Thomas of Villanova

Thomas of Villanova, born Tomás García y Martínez in 1488, was a prominent Spanish Augustinian friar, preacher, ascetic, and religious writer. He is widely revered for his profound commitment to the poor and his service as Archbishop of Valencia from 1545 until his death in 1555. His life exemplified deep personal austerity and tireless charitable efforts, earning him the moniker "father of the poor."

Life and Ministry

Born in Fuenllana, Spain, Thomas grew up in Villanueva de los Infantes, from which he took his name. Despite his family's wealth, he often gave away his clothing to the poor as a youth. He pursued higher education at the University of Alcalá de Henares, where he later became a professor. In 1516, he joined the Augustinian friars and was ordained a priest in 1518. Thomas gained renown for his eloquent sermons, with his "Sermon on the Love of God" being a notable example of 16th-century sacred oratory. Emperor Charles V recognized his preaching ability and appointed him a councilor of state and court preacher.

Within his order, Thomas held various leadership positions, including Prior Provincial for Andalusia and Castile. He was instrumental in sending the first Augustinian friars to Mexico in 1533. Despite being offered the archbishopric of Granada, he initially refused. He eventually accepted the nomination as Archbishop of Valencia in 1544, only after being ordered to do so by his superior. As archbishop, he prioritized understanding the needs of his archdiocese through extensive pastoral visits. He organized a college for Moorish converts and established an effective system for social assistance and charity. He also founded Presentation Seminary in 1550 and ordained notable missionaries like Luis Beltrán.

Thomas's personal austerity was remarkable; he sold his straw mattress to fund charity and wore his original novitiate habit, mending it himself. He believed in providing structural solutions to poverty, emphasizing giving work to the poor and liberating them from need. His writings reflect this philosophy, stating, "Charity is not just giving, rather removing the need of those who receive charity and liberating them from it when possible."

Veneration and Legacy

Thomas of Villanova died in Valencia on September 8, 1555. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII on November 1, 1658, and his feast day is celebrated on September 22. His remains are preserved in the Cathedral of Valencia. Thomas is the author of various tracts, including "Soliloquy between God and the soul." His complete writings were published as "Opera omnia." He is the namesake and patron saint of several educational institutions, including Villanova University in the United States, and is venerated in towns and churches, particularly in the Philippines.