Saint Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of students. At a young age, his family encouraged him to join the monastery. He later joined the Dominican order when he grew older. He studied so well and was a very smart student. As time went on, he went ahead to teach theology. Thomas Aquinas wrote this prayer for students who seek God’s grace for academic excellence:
“Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, true source of light and fountain of wisdom! Pour forth your brilliance upon my dense intellect, dissipate the darkness which covers me, that of sin and of ignorance.
Grant me a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself.
Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion. This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever. Amen.”