The view from the Bicentennial Tower provides a beautiful vantage point of Erie. A slight glimpse over Presque Isle’s tree line opens up to the lake's vastness. Many of the docked boats and the differing buildings of Erie can be seen as a panorama.
My favorite view from the Bicentennial Tower is looking southward down State Street (the main street of Erie). All the streets of Erie are directly or indirectly connected to State Street. Bayfront, 6th, 12th, 18th, 26th, and 38th are all directly aligned with State Street.
St. Thomas Aquinas provides a Bicentennial Tower view of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Aquinas’ contributions have significantly helped the Church speak about the Eucharist. With help from God, Aquinas was able to see out beyond—like how one can see out beyond the bay standing atop the Bicentennial Tower.
Aquinas’ writings are like State Street in Erie, which connects all the other streets.
Despite being from the 13th century, his Eucharistic writings have resonated with saints, theologians, and the Catholic faithful, directly or indirectly. Many of the major Eucharistic celebrations are directly connected to Aquinas, similar to how Erie’s 12th or 26th streets directly connect to State Street.
For example, the celebration of Corpus Christi and Benediction for Adoration utilize prayers or hymns by Aquinas, further cementing his influence.
Later in his life, Aquinas had a captivating experience with Jesus. One of Aquinas’ brother friars saw Aquinas praying before the crucifix with tears streaming down his face. Next, the brother friar heard Jesus speak from the crucifix, saying, “You have written well of me, Thomas (Aquinas). What reward will you receive from me for your labor?”
Aquinas responded, “Only You, Lord.”
Pope Francis has shared that “the saints are concrete proof that it is possible to put the Gospel into practice.”
Aquinas is concrete proof that, with God's help, we can also grow in Eucharistic belief, awe, and amazement.
+ Fr. Luke Daghir