La sabiduría del amor en Santo Tomás de Villanueva

The present article delves into St. Thomas of Villanova's understanding of wisdom and its relationship with love, on the one hand, and how he translates such understanding into concrete actions, on the other. This is quite evident particularly in his pastoral work inspired by both wisdom and love in its two-fold dimension. The article is expository in nature, although the possible influence of Saint Augustine is highlighted for a better understanding of Saint Thomas' thought. His homilies constitute the exclusive source of the study, which moves around certain key ideas (like wisdom, knowledge, and love). The intent is to demonstrate that Saint Thomas' philosophical speculations are not purely theoretical in nature. They are rather applied to concrete actions -thus constituting an example of a "philosophy in action". What motivates St. Thomas of Villanova on a deeper level is explained. His acts of generosity were but concrete expressions of his love for God and neighbor and of the wisdom that he succeeded in possessing under the guidance of faith. Faith and reason are presented to be complimentary, philosophy and theology work together, and both can guide man in his search and possessions of wisdom.