The Skull of Saint Thomas Aquinas Comes To America

After 700 years, this major relic is on a grand tour

In the midst of a winter cold, a new warmth has arrived in the Kentucky Holy Land.

At St. Rose Priory, the birthplace of the Dominican order in the United States, a crowd fills the church. People in line step forward. When their turn comes, they kneel beside a golden box that holds the skull of Saint Thomas Aquinas.

I actually saw the skull once before unexpectedly when I was in Portugal. This felt more significant. The skull that once held the mind of one of the greatest minds of all time was now in my backyard.

In fact, Aquinas, as intelligent as he was, didn’t know America existed before he died. This huge span of time is why Pope Francis enacted a Triple Jubilee to honor the Angelic Doctor. For three years, the faithful can obtain a plenary indulgence by their participation.

2023 - 700th anniversary of his canonization.

2024 - 750th anniversary of his death.

2025 - 800th anniversary of his birth

As this major relic of St. Thomas Aquinas tours the United States, crowds have been reported to be excited almost on a scale rarely seen in recent times. I like to think that a lot of momentum from the National Eucharistic Congress this year carries on.

I also can’t help but recall the story of the man being healed by the prophets bones in the Bible: “And as they were burying a man, behold, they saw a marauding band; and they threw the man into the grave of Elisha. And when the man touched the bones of Elisha he revived and stood up on his feet.” (2 Kings 13:21)

It seems like a strong sense of faith, for both simple reasons and amazing motives, is drawing people near to this saint, and ultimately to Christ whose line shines through him.

I noticed people place items to the box and they look as if they have great requests.

St. Thomas Aquinas, pray for us!