Sept 10th - St. Thomas of Thomas of Villanova By: Venassa Jijo

Saint Thomas was from Spain and received a superior education at the University of Alcala, becoming a popular professor of philosophy there. After joining the Augustinian friars at Salamanca, Thomas was ordained and resumed his teaching despite a continuing absentmindedness and poor memory. He was nominated by the emperor to the archbishopric of Granada, but refused. When the spot again became vacant he was pressured to accept. The money his cathedral chapter gave him to furnish his house was given to a hospital instead. He took in orphans and paid his servants for every deserted child they brought to him. He encouraged the wealthy to imitate his example and be richer in mercy and charity than they were in earthly possessions. As he lay dying, Thomas commanded that all the money he possessed be distributed to the poor. In his lifetime Thomas of Villanova was called “the almsgiver” and “the father of the poor.”

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Pray for us that we will see the needs of others less fortunate than ourselves as our daily responsibility. Let us aid and pray for those in need, amen.