Thomas of Villanova

About Thomas of Villanova

Thomas García Martínez was born about 1486 in Fuenllana, Spain, and grew up in Villanueva de los Infantes, according to the Augustinian Order. He entered the Augustinians at Salamanca, was ordained a priest in 1518, and taught theology before taking on leadership roles in the order.In 1544 Thomas became archbishop of Valencia, where the Order credits him with diocesan visitation, statutes, founding a seminary, and aid to vulnerable people. It says he retained a simple friar’s life and gave generously to the poor. The Order records his death in Valencia on September 8, 1555, beatification in 1618, and canonization in 1658. A Vatican message independently describes him as an Augustinian friar and bishop who devoted his life to the poor.