the active life, that is to say, the monastic posture of meditation upon the Word with that evangelization which defines the mission of the Church to the world, particularly through teaching and preaching. He joined this Order in April of 1244 at the age of 19 or 20. His family, and particularly his mother, Theodora, were greatly displeased with his choice since it had been hoped that Thomas would become the abbot of Monte Casino, a position that would secure the family’s future, again, an expectation