Early Life & Education
The Beggar Bishop
Church Leadership
Mysticism & Preaching
Death & Legacy
Quotes
100
Though born in Fuenllana, he grew up in the Spanish town that gives him his name.
What is Villanova (Villanueva de los Infantes)?
100
Because of his relentless care for the impoverished, St. Thomas earned this popular, enduring nickname.
What is "the Almoner" (or "Father of the Poor")?
100
In 1544, Emperor Charles V nominated St. Thomas to head this prominent Spanish archdiocese, a role St. Thomas initially tried to decline out of humility.
What is the Archdiocese of Valencia?
100
St. Thomas was renowned for his powerful preaching, earning him comparisons to this famous 4th-century Doctor of the Church known as "Golden-Mouthed."
Who is Saint John Chrysostom?
100
Thomas died in 1555 at the age of 67, passing away while lying on the bare floor because he had given this final piece of furniture away to a debtor.
What is his bed?
100
Saint Thomas of Villanova used this phrase to describe the ultimate source of true charity, stating that it "is not a virtue of the lips, but of this" vital organ.
What is the heart?
200
Both of his parents were known for this specific Christian virtue, frequently feeding the poor and offering their home as a shelter.
What is charity (or almsgiving)?
200
Upon being appointed Archbishop, he famously refused to wear these luxury items, opting instead to mend his own old habits.
What are silk robes (or fine garments)?
200
As a leader, he fiercely opposed this corrupt practice, which involved the buying or selling of spiritual offices and privileges.
What is simony?
200
Witnesses frequently reported seeing St. Thomas experience this supernatural phenomenon during Mass or while praying intensely in public.
Clue: St. Joseph Cupertino
What is levitation (or religious ecstasy)?
200
In 1658, this Pope officially canonized St. Thomas, making him one of the most celebrated Spanish saints of the 17th century.
Who is Pope Alexander VII?
200
Reflecting on his vow of poverty and his duty to the needy, St. Thomas famously declared, "My goods are not mine; they belong to" this group of people.
Who are the poor?
300
At 16, St.Thomas enrolled at this famous Spanish university, where he later became a philosophy professor.
What is the University of Alcalá?
300
On his very first day as Archbishop, the cathedral chapter gifted him 4,000 crowns to furnish his residence, which he immediately donated to this institution.
What is a local hospital?
300
Due to his failing health, St. Thomas could not attend this historic 16th-century ecumenical council, but he sent special delegates to represent his reform ideas.
What is the Council of Trent?
300
St. Thomas wrote extensive, highly influential commentaries on this specific Old Testament book, focusing heavily on divine love.
What is the Song of Songs (Canticle of Canticles)?
300
In Catholic art, 
Saint Thomas of Villanova is almost universally depicted holding this specific monetary object while surrounded by the poor.
What is a purse (or coins/money bag)?
300
When criticized for being too generous to beggars who might take advantage of him, St. Thomas responded, "If there is any mistake, I would rather err on the side of this virtue than of severity."
What is charity?
400
St. Thomas surprisingly decided to leave his successful academic career to join this specific religious order in 1516.
What are the Augustinians (Order of Saint Augustine)?
400
He transformed his episcopal palace into a makeshift shelter, providing free meals to hundreds of these people every single day.
Who are beggars (or the poor)?
400
St. Thomas is credited with founding the first one of these priestly training institutions in Valencia, anticipating the mandates of the Council of Trent.
What is a seminary?
400
He held a profound, lifelong theological devotion to this biblical figure, frequently writing about her role as the Mediatrix of grace.
Who is the Virgin Mary?
400
Founded in 1842 by Augustinians, this prominent American university, located just outside Philadelphia, is named in his honor.
What is Villanova University?
400
In his sermons on spiritual hunger, St. Thomas warned that "dismissing the poor without aid is the same as dismissing" this divine figure "hungry from your door."
Who is Jesus Christ?
500
He was ordained as a priest this year, which coincidentally fell during the height of the Protestant Reformation in Europe.
What is 1518?
500
St. Thomas took a special interest in helping young women by providing these financial necessities so they could marry safely or enter religious life.
What are dowries?
500
He effectively utilized this traditional church practice, visiting every parish in his diocese to correct abuses and revitalize the faith of the laity.
What is a pastoral visitation?
500
His collection of these spoken works became a cornerstone of Spanish Counter-Reformation literature and spirituality.
What are sermons?
500
The Catholic Church celebrates Saint Thomas of Villanova's official feast day on this date in September.
What is September 22nd?
500
St. Thomas believed that true leadership required humility, writing that "the honor of a bishop is" this action, rather than being served by others.
What is to serve?