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Also known as: Thomas the
Almsgiver; Father of the Poor; Model of Bishops; Tomas of Villanova
Son of Aloazo Tomas Garcia, a miller, and Lucia Martinez. He grew up in
Villanova, and was educated at the University of Alcala. Professor of
arts, logic and philosophy at the university from 1514. Joined the
Augustinian friars at Salamanca in 1516. Ordained in 1518, celebrating his
first Mass on Christmas Day. Suffered from absentmindedness and poor
memory. Preacher. Prior. Provincial of the friars. Sent the first
Augustinians to the New World. Nominated by the emperor to the
archbishopric of Granada; refused the first time, but agreed the second
time it was offered, after being ordered by the Pope, taking his position
on 1 January 1545.
His cathedral gave him money to furnish his house; he donated it to a
hospital, saying, "What does a poor friar like myself want with
furniture?" Every day he wore the same habit he had received as a
novitiate, mending it himself. The canons and domestics were ashamed of
him, but could not change him. 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. Criticized for being gentle with sinners, he said, "Let them
ask if Augustine or John Chrysostom used anathemas and excommunication to
stop drunkenness and blasphemy."
As he lay dying, Thomas commanded that all his money be distributed to the
poor. Mass was said in his presence, and after Communion he breathed his
last, reciting: "Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit." Left a
number of theological writings.
Born
1488 at Fuentellana, Castile, Spain
Died
8 September 1555 at Valencia, Spain of angina pectoris
Beatified
7 October 1618 by Pope Paul V
Canonized
1 November 1658 by Pope Alexander VII
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