Ministries

Augustinian Ministries

The Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova is a branch of the worldwide Order of St. Augustine, which dates back to 1244. Inspired by the life and spirituality of St. Augustine, the Province was established in the United States in 1796. It now consists of 116 friars living in 21 Augustinian communities on the east coast of the United States and Japan.

At the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, we serve the Church and its people by working in collaboration with men and women around the world to build Christian communities to support and care for those in great need. Additionally, we have established Augustinian missions in Japan and Peru and created Augustinian colleges that teach students the lessons of St. Augustine.

Friar and a group of students looking at a laptop in a classroom

Education

The Augustinian Province of St.Thomas of Villanova sponsors and ministers at Villanova University in Pennsylvania, Merrimack College in Massachusetts, Malvern Preparatory School in Pennsylvania, and St. Augustine Preparatory School in New Jersey. Villanova is the oldest Catholic university in the nation. These institutions, with their missions to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives, promote St. Augustine’s view of education as a journey, engaging in communal life, and embarking on a continuous search for truth.

Members of ADROP smiling at each other

Justice and Peace

The Augustinians of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova manage ministries focused on justice, peace, and serving the marginalized in our society. Our Office of Justice and Peace establishes and oversees ministries that bridge the gaps between people, communities, social service organizations, healthcare providers, politicians, and others to build community. We seek to defend human rights, promote education, literacy, and economic and social development, and foster a Cucre of Peace in accordance with traditional Catholic social teachings.

The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia

The National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia

The Shrine is a spiritual, educational, social, and cultural center in South Philadelphia. It addresses the ever-changing needs of the neighborhood and the city. Six Augustinian Friars serve the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia and provide sacramental ministry to the faithful. They celebrate Mass, offer Reconciliation, provide tours, bless articles purchased in the gift shop, and welcome the Shrine community and visitors.

Friars on a foreign mission smiling at a piece of artwork held between them

Foreign Missions

The Province of St. Thomas of Villanova is engaged in missionary activity in Japan and Peru. Friars originally arrived in Japan in 1602. Today, Augustinians minister in four Japanese cities: Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Tokyo. In 1968, friars from the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova founded a parish in Chulucanas, Peru, named San Jose Obrero. Over the years a number of friar of the Province have served the mission in Chulucanas. 

Get Started with Our Augustinian Ministries

Please contact us today to learn more about volunteering, donating, and other ways you can support our Augustinian ministries. 

Friar walking with three college students through a college campus

The Legacy of

St. Augustine in the Catholic Church

Augustine was a thoughtful, empathetic, and loving servant of God. He valued community, welcomed others, and treated them the way they deserved to be treated. Augustine also laid the foundation for the Order of St. Augustine. The Order continues to explore ways to care for those in great need both in our Province work throughout Massachusetts, New Jersey, and surrounding states and in our greater missions throughout the world.

We invite you to continue to learn about St. Augustine, his life, and his teachings.

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