Hello and welcome to our new updated website on The Feast of Saint Thomas Aquinas. This is where we will post any news or details of new products. St. Thomas Aquinas, born in 1225 in Roccasecca, Italy, is one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in the history of the Catholic Church. He is often referred to as the "Angelic Doctor" due to his remarkable intellect and deep spirituality. St. Thomas was born into a noble family and was the youngest of nine children. He studied at the University of Naples, where he began his formal education in the liberal arts. At the age of 19, he became a Dominican friar against the wishes of his family. This decision marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to the Dominican Order. St. Thomas is best known for his monumental work, the "Summa Theologica", a comprehensive systematic theology that addresses a wide range of theological and philosophical questions. He emphasized the compatibility of faith and reason, arguing that they complement each other in the pursuit of truth. St. Thomas made significant contributions to the development of the concept of natural law, asserting that moral principles can be discerned through reason and are rooted in God's divine order. He integrated the works of Aristotle into Christian theology, reconciling faith with the philosophy of Aristotle. Despite his intellectual prowess, St. Thomas was known for his humility and simplicity of life. He had a deep devotion to the Eucharist and composed many hymns and prayers in its honour. St. Thomas Aquinas was canonized as a saint by Pope John XXII in 1323, recognising his holiness and contributions to the Church. His teachings have had a profound and enduring impact on Catholic theology, philosophy and education. He is the patron saint of students, scholars and universities. His life and writings continue to inspire theologians, philosophers and seekers of truth to this day, making him a revered figure in the Catholic Church and beyond. Thank you for visiting our new website, we hope you visit us again soon. Yours in Christ, John Paul & Stephen VRI GLASGOW
Feast of St. John Ogilvie - 10/03/2026
Hello everyone, we hope you are having a meaningful Lenten season. This is just a very quick update as we have had lots of enquiries about our Deus Vult hats. We've had a busy few weeks and a few setbacks, (almost as if someone doesn't want people wearing these clothes), but after a small change to the design, the hats will be back in the shop next week. More importantly, Stephen welcomed a new addition to his family with the birth of his son last month so it has been a truly joyous time at V.R.I. Glasgow.
John Ogilvie, SJ (1580 – 10 March 1615) was a Scottish Jesuit priest. For his service to persecuted Catholics in 17th-century Scotland and his murder due to his faith, he was canonized in 1976. As of 2026, he is the only post-Reformation Scottish saint and Scotland's only Catholic martyr.
Ogilvie was brought up a Calvinist and sent to continental Europe to further his education. His interest piqued by the popular debates going on between Catholic and Calvinist scholars, he took up studies with the Benedictines and then with the Jesuits. He became a Jesuit and was sent to Scotland, where he worked among the few Catholics in the area of Glasgow. Arrested after less than a year, he was hanged a short walk from our studio in Glasgow.
St. John Ogilvie's last words were: "If there be here any hidden Catholics, let them pray for me but the prayers of heretics I will not have." After he was pushed from the stairs, he threw his concealed rosary out into the crowd and according to legend, one of his enemies caught it and subsequently became a devout, lifelong Catholic.
Wishing you all a Holy and solemn Lented season from V.R.I. Glasgow
