to study. He has an event parallel to that of Christ at the age of 12 (Luke 2:40-52). He desired to join the Order of Preachers for a long time, until he finally came to do so.
Lady Theodora wished to confirm our Doctor in his decision, yet the Dominicans prevented her thinking she might have other motives, like stealing him. She plotted to have his brothers take him away and lock him in a castle, to test what had been prophesied to her. St Thomas was taken by force, yet he could still read the Scriptures and the Sentences of Peter Lombard while in his imprisonment. One day, his brothers sent in a prostitute, in order to seduce Thomas. He resisted this temptation, sending her away, and with a torch marked a black cross on the wall. He fell asleep in prayer and two angels girded him with the girdle of chastity. His mother eventually allowed him to escape.
Our Doctor studied under Albert the Great, and in his classes he would be quiet. He earned the nickname “Dumb Ox.” One day, a student wished to explain something to him, and when he stumbled, Thomas corrected him and could explain everything perfectly. A disputation arose and Thomas’ notes were taken to Albert, who seeing them ordered he be set in charge of the next disputation. At such an incredible performance, Albert uttered a prophecy that Thomas would be heard throughout the whole world.
St Thomas became a Bachelor, and his fame spread, with his lectures revealing all he had learned. St Thomas was specially good in combining the profane sciences with theology, letting them serve as the servants of divine Wisdom. He was promoted to Master, and for his inaugural lecture, not knowing what to preach on, St Dominic appeared to him and told him plainly: Psalm 103:13. His fame further spread, he wrote many books throughout his life, and his Summa Contra Gentiles is a mix of his own reasoning and God’s illumination in prayer. He would dictate on different subjects to three or four scribes at the same time, and he could even continue in his sleep. He would also be absorbed in contemplation, and the candle he held would drop hot wax to his hands and he would not even notice, till the whole candle was consumed.
St Thomas completely refuted the error of the Greek Schismatics (the Eastern “Orthodox”). To Friar Albert of Brescia was revealed a vision (after him entreating God, the Virgin, and Augustine) in which he saw St Thomas and St Augustine, the latter of which introduced the former as his son, stating they are equal in glory. This vision Albert confirmed under oath.
St Thomas abounded in humility and purity. Friar Raymund Severi, who heard his confessions for seven years, testified under oath that Thomas had never consented to a single carnal thought. This Thomas’ lifelong companion, Reginald, confirmed at the end of his master’s life, saying his Confessions were as pure as that of five-year-olds.
William of Tocco records a vision in which Thomas appeared to him and confirmed his virginity to death, even stating that William had gotten a detail wrong in a previous edition of the biography. St Thomas often celebrated Mass, and would stop in ecstasy and cry. St Thomas would also walk through the garden, absorbed in his meditations.
When writing a commentary on Isaiah, he came upon a difficult passage and he fasted for days. Then Sts Peter and Paul appeared to him and interpreted it for him. Reginald overheard them speaking and asked Thomas who it was that spoke to him. He did not want to say it but eventually revealed the identity of the two saints. Another Friar reported to overhear Thomas speak with another person, though alone in his room.
St Thomas was at the Chapel of St Nicholas when Christ spoke from the Crucifix, saying, “You have written well of me, Thomas. What would you receive from me as a reward for your labor?” Thomas answered the classic, “Non nisi Te, Domine.” He also levitated from time to time.
As to his physical appereance, Thomas was tall, erect, wheaten brown, fat, strong, with a big head, bald, and beautiful. It is related that he, in his fortitude, did not shake at a turbulent storm, and he could move an entire boat by himself.
As to his detachment from the material world, he said he would prefer St Chrysostom’s commentary on Matthew over controlling Paris. King Louis invited him to his table, and he declined the request. Yet forced by his superiors, Thomas went. Suddenly, he smashed his hand on the table, saying, “Now that is the end of the heresy of Manichaeus!” Since he was lost in his head, thinking about these matters. His superior told him to collect himself and Thomas apologized, yet the king sent for his scribes, so that Thomas would not lose his train of thought.
St. Thomas received a vision of his sister Marotta in Purgatory, and she asked for Masses to be offered for her. Later, he again had a vision, and now she was in Heaven. He inquired about his two brothers, and one of them was in Heaven, the other still in Purgatory. He asked about his own state and she confirmed he would soon join them. Another time a Friar, Romano, who had died, appeared to Thomas. Thomas asked theological questions about the Beatific Vision, and the friar answered, “Brother Thomas, I now see God; ask no further about this question.”
St Thomas’ companion, Reginald, was sick. Thomas implored St Agnes and placed her relics on Reginald and he suddenly healed. Thomas therefore declared a feast for his students yearly, celebrating this.
A dispute arose regarding the Eucharist and the masters went to St Thomas. He wrote about his answer and presented it before Christ at the Altar. Christ spoke from the Crucifix, saying he had written well about the Eucharist, and St Thomas levitated. Friar Martin Scola saw this and testified under oath.
St Thomas was called by the Pope to a General Council at Lyon. Along the way, he fell sick. Eventually he came to the Monastery of Fossanova, and there he knew he would die. He received a revelation, after an oddly extended period of ecstasy. When he returned, he could no longer write, rather, it all seemed like straw. He gave an oral exposition on the Canticle of Canticles, which is now lost. He received the Viaticum and Extreme Unction and passed away in peace, submitting all he had written to the judgement of the Holy Roman Catholic Church. It is related that someone was cured of blindness by touching his body and a solemn rite was performed for his burial. His body remained incorrupt and on three occasions gave off an extremely pleasing aroma, to the surprise of all present. William of Tocco spoke with the witnesses of this fragrant smell.
I end with St Augustine to Friar Albert of Brescia: "Why, Brother Albert, do you marvel in this way? Your prayers have been heard. Behold, I tell you now that I am Augustine, Doctor of the Church, who am sent to you to reveal the doctrine and the glory of Friar Thomas of Aquino who abides with me. For truly, he is my own son who followed apostolic teaching and my own, and who has enlightened the Church of God with his own doctrine. […] Although I precede Thomas in my episcopal vestments, he surpasses me with his golden halo of virginity, yet in glory we are equal.” (Pages 94-95)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
10/10
- De Tocco outlines important accounts and testimonies regarding the sanctity of the Angelic Doctor.
- For instance, his relics, his final words, his devotion to the Holy Eucharist, etc.
- The Academic background of Scholasticism at the time is also intriguing, De Tocco explains general conflicts which occurred during St. Thomas' academic life, such as:
- The Spiritual Franciscans
- University of Paris Condemnations
- De Tocco outlines important accounts and testimonies regarding the sanctity of the Angelic Doctor.
- For instance, his relics, his final words, his devotion to the Holy Eucharist, etc.
- The Academic background of Scholasticism at the time is also intriguing, De Tocco explains general conflicts which occurred during St. Thomas' academic life, such as:
- The Spiritual Franciscans
- University of Paris Condemnations
August 25, 2023
Hagiography pure and simple.
January 8, 2026
Light and delightful reading. The many footnotes are, however, very well needed.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews