Linguistic knowledge ebbs and flows.
No doubt there are many causes to the present problems the Church faces, but I rather doubt that St. Thomas’ comparative lack of knowledge of Biblical languages is one of them. Augustine himself, while warmly recommending the study of the languages, had no Hebrew and was comparatively weak on Greek.
Why don’t you continue on to where Pius XII notes that any Catholic Scripture Scholar who neglects the study of these languages is guilty of “levity and sloth,” or quote Pius XI noting that every Catholic institute of higher education ought to make the Biblical Languages available (not required but available) to undergraduates?
If these guys didn't know the languages then they can't expertly comment on the texts and their meanings.
Why don’t you continue on to where Pius XII notes that any Catholic Scripture Scholar who neglects the study of these languages is guilty of “levity and sloth,” or quote Pius XI noting that every Catholic institute of higher education ought to make the Biblical Languages available (not required but available) to undergraduates?
I did see that and was encouraged by it. However, I don't see it happening in practice. More emphasis seems to be spent on Mariology and Latin than Greek and/or Hebrew.
I will admit in non-Catholic circles the emphasis on Greek and Hebrew is weak as well. At my church not many of the staff use the languages.
I really think we do a disservice in the study of the Word if we don't know the languages.