Note 2 — Foundation of the College of Santo Tomás of Manila

Thomas Aquinas, born in 1227, belonged to a noble family, descended from the kings of Aragón and Sicily. Entering the ecclesiastical life, he soon became noted as a scholar and divine. He was professor of divinity in several universities, and author of numerous theological works. He died on March 7, 1274, and was canonized in 1323. Various epithets have been bestowed upon him: “the Angelic Doctor,” “the Universal Doctor,” “the Dumb Ox” (alluding to his taciturnity), “The Angel of the School,” and “the Eagle of Theologians.” “It was in defense Page 156nof Thomas Aquinas that Henry VIII [of England] composed the book which procured him from the pope the title of Defender of the Faith” (Blake’s Biographical Dictionary, p. 66).