Catholic University Celebrates Patron Saint Thomas Aquinas at Annual Mass

The Catholic University of America celebrated its patron, Saint Thomas Aquinas, at an annual Mass celebrated at the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception on his Jan. 28 feast day this past Wednesday. 

The mass was live-streamed on Youtube and broadcast on EWTN. The celebration, held during National Catholic Schools Week, brought together the wider educational and religious community in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area including the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception. The Basilica was filled with the fragrant scent of wafting incense and the voices of the faithful – including undergraduate students living on campus who could most easily attend Mass after the recent snow/ice-storm.

The principal celebrant and homilist for this year’s mass was Father Dominic Legge, O.P., president of the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception. During the homily, Father Legge spoke about Saint Thomas Aquinas as a powerful intercessor for all those who seek knowledge of creation and our Creator. 

“Aquinas is not only a great intellectual. He is a master of the spiritual life, and he is our friend on our way toward God,” said Father Legge.

University President Peter Kilpatrick welcomed all who braved the snow to attend the mass and all those watching at home. In his closing remarks, President Kilpatrick said Saint Thomas Aquinas is a role model because he is a witness to the meaning of education. 

In the spirit of Saint Thomas, President Kilpatrick said: “Let us embrace our vocation to lifelong learning, not merely as career preparation, but as a path to wisdom and holiness.”