St. Thomas Aquinas, patron of students,
I thank God for the gifts of light and knowledge
He bestowed on you, which you used
to build up the Church in love.
I thank God, too, for the wealth and richness
of theological teaching you left in your writings.
Not only were you a great teacher,
you lived a life of virtue and you made holiness
the desire of your heart.
If I cannot imitate you in the brilliance
of your academic pursuits, I can follow you
in the humility and charity which marked your life.
As St. Paul said, charity is the greatest gift,
and it is open to all.
Pray for me that I might grow in holiness and charity.
Amen.