Saint of the day, September 22
St. Thomas of Villanova lived simply and gave generously, seeing those who came to him in need with a heart shaped by Christian charity.
September 22 - St. Thomas of Villanova
Born: 1488
Died: September 8, 1555
Nationality: Spanish
Vocation: Augustinian friar and archbishop
Patronage: The poor
Canonization: 1658 by Pope Alexander VII
St. Thomas of Villanova had a particular love for the poor, choosing a simple life so that what he had could be shared with those in need.
Born in Spain in 1488, Thomas was a gifted scholar who eventually left academic life to join the Augustinians. He later became Archbishop of Valencia, where his care for the poor became one of the defining marks of his ministry.
Thomas welcomed hundreds of people seeking help and gave generously to those who came to his door. He even directed money intended to furnish his residence to a hospital, preferring that it be used to care for others.
When some questioned whether everyone who received his help truly deserved it, Thomas answered simply: “My duty is to assist and relieve those who come to my door.”
That generosity reflected something deeper than giving away what he owned. Thomas tried to meet others with mercy rather than judgment, including those struggling with sin. He looked first for the person who needed compassion and trusted God with the rest.
St. Thomas invites us to examine how readily we make room for others in our own hearts. Charity does not always require something extraordinary. Sometimes it begins by judging less, giving more freely, and choosing to see the person in front of us with the mercy we ourselves hope to receive from God.
St. Thomas of Villanova, pray for us!
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