The Thomistic Institute Aquinas the DJ: Tradition and Invention in the Corpus Christi Liturgy | Fr. Innocent Smith, O.P.
Jun 18, 2025
Fr. Innocent Smith, a Dominican priest with a passion for liturgy and sacred music, dives into Thomas Aquinas's groundbreaking contributions to liturgical music. He likens Aquinas to a DJ, blending tradition with innovation to enhance worship. The discussion reveals how Aquinas's hymns for the Feast of Corpus Christi connect deep theological insights with musical creativity. Fr. Innocent also explores the feast's origins and significant figures involved, providing a fascinating look at how older traditions can be reimagined into fresh expressions of faith.
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Aquinas as Innovative Musician
- Thomas Aquinas used music as a medium to communicate theology and deepen understanding through singing.
- He wasn't just an abstract thinker; Aquinas contributed innovatively to sacred music tradition.
Aquinas as a DJ Analogy
- Aquinas applied techniques similar to modern DJs like beat matching and sampling using medieval musical notation.
- He creatively reused earlier melodies and texts to craft new liturgical music rich in meaning.
Commissioned for Corpus Christi
- Aquinas was commissioned by Pope Urban IV to write new liturgy music for the Feast of Corpus Christi.
- This feast was inspired by Juliana of Cornelion's visions and aimed to enhance devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.