The skull of St. Thomas Aquinas, one of the most revered saints in Catholic history, is on a rare tour across the eastern United States, drawing believers and the curious alike to venerate this first-class relic. Known for his towering intellect and contributions to theology, Aquinas holds a special place in Catholic tradition, and this tour marks a significant moment for those devoted to the saint.
This extraordinary event comes during the 750th anniversary of Aquinas’ death, making the tour a symbolic celebration of his life and legacy. Normally housed in Toulouse, France, the relic has been on a broader European pilgrimage before its American leg. For many, seeing the skull of a saint may sound macabre, but as Fr. Ambrose Little, O.P., assistant director of the Thomistic Institute, explains, the tradition of venerating relics has deep roots in Christianity.
Skull of Saint Thomas Aquinas (powerfvl) // Dominican House of Studies // National Basilica pic.twitter.com/r5H9WNxdJg
— Katie (@KatieS_1) November 30, 2024
“From the earliest days of Christianity, the bodies of the saints have been symbols of faith, hope, and love,” Little told Fox News Digital. He emphasized that relics like Aquinas’ skull remind the faithful of a life wholly dedicated to God—not just spiritually but physically. The relic, encased in a reliquary, provides an opportunity for visitors to connect with a saint who has inspired millions through his writings and teachings, particularly his magnum opus, Summa Theologica.
The tour kicked off at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Washington, D.C., and has since traveled to sites including the Dominican House of Studies and locations in Virginia and Rhode Island. Upcoming stops include Cincinnati, New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore, among others, with each location administered by Dominican friars. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reflect on the legacy of a saint whose work continues to shape Catholic doctrine and philosophy.
Our brothers in Toulouse receiving the skull of St Thomas, who are preparing to celebrate the 700th anniversary https://t.co/ewGg95m2LR pic.twitter.com/dswIlSd8z8
— Ambrosius Paulsson OP (@frere_ambrosius) January 24, 2023
One visitor, Amy Sawka, a homeschooling mother from Chantilly, Virginia, shared her reasons for attending. “I came to ask St. Thomas Aquinas for a little extra help to make the homeschool everything the children need,” she said. This personal connection to the saint’s scholarly and spiritual legacy resonates with many attendees who look to Aquinas for guidance in their faith and intellectual pursuits.
Critics may view the veneration of relics as antiquated or even unsettling, but for the faithful, it represents a tangible link to the divine. As Little put it, relics are not just historical artifacts but living symbols of the faith, reminding us of the possibility of joining saints like Aquinas in the heavenly choir.
With stops in several major cities, the tour of St. Thomas Aquinas’ relic offers a unique blend of history, devotion, and inspiration. Whether seeking spiritual intercession or simply reflecting on the life of the “Angelic Doctor,” those who attend are reminded of the enduring power of faith across the centuries.
