September 8: Saint Thomas of Villanova, Augustinian and Archbishop of Valencia
Consumed by love for the poor and the needy
Consecrated in the Order of Saint Augustine, he accepted the dignity of the episcopate out of obedience. He was a zealous shepherd who showed great love for the poor, giving everything to those in need, keeping nothing for himself—not even a small bed. This is Saint Thomas of Villanova, born Tomás García Martínez.
Born around the end of 1486 in Fuenllana, Ciudad Real (Spain) to devout and charitable parents, from whom he inherited a profound love for the poor, Thomas grew up in Villanueva de los Infantes, the town from which he took his name. At the age of 15 he began his studies at the University of Alcalá, where in 1509 he earned the title of Master in Logic, Physics, and Metaphysics, and taught there for several years. He also studied theology, though he interrupted these studies to dedicate himself to teaching.
In 1516 he entered the Augustinian Order and was ordained a priest in 1518. He held various important offices as prior and provincial in different locations. After refusing the archbishopric of Granada, in 1542 he accepted, out of obedience, the position of Archbishop of Valencia.
He was a great preacher, highly esteemed by Emperor Charles V and his consort.
In 1544 the Order of Saint Augustine was authorized by the crown to establish the convent of San Felipe el Real in Madrid on the condition that Thomas of Villanova reside there or come to preach there every Lent.
In Valencia he founded a diocese that was spiritually weak and troubled by social tensions. He devoted himself to renewing the faith of the community, founded colleges for the poor and seminaries to form a worthy clergy. He personally visited parishes and convened a synod to guide local ecclesiastical reform.
He was especially distinguished for his charity toward the poor, his care for the sick, and his support for the oppressed, including prisoners. His dedication and learning made him one of the most esteemed bishops of his time, embodying the ideal of the shepherd.
He wrote important works, including the famous Sermón del amor de Dios. His austere life and doctrine anticipated the Tridentine Reform in Spain. He died in 1555 in Valencia. His remains are preserved in the Cathedral of Valencia.
Thomas was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1618 and canonized by Pope Alexander VII Chigi in 1658. From 1658 onward, Alexander VII had the Pontifical Parish of Castel Gandolfo built, dedicating it to Saint Thomas of Villanova. The project was entrusted to the most prestigious artist and architect of his time, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.