St.
Thomas of Villanova, (1488-1555), born Tomás García y Martínez in Fuenllana, Spain, became one of the most influential of all
Augustinian friars, preachers, and writers. As Prior Provincial for the Spanish territories of Castile and Andalusia, in 1533 he ordered the first seven
Augustinian missionaries to depart for Mexico (New Spain). Refusing the archbishopric of Granada from King Charles V, in 1544 he was named archbishop of Valencia. He remained a tireless defender, supporter, and "father of the poor". In 1658 he was canonized by Pope Alexander VII.
