St. Thomas Aquinas and the Young Aspirant

When in Paris, a young student presented himself, among others, to take the degree of licentiate in theology. The Chancellor of the University, according to custom, presided over the examination. St. Thomas and several Dominicans were present. The aspirant to honors boldly defended a thesis  directly opposed to St. Thomas’ teaching. The saint listened without showing any signs of impatience. But when the examination was over, as he was returning with his fellow Dominicans to their convent, one of them said: “Master, we have been insulted in your person, for the licentiate ought not speak against your opinions, and you ought not to be thus insulted in presence of all the Doctors of Paris.” St. Thomas answered:”My Children, I thought it best to spare the young master in his first public attempt, and not to cover him with confusion in front of all the Doctors. As for my teaching, I do not dread any opposition, for I have always, praised be God, built it upon the authority of the Saints, and sound reasons; if it appears well to my Brothers, I can make up tomorrow for what I have done today.” The next day, when all were assembled in the Bishop’s palace, the candidate again defended his thesis, the angelic Doctor with great calmness and sweetness pointed out his error. Happily the young man was not quite destitute of humility….he asked St. Thomas to instruct him what he ought to hold as truth regarding the matter. All who were present were much edified by his moderation and patience towards the young doctor. St. Thomas Aquinas, Ora Pro Nobis