TODAY'S SAINT (Thomas of Villanova)

THOMAS OF VILLANOVA

Bishop

St. Thomas was born in the Kingdom of Castile, Spain, in 1488, but he was called "of Villanova" after the town where he was educated. From his pious parents he learned that charity for the poor which distinguished his later life and which he practiced from his earliest childhood. After years of innocence and virtue, at the age of fifteen he was sent to the University of Alcala, which had reccently been founded by cardinal Ximenez. The Cardinal gave him a place in the College of St. Ildefonso. After eleven years of edifying conduct, having obtained the degree of master of arts, he became professor of philosophy.

From Alcala he removed to Salamanca, where he taught moral philosophy two years. In 1518, he took the habit of the Augustinian Order in that city, about the same time that Luther was leaving it in Germanny. After his novitiate he was ordained a priest in 1520 and began to devote himself to the work of the ministry. His zeal was such that he was soon known as "the Apostle of Spain." At the same time, he taught theology in the Augustinian College at Salamanca, allowing himself no relaxation in his rule. After filling several honorable positions in his Order, he was prevailed upon to become Archbishop of Valencia in 1544.

In the episcopacy he lived as a poor man, giving an example worthy of the first ages, and enjoying the confidence of his brother Bishops. His health prevented him from assisting at the Council of Trent, at which he was represented by the Bishop of Huesca. Finally his life of self-denial drew to a close and he expired in 1555.

PRAYER

God, You made St. Thomas an outstanding exemplar

of Divine love and the Faith that conquers the world,

and added him to the role of saintly pasttors. Grant by

his intercesion that we may persevere in Faith and love

and become sharers of his glory. Amen.

www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/byname.asp

www.catholic.org/saints/stindex.php

www.catholic-pages.com/dir/saints.asp

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