Vatican City, Jun 2, 2010 / 08:58 am
The Holy Father gave the first of what will be a series of catecheses on St. Thomas Aquinas during Wednesday’s general audience. He remembered the saint's life and commented on the "great grace" of theologians who can reach the people.
The Vatican event coincided with the observance of Republic Day in the Italian capital, celebrated every June 2. Jets from the nation’s military, which left a multi-colored trails across the sky, were greeted with a smile from Pope Benedict XVI as they passed overhead at one point in the audience.
The Pope's address today marked the end of his series of addresses on the priesthood during the Easter season, and brought him back to his previous theme of saints and Christian culture in the Middle Ages.
Pope Benedict chose St. Thomas Aquinas as his subject for the next three catecheses. He remembered the 13TH century saint as the “'Doctor communis,’ whose life and teaching have always been revered as an outstanding model for theologians.”