St. Thomas of Villanova,
also known as Thomas the Almsgiver; Father of the Poor; Model of Bishops.
Son of Aloazo Tomas Garcia, a miller, and Lucia Martinez he was born in1488,
grew up in Villanova, Spain. Educated at the University of Alcala, he became
there professor of arts, logic and philosophy (from 1514). In 1516 he joined
the Augustinian friars at Salamanca. From January 1545 he was nominated
the archbishop of Granada.
He led very modest way of life. The legends say that every day
he wore the same habit he had received as a novitiate, mending it himself.
Several hundred poor came to Thomas' door each morning, and were given
meals, wine and money. Criticized for being exploited, he replied, "If
there are people who refuse to work, that is for the authorities to deal
with. My duty is to assist and relieve those who come to my door." He took
in orphans, and paid his servants for every deserted child they brought
to him. He encouraged the wealthy to imitate his example. As he lay dying,
Thomas commanded that all his money be distributed to the poor. He died
September 8, 1555, and was canonized November 1, 1658 by Pope Alexander
VII. St. Thomas of Villanova left a number of theological writings.
See: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo St.
Thomas Villanueva Giving Alms.
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