Augustinian Academy - Augustinian Yearbook (Staten Island, NY)

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THEME During recent years, the Order of Saint Augustine has celebrated many noteworthy events. 1954 saw the sixteenth centenary of the birth of Saint Augustine. This year marks the four hundredth anniversary of the death of Saint Thomas of Villanova, who, at the General Chapter of the Augustinian Order in 1953, was proclaimed patron of Augustinian studies . The graduating class of 1955 seizes this opportunity to pre- sent to you, in a limited way, some idea of the work of the zealous sons of Augustine who provide the students of Aug- ustinian Academy with a truly Christian education, seeking to develop the whole man. Unlike many other religious communities , the Augustin- ians do not confine their apostolic endeavor to any one par- ticular phase of work. Rather their choice of activities is guided by the opening words of the Rule of St. Augustine: Before all else, most dearly beloved, love God and then your fellow man, for these are the chief commandments given to us. Thus, the Augustinian may be found in any work which will promote the love of God through the love and ser- vice of mankind. Today's Augustinians are especially en- gaged in parish work, teaching, preaching, and missions. It has been repeatedly asserted that the clearest explan- ation of any point is an example. The life of Saint Thomas of Villanova provides an ideal exemplification of all Augus- tinian activities. A great scholar and a great saint, he was appointed court preacher to Emperor CharlesV of Spain. While provincial of the Spanish province of Castille , St. Thom- as sent forth the first Augustinian Missionaries to the new world. As Archbishop of Valencia, St. Thomas rooted out many evils and instilled great fervor and zeal in both clergy and laity. It was at Valencia that Thomas' love and gener- osity toward the poor won for him the title, Father of the Poor . St. Thomas had great devotion for Our Lady and wrote many learned Marian treatises. His abilities as both a scholar and a teacher make him an ideal patron for stu- dents. The Eastern Province of the Augustinians in the U- nited States is dedicated to Saint Thomas of Villanova 4

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DEDICATION I L k I N., f Q 4-5 exif ,Y Yr , Y I., .. N7-fq E1r,,4f3fg.f .l.+ ':f' 21' ---N ' L lmfixixi l an-'R it ST, THOMAS or VILLANOVA J A , ,J This year, 1955, is the fifth centenary of the birth of St, Thomas of Villanova, Patron of Augustinian studies and of the Eastern Province of the Augustinian Order in the United States. It is therefore most fitting that we should dedicate our Annual to this eminent bishop, scholar, and saint of the Order of St. Augustine. 3

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1 I 'QU i i I NLR 'YY j-q.-1-- - ,f .,-f . , , X Augustinians are noted for their abilities as preachers. The Augustinian Mission Band is composed of priests who devote their time to giving parish missions and conducting retreats. While still a teacher at the University of Sala- manaca, St. Thomas preached in the chief pul- pits of Spain. Emperor Charles V named him his court preacher. The faculty at Augustinian Academy daily preach to us the great truths of the Catholic Faith, not only by word, but even more effec- tively by their holy example. To them, we owe a great debt of gratitude. FAUULTY KL ll f 'f . . 1