St. Thomas Villanova (22 September): Never Give Up

About this sermon

Saint Thomas of Villanova transformed a neglected diocese, cared for hundreds of poor people daily, confronted corruption, preached repentance, and showed the Church what genuine Christian charity looks like. Born in Spain in 1488, Thomas learned generosity from his parents. His father gave his Friday meal to the poor as an act of fasting, while his mother was renowned for her charity. Their quiet example planted a seed that eventually bore fruit across an entire diocese. After becoming an Augustinian friar and priest, Thomas gained fame as a preacher who could “move even the stones.” He preached against sin while condemning the excesses, negligence, and vices of unfaithful bishops. When appointed Archbishop of Valencia, he inherited an archdiocese that had lacked a resident bishop for nearly a century. He personally visited every parish, reformed the clergy, rebuilt the hospital, founded colleges and an orphanage, organized catechism instruction, and made early Masses available to working people. He also helped hundreds of poor people daily—but his charity went beyond handouts. He supplied workers with tools so they could support themselves and their families. “Charity is not just giving, but rather removing the need from those who receive charity and liberating them from it when possible.” Despite his immense workload, Saint Thomas maintained a profound life of prayer, Scripture, poverty, and penance. His story reminds us that even when our efforts seem fruitless, our perseverance may inspire someone else to become a saint. Saint Thomas of Villanova, pray for us! 00:00 Ember Friday and St. Thomas of Villanova 00:22 An extraordinary but forgotten saint 00:29 His birth and holy parents 00:47 His father’s Friday fasting and charity 01:01 A mother’s example of kindness 01:17 Do hidden penances accomplish anything? 01:33 The unseen influence of a good example 01:47 Education and academic success 01:55 Becoming an Augustinian friar 02:03 Ordination and powerful preaching 02:11 “He can move even the stones” 02:25 Preaching repentance and confronting bishops 02:49 Religious leadership and missionary work 03:08 Accepting the episcopacy through obedience 03:16 Valencia’s absent bishops 03:55 Rebuilding a shattered archdiocese 04:04 Visiting every parish 04:11 Reforming clergy and public life 04:19 Hospitals, colleges, and an orphanage 04:26 Catechism and early Mass for workers 04:42 Helping 500 poor people daily 04:51 Seeking those too ashamed to beg 05:05 Giving workers tools and equipment 05:20 Charity that helps people prosper 05:28 True charity removes the need 05:59 A humorous warning about dependency 06:07 Criticism of his generosity 06:23 Charity in harsh and soft societies 06:46 Patience with sinners 07:10 Understanding addiction and difficult habits 07:32 Healing through patience and encouragement 07:49 His deep life of prayer 08:06 Visions, miracles, and conversions 08:23 Radical poverty of spirit 08:38 His death after offering Mass 08:47 Canonization and lasting legacy 08:54 The foundation laid by his parents 09:19 Your example may create another saint 09:51 The multiplying effect of holiness 10:22 The pebble that diverts an avalanche 10:30 Keep going—someone may be watching 10:53 Closing prayer #SaintThomasOfVillanova #CatholicSaints #ChristianCharity #CatholicSermon #Perseverance Please say 3 Hail Marys for the priest. 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Perseverance