Thomas of Villanova facts for kids
Quick facts for kids SaintThomas of Villanova OSA |
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Old master print of St. Thomas in Portraits of Illustrious Spaniards (Madrid, 1791)
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| Religious, bishop and confessor | |
| Born | Tomás García y Martínez 1488 in Villanueva de los Infantes, Ciudad Real, Spain |
| Died | September 8, 1555 in Valencia, Spain |
| Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church (Order of St. Augustine) |
| Beatified | October 7, 1618 by Pope Paul V |
| Canonized | November 1, 1658 by Pope Alexander VII |
| Feast | September 22 |
| Attributes | A bishop distributing alms to the poor |
| Patronage | Danao, Cebu Santolan, Pasig Alimodian and Miag-ao in Iloilo Dao, Capiz Villanova University |
Saint Thomas of Villanova (born Tomás García y Martínez in 1488) was a Spanish friar. A friar is a member of a religious order. He belonged to the Order of Saint Augustine. He was a famous preacher and writer. He later became an archbishop, known for helping the poor in his area. He died on September 8, 1555.
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Who Was Thomas of Villanova?
Tomás García y Martínez was born in Fuenllana, Spain, in 1488. His parents were very kind. They often shared food and supplies with people in need. Thomas grew up in Villanueva de los Infantes. This is why he is known as Thomas of Villanueva. Even though his family had money, he often gave his clothes to the poor. Sometimes, he would even go without clothes himself.
Thomas's Education and Early Life
When he was sixteen, Thomas went to the University of Alcalá de Henares. He studied Arts and Theology there. Later, he became a professor at the university. He taught subjects like arts, logic, and philosophy. In 1516, he decided to join the Augustinian friars. He became a priest in 1518.
Thomas's Powerful Preaching
Thomas became well-known for his amazing sermons. A sermon is a religious speech. He preached in the churches of Salamanca. His Sermon on the Love of God is a famous example. It is considered one of the best speeches from the 1500s.
Emperor Charles V once heard him speak. He said, "This man can move even the stones!" Charles V made Thomas one of his advisors. He also became a court preacher. This meant he preached for the Emperor.
Thomas often spoke out against unfairness. He criticized other bishops for their actions. He also spoke against the cruelty of bullfighting. He deeply respected the Virgin Mary. He compared her heart to a burning bush that never burns out.
Within his Augustinian Order, Thomas held important roles. He was a local leader, a general visitor, and a provincial leader. In 1533, he sent the first Augustinian friars to Mexico. Emperor Charles V offered him a high position. He wanted Thomas to be the Archbishop of Granada. But Thomas refused this offer.
Becoming an Archbishop
In 1544, Thomas was asked to be the Archbishop of Valencia. He kept saying no. Finally, his religious superior ordered him to accept the job. He was given money to decorate his new home. Instead, he sent the money to a hospital that needed repairs.
Helping the People of Valencia
Thomas started his work as archbishop by visiting every church. He wanted to understand what people needed. With help from his assistant, Juan Segriá, he brought order to the area. The archdiocese had not had a direct leader for a hundred years.
He set up a special school for people who had converted from the Moorish faith. He also created a plan for social help and charity. In 1547, he ordained Luis Beltrán as a priest. Luis Beltrán later became a famous missionary. Thomas also started the Presentation Seminary in 1550.
A Father to the Poor
Thomas was known for living a very simple life. He even sold his straw mattress to give money to the poor. He wore the same religious clothing he received when he first joined the order. He mended it himself. People called him "father of the poor."
He worked tirelessly to help others. He especially helped orphans, poor women, and the sick. But he also had smart ideas about charity. He wanted to solve the root causes of poverty. For example, he helped poor people find work. This made his charity more effective. He wrote, "Charity is not just giving. It is also removing the need of those who receive charity." He started boarding schools and high schools to help.
Thomas died in Valencia on September 8, 1555. He was 67 years old. His body is kept at the Cathedral in Valencia.
Honoring Saint Thomas
Thomas was made a saint by Pope Alexander VII. This happened on November 1, 1658. His special day, or feast day, is celebrated on September 22.
Thomas's Lasting Impact
Thomas wrote several important texts. One is called Soliloquy between God and the soul. It is about receiving communion. A writer named Francisco de Quevedo wrote a book about Thomas's life. All of Thomas's writings were published in six books in 1881.
Thomas is the namesake and patron saint of several schools. These include Villanova University in the United States. It is run by friars from his order. Other schools include Universidad Católica de Santo Tomás de Villanueva in Cuba. Also, St. Thomas University in Florida and Villanova College in Australia.
In the Philippines, many churches and towns honor Saint Thomas. They have big celebrations on his feast day. These celebrations often include nine days of special Masses. He is the patron saint of towns like Alimodian and Miag-ao in Iloilo. Also, Santolan and Sto. Tomas in Pasig, and Pitpitan in Bulakan, Bulacan.
A group of sisters, who are like nuns, is also named after him.
See also
In Spanish: Tomás de Villanueva para niños
