Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican theologian hailed as the father of the Thomistic school of theology. A Catholic priest, he was also a prominent philosopher and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism. Originally named Tommaso d'Aquino, he is regarded as one of the most influential Western medieval theologians and philosophers and was instrumental in the development of concepts that influenced modern philosophy. He was greatly inspired by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle and sought to integrate Aristotelian philosophy with the principles of Christianity. Considered an authority in the Roman Catholic Church, he was renowned for combining the theological principles of faith with the philosophical principles of reason. Born as the youngest child in a large family of lower nobility in Italy, legend has it that when his mother was pregnant with him, a holy hermit foretold that her son would achieve great learning and sanctity. He decided to join the Dominican Order and embark on a religious career despite vehement opposition from his family. He dedicated much of his life to traveling, writing, teaching, public speaking, and preaching. A prolific writer, he produced numerous commentaries on the Bible and discussions of Aristotle's writings on natural philosophy.