The main purpose for you having come together is to live harmoniously in your house, intent upon God in oneness of mind and heart.
– Rule of St Augustine (1.2)
After arriving in Philadelphia in 1796, establishing their first foundation at St. Augustine’s church and considering their future in the United States, the Augustinians clearly saw a need to establish a location to house friars and to welcome future members who answered a call to religious life and Holy Orders.
In 1841, the Rudolph estate twelve miles west of Philadelphia was purchased with a view to create a center for Augustinian life in the United States. This second foundation, housed in the former Rudolph mansion, was key to the future of the Augustinians. The foundation was put under the patronage of St. Thomas of Villanova.
In 1899, ground was broken for construction of a new monastery building, which was finished and occupied in 1901. In 1932, a fire destroyed the monastery and following the fire the monastery was rebuilt. It had remained continuously occupied, but without major renovation since its initial construction. So in 2003, after more than 70 years, St. Thomas of Villanova Monastery was renovated.
The Monastery continues to serves as a center of Augustinian life, housing the Augustinian Archives and the Heritage Room as well as serving as the residence for over 60 friars. It is due to the renovation that retired and infirm friars enjoy the benefits of living in the updated facility, which provides an environment for continuing the community living to which the rule of St. Augustine calls his followers.