, was born in about 1225 in the castle of Roccasecca, near Naples. Before his birth a holy hermit foretold Thomas’s career, saying to his mother: "He will enter the Order of Friars Preachers, and so great will be his learning and sanctity that in his day no one will be found to equal him." His father was the count of Aquino. Thomas received his early education from at the abbey of Monte Cassino, but Thomas was so big and quiet that during his school days his fellow students called him “ the dumb ox.” But before long, however, his true in ....