When addressing the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, Pope Leo XIV remarked, “You will be happy to know that the parish church in this town outside of Rome is named after St. Thomas of Villanova, known as Father of the Poor, a wonderfully gifted Augustinian friar and bishop who devoted his life in service to the poor.” Pope Leo XIV knows St. Thomas of Villanova quite well, as not only is he part of the same religious order, but also because he attended Villanova University (named after the saint) and has a relic of St. Thomas in his pectoral cross. While St. Thomas’ name is well known for these various connections, not everyone knows who he is, or why he has such a reputation for being an advocate of the poor. Born in the 15th century, St. Thomas grew up in a remarkable family where both of his parents were accustomed to giving Read More…

Why St. Thomas of Villanova was called the “Father of the Poor”