How to Celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas (January 28)

The Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, celebrated on January 28, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the life of this great philosopher and theologian. Known for his intellectual contributions and deep faith, St. Thomas Aquinas is often called the “Angelic Doctor” for his wisdom and understanding of the Catholic faith. This feast is a great chance to introduce children to his teachings, while having fun with activities and treats. Here are some ideas to celebrate with your family!

1. Coloring Page and DIY Quill Pen Craft

Start the day by introducing your children to St. Thomas Aquinas with a coloring page depicting him with his books and quill. This is a great opportunity to talk about his work and his dedication to writing. 

Next, create a DIY Quill Pen Craft. You can make simple quill pens to symbolize St. Thomas’ love for writing and study. Use these pens to practice writing or draw pictures of books, scrolls, or religious symbols that connect to his legacy.

2. Eat Star Cookies and Book Treats

For a fun and meaningful snack, try making star-shaped cookies. Stars are a perfect symbol for St. Thomas, as his writings were inspired by divine wisdom, much like the stars guiding us to God’s truth. Decorate the cookies with edible glitter or icing to make them sparkle and reflect the light of his wisdom.

You can also make a fun treat to represent St. Thomas’ greatest work, the Summa Theologica. Take two wrapped chocolate bars and put them together to look like the pages of a closed book. Wrap a little piece of paper around the outside and write Summa Theologica on the front. This simple treat honors his monumental contribution to theology in a fun and delicious way.

3. Listen to a Podcast

For a fun and informative activity, listen to a Saints Alive Podcast St. Thomas Aquinas episode that tells his story. 

4. Go to Adoration or Play Mass at Home

St. Thomas Aquinas had a deep and unwavering love for the Eucharist. A beautiful way to honor him on his feast day is to take your family to Adoration or play Mass at home. If you have the opportunity, attend Adoration at your parish and spend some quiet time before the Blessed Sacrament. If you can’t make it to a chapel, set up a small altar at home and have a mini “Mass” where your children can participate by pretending to offer the gifts, read prayers, and sing hymns.

This is a wonderful way to immerse your family in the spiritual practices that were so central to St. Thomas’ life.

5. Listen to (or Sing) Hymns by St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas composed several beautiful hymns, many of which are still sung during Mass and Benediction today. A wonderful way to honor him is by listening to (or even singing) his hymns, such as:

• Tantum Ergo: This hymn is often sung during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. 
• Pange Lingua: A hymn that glorifies the body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.
• Adoro Te Devote: A Eucharistic prayer expressing devotion to Christ.

Play recordings of these hymns or try singing them together with your children. These hymns beautifully reflect St. Thomas Aquinas’ deep love and devotion to the Eucharist.

The Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas is an opportunity for families to reflect on the importance of faith, reason, and the Eucharist. Through fun crafts, delicious treats, and hymns, you can celebrate his legacy and share his wisdom with your children in a way that is both meaningful and enjoyable.