St. Thomas of Villanova

St. Thomas of Villanova Biography

St. Thomas of Villanova was a Spanish Augustinian friar, bishop, and theologian of the 16th century. He is known for his strong devotion to the poor and his efforts to improve their welfare. He is honored as the patron saint of the poor and is also known for his teaching and writings on the spiritual life.

Thomas was born in 1486 in the small village of Fuentellana, in the region of La Mancha, Spain. He was the second of seven children in a devout Catholic family. After completing his primary education, he joined the Augustinian Order, and studied at the University of Alcala, where he earned a doctorate in theology.

After completing his education, Thomas began a distinguished career as a teacher and a theologian. He taught at the Augustinian college in Alcala, and later at the University of Salamanca. He wrote several books, most notably on the spiritual life, and was known for his sermons which was focused on the love of God and of neighbor.

Thomas was also deeply committed to serving the poor. He was appointed as the Prior General of the Augustinian Order in 1518, and during this time, he established a number of hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions to care for the poor and the sick. He also worked to provide education and vocational training to the poor, and encouraged his fellow Augustinians to do the same.

In 1544, Thomas was appointed as the bishop of Valencia and there he continued his work among the poor, establishing hospitals, orphanages, and other charitable institutions. He also worked to improve the spiritual life of his diocese, through his teaching and preaching, and through his efforts to promote greater devotion to the sacraments and to the Virgin Mary.

Thomas was known for his humility and his deep spirituality, he was also considered as a model of humility, and his writings reflected this, as he focused on the way in which one can grow in humility and in love for God.

In 1555, Thomas resigned from his position as bishop, and he returned to his Augustinian community, where he continued to devote himself to a life of prayer and contemplation. He died in 1555, and was buried in the Augustinian church in Valencia.

Thomas was beatified by Pope Clement XI in 1712, and was canonized by Pope Pius IX in 1887. He is honored as a saint by the Catholic Church, his feast day is celebrated on September 22nd, and he continues to be widely venerated as a model of humility, charity, and spiritual devotion.

The Life of St. Thomas of Villanova

Saint Thomas was born at Castile, Spain, in 1488, of pious, charitable parents. At the age of sixteen he entered the University of Alcala, where, after receiving the master of arts and licentiate in theology, he filled the chair of arts, logic and philosophy. In 1516, Thomas joined the Augustinians, and two years later was ordained to the priesthood. He held many offices of trust in his Order.

He was an eloquent and zealous orator, and preached in the chief pulpits in Spain. St. Thomas of Villanova was called to the See of Valencia in 1544. Ten years later he received his nomination to the Arch bishopric of Valencia. During his eleven years of episcopate rule he performed many noteworthy deeds. Among them were the founding of two colleges, one for young ecclesiplastics, and the other for poor students; the rebuilding of the general hospital at Valencia, which had been destroyed by fire; the abolishment of underground prisons, and the distribution of all his earthly goods in order to help the poor.

St. Thomas wrote many valuable sermons on Ascetical and Mystical Theology. He died in 1555, and was canonized by Pope Alexander VII on November 1, 1658. St. Thomas’ title “of Villanova” was given because he was educated in that city.

Popular St. Thomas of Villanova Medal and St. Thomas of Villanova Rosary

Prayers to St. Thomas of Villanova

Prayer of Saint Thomas of Villanova

I will love you, Lord, in every way and without setting limits to my love. You set no limits to what you have done for me; you have not measured out your gifts.
I will not measure out my love. I will love you, Lord, with all my strength, with all my powers, as much as I am able.
In you, Lord, have I hoped.

That is a good prayer. We could also listen to Jesus telling each one of us: I love you in every way without setting limits to my love. Jesus loves us with an infinite, unconditional love and let us thank for this love today. His Heart is open for us; he waits for us.

Prayer to St. Thomas of Villanova

Dear St. Thomas of Villanova, you were known for your deep love for God, your unwavering faith, and your compassion for all those in need. I turn to you today, asking for your intercession and guidance as I seek to live my life in a manner that brings glory to the Lord.

May I always be guided by His light, and may I have the courage and compassion to serve others as you did. Help me to deepen my own faith, to love God with all my heart, and to live my life in a way that reflects His love and grace. Amen.

A prayer for the Intercession of St. Thomas of Villanova

Dear St. Thomas of Villanova, I turn to you today in need of your intercession. You were known for your deep love for God and your compassion for all those in need, and I ask that you intercede for me and for all those in need of your help.

Please pray for those who are struggling in their faith, that they may find comfort and hope in their trials. Pray for those who are seeking a deeper relationship with God, that they may find what they are looking for. And pray for all of us, that we may grow in our faith and deepen our own relationships with the Lord. Amen.

A prayer for the Protection of St. Thomas of Villanova

Dear St. Thomas of Villanova, I pray for your protection today, that I may be guarded by your example and your deep devotion to God. Protect me from harm, both physical and spiritual, and keep me safe from all danger.

And may I always be guided by the light of the Lord, and live my life in a manner that brings glory to His name. Amen.

Prayer to St. Thomas of Villanova

O glorious St. Thomas of Villanova, who, filled with compassion for those who suffer, didst devote thy life to the service of the poor and the sick: obtain for us, we beseech thee, an increase of charity, so that, following thy example, we may assist all those in need and thereby attain to everlasting life. Amen.

St. Thomas of Villanova, Patron of the Homeless

Dear St. Thomas, you gave away all your possessions to the poor and dedicated your life to serving those in need. Help us to follow your example by reaching out to those who are homeless and in need of assistance. Grant us the courage to give selflessly and the wisdom to understand their needs. May we always show your compassion and love to those in need, just as you did in your own life. Amen.

St. Thomas of Villanova, Intercessor for the Sick

St. Thomas, your kindness and care for the sick was unwavering. In your time, you provided comfort and healing to countless people. We pray that through your intercession, the sick may receive the gift of good health and comfort. May they feel your presence and love in their time of need, and may they find the strength to endure their suffering. Amen.

St. Thomas of Villanova, Protector of the Poor

St. Thomas, you spent your life serving the poor and were a true friend to those in need. We ask for your guidance and protection for all those who suffer poverty and hardship. May they find comfort in your love, and may their spirits be lifted as they see your example of generosity and kindness. Help us to always be mindful of their needs and to offer a helping hand in their time of need. Amen.

St. Thomas of Villanova: Patron Saint of the Poor and Educators

St. Thomas of Villanova was a 16th-century Spanish Augustinian friar who is known as the patron saint of the poor and educators.

Patron Saint of the Poor: St. Thomas of Villanova was known for his strong commitment to helping the poor and for his acts of charity. He would often give away all of his possessions to those in need and was known for his kindness and generosity. Because of his devotion to serving the poor, he is considered the patron saint of the poor and is invoked for help and guidance by those in need.

Patron Saint of Educators: St. Thomas of Villanova was a skilled educator and held the position of rector at the University of Valencia. He was known for his ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner, making him a popular teacher. Because of his contributions to education, he is considered the patron saint of educators and is invoked for guidance and inspiration by those in the teaching profession.

In summary, St. Thomas of Villanova is the patron saint of the poor and educators due to his strong commitment to helping the poor and his contributions to education as a skilled educator and rector at the University of Valencia.   

Reflection on the feast day of St. Thomas of Villanova

The feast day of St. Thomas of Villanova is on September 22nd.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Thomas of Villanova, we are called to reflect on the life and legacy of this remarkable man, who is remembered for his deep faith, compassion, and dedication to helping the poor and marginalized. Born in the 15th century, St. Thomas was an Augustinian friar and bishop, known for his charity and generosity towards the less fortunate.

One of the most striking aspects of St. Thomas’s life was his deep commitment to serving the poor. He was known for his compassion and generosity towards those in need, often selling his own possessions to help those less fortunate. He believed that serving the poor was a vital part of living a Christian life, and his example continues to inspire us today.

St. Thomas was also a great preacher, who used his sermons to spread the message of God’s love and compassion for all people. He encouraged his congregation to live a life of simplicity, humility, and service to others, as a way to deepen their relationship with God.

As we celebrate the feast day of St. Thomas of Villanova, let us remember the power of compassion, generosity, and service in our own lives. let us strive to follow his example, dedicating ourselves to helping the poor and marginalized, just as he did. May his legacy and intercession help us to become more loving and compassionate in our own lives, just as he was.

In conclusion, St. Thomas of Villanova’s feast day is a reminder of the importance of compassion, generosity and service towards the poor and marginalized in our lives. He was known for his deep faith, charity and love for the less fortunate. May his example inspire us to live a life of simplicity, humility and service to others, as a way to deepen our relationship with God. May his intercession guide us in our journey towards holiness.

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You may also be interested in reading the Biography of St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Thomas of Villanova, like St. Thomas Aquinas, was a prominent theologian and scholar in the Catholic Church. Next up: Biography of St. Thomas the Apostle

 

Also check out our handmade St. Thomas of Villanova Medal and St. Thomas of Villanova Rosary and St. Thomas of Villanova Rosary Bracelet .