Today is the Feast of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, also known as the Dominicans.

Saint Dominic was a contemporary of Saint Francis of Assisi, and between the two, they revolutionized the practice of Christian discipleship within the Catholic Church In the thirteenth century. I could wax on about Saint Dominic and how his mother was given a vision about how her son would become the “Hound of Heaven,” but I want to share about a book that I recently have been reading that focuses upon the teachings of another famous Dominican—Saint Thomas Aquinas. 

I’ve read quite a bit of Catholic theology over the years, and like many people, I’ve long admired the brilliance of Saint Thomas Aquinas. I can’t tell you how many times I have attempted to read Thomas Aquinas’ masterpiece, the Summa Theologica, the whole way through, but each time, I would find myself overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance and would stop. And that’s why I found The Mystery of Christ Our Savior to be such a refreshing and rewarding read.

What author, Father Mauro Gagliardi accomplishes is no small feat. He takes the rich and superb Christology of Saint Thomas Aquinas and presents it in language that any lay Catholic in the pews today can actually understand, but without sacrificing the depth and beauty of Aquinas’s writing. In fact, at no point in the book did I feel like I was reading a watered-down version of Thomistic theology. Rather, I felt like I had an expert guide accompanying me who was helping me appreciate the wisdom of one of the Church’s greatest theologians.

One thing I appreciated was how the book clarified that Christ’s entire life is part of our redemption. In fact, instead of focusing only on the Passion and Resurrection, Father Gagliardi shows how every moment of Jesus’ life—from the Incarnation through His public ministry, suffering, Resurrection, and Ascension—reveals God’s saving love. This broader perspective helped deepen my understanding and appreciation of the mystery of Christ.

Additionally, I found myself reflecting upon the beautiful accessibility of this book as a whole. Father Gagliardi has ensured that everyone can enjoy the treasures of Saint Thomas Aquinas by compiling a book that anyone can use to discover the remarkable depth of the Church’s theological tradition.

By the time I finished the book, I wasn’t simply grateful for having learned more from Saint Thomas Aquinas, I also had developed a deeper appreciation for Christ Himself. To me, that’s the mark of excellent theology, which is the practice of faith seeking understanding. The best theology doesn’t stop with information; it leads us to greater faith and a deeper love of the Lord.

This is why I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in growing in their understanding of Christ. So, regardless of whether you’re a lifelong student of theology or someone who’s simply wonders what makes St. Thomas Aquinas such an enduring voice in the Church, make sure to go check out this book. I assure you that Father Gagliardi has made the Thomistic theological tradition approachable, engaging, and spiritually fruitful. That’s a remarkable accomplishment, and one for which I’m genuinely grateful, and if you read The Mystery of Christ Our Savior, I know you will be, too.

Happy Feast of Saint Dominic!