The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit in Thomas Aquinas' Summa theologiae: an Overview

In his Summa theologiae, Thomas Aquinas deals with the Holy Spirit and his activity in all three main parts, although not in the form of a systematic treatise. After addressing the procession of the Spirit from Father and Son, names and titles of the Spirit (esp. gift and love) as well as his mission into the world in the chapters on the Trinity, a special emphasis is put on the role of the Spirit in the directing of man towards his supernatural ultimate end through grace, divine virtues and gifts. Already in earthly life, the Spirit makes possible genuine personal communion with the Holy Trinity who indwells the souls of justified people. Among the effects of the Triune God in the world, which can be attributed in a special way to the Holy Spirit, is the forming of the human body of Christ in the womb of the Virgin, as well as his sanctifying and unifying work as << soul >> of the Church and the main causality in the gift of salvation through the sacraments.