St. Thomas of Villanova

Patron Saint of Villanova

St. Thomas of Villanova was a Spanish Friar who was known as the "father of the poor" for his great charity to the poor. As a boy, Thomas would frequently donate his clothes to the poor, as well as other smaller acts of charity. He belonged to the Order of Saint Augustine and was elevated to the Archbishop of Valencia. He desired to continue his work with the poor, but followed his superiors wishes to become the Archbishop. He was able to continue his charitable work while Archbishop. He would wear the same habit that he received in the novitiate and sold his own mattress to donate the money to the poor. "If you want God to hear your prayers, hear the voice of the poor."- St. Thomas Villanova