Story Summary
Experience the miraculous story of Saint Thomas Aquinas and the Crucifix, where Christ speaks from the cross to reward the humble saint for his vast wisdom.
In the winter of 1273, the great theologian Thomas Aquinas was nearing the end of his monumental work, the Summa Theologica. While praying in the Chapel of Saint Nicholas in Naples, he was observed by a fellow friar, Dominic of Caserta. As Thomas knelt before a wooden crucifix, a voice suddenly echoed through the silent stone walls. The figure of Christ upon the cross spoke clearly: 'You have written well of me, Thomas. What reward will you have from me for all your labor?' Without a moment's hesitation, the humble doctor of the church looked up and replied, 'Nil nisi te, Domine'—Nothing but you, Lord. Following this encounter, Thomas was seized by a profound mystical experience. He laid down his pen and never wrote again, telling his secretary that compared to what he had seen, all his vast writings were but straw.
The Moral
The ultimate pursuit of knowledge should lead to a love for the Creator, for no earthly reward compares to the presence of the Divine.
“Nil nisi te, Domine—Nothing but you, Lord.”
Fun Fact
Despite being one of the most prolific writers in history, Thomas Aquinas left his greatest work, the Summa Theologica, unfinished because of this mystical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the crucifix say to Saint Thomas Aquinas?
The crucifix miraculously spoke the words, 'You have written well of me, Thomas,' and asked what reward he would like for his work.
What was Thomas Aquinas's famous response to Christ?
Thomas replied, 'Nil nisi te, Domine,' which is Latin for 'Nothing but you, Lord,' indicating he desired no earthly glory.
Why did Thomas Aquinas stop writing the Summa Theologica?
After this mystical encounter and a subsequent vision during Mass, he felt that his words were like 'straw' compared to the divine truth he had glimpsed.
Where did the miracle of the speaking crucifix take place?
The event occurred in the Chapel of Saint Nicholas within the Dominican convent of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples.
Who witnessed Thomas Aquinas speaking to the crucifix?
Friar Dominic of Caserta, the sacristan, reportedly witnessed Thomas levitating in prayer and heard the voice from the crucifix.
Is the crucifix from the story still in existence?
Yes, the miraculous crucifix is still preserved and can be seen by pilgrims in the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples.
