Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

Page 22 text:

Our Augustinian St. Thomas of Villanova I I i ! When the Augustinians purchased ground for a college in 1841, their first concern was to place it under suitable patronage. The first Province in America had been dedicated to St. Thomas of Villanova, and it was decided that the college should share in this privilege. So it was that the first Augustinian college in America was named Villa- nova College. The decision to place our University under the guidance of Thomas was a wise and propitious one. He was born in 1488 at Fuentellana, a village near Villanueva in Spain. His education at Villaneuva gave him the name Villanova, as was the custom. Thomas entered the Augustinian Order at Sala- manca and took his vows in 1517; he was ordained in 1518. By 1 527, Thomas was Prior Provincial of the Augustinians in Castile. One of his first official acts had been to dispatch the first missionary band of Augustinians to America. In 1544, he was appoint- ed to the bishopric of Valencia, and soon estab- lished two colleges, one for his ecclesiastics and one for poor students. He died in 1 5 5 5, shortly after celebrating the Mass. Villanova’s dedication to St. Thomas has been rewarded both spiritually and scholastically, as it has progressed. St. Thomas has been a guide and a model for the men of Villanova, as they progress through their college years.

Page 21 text:

The first official seal of Villanova College was authorized by the board of Trustees in 1848; it was rectangular, and can be described as a device consisting of a Bible, Cross, Crozier, Cincture, and a pierced heart. There was no inscription on this original seal. The seal of 1848 was in use until the end of 1876. By January of 1877, a new crest had been approved to replace the old one. This new seal was circular in form, showing the figure of St. Thomas of Villanova, attired in cope and mitre, holding a crozier and a pouch, symbolic of his office as the Administrator of the Charities of the King of Spain. The Trustees authorized the creation of a third sea! in July of 1911. The original design of the 1848 seal was restored in this new copy. The difference lay in the addi- tion of an inscription Collegium S. Thomas de Villa- nova.” Below the main portion of the seal were the words Veritas, Unitas, Caritas.” However, in April, 1912, this third emblem was changed slightly; the shape re- mained the same, as did the inscription, but the entire emblem was reduced in size. The 1912 seal was to remain the College’s official coat of arms until the Centennial celebration in 1943. At this time, Father Vrana undertook the work of designing a new crest. When finished, the new crest consisted of two main elements; a shield set on a white field, picturing a blue cross and an open Bible imprinted Tolle Lege, Tolle Lege;” and the embellishment — containing the motto, the laurels, and the identifying circular inscription. Villanova became a University in 1953, and conse- quently, a fifth seal was designed—circular in shape, pre- senting again the Bible, Cross, Crozier, and pierced heart. Shown under the crest are the school motto and the found- ing date, 1842. Encompassing the seal is the Latin script Universitas Villanovana in Statu Pennsylvaniac.”

Page 23 text:

Heritage ♦ ♦ ♦ St Augustine of Hippo The spirit of the Augustinian Order is the spirit which permeates the existence of Villanova and the life of its students. Villanova’s scholastic growth has been rapid and radical, to meet chang- ing world demands; yet the basics of an Augustin- ian education, the teachings and philosophy of St. Augustine, have remained unchanged. Under the more correct title of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine,” the Augustinians, one of the oldest established orders in the Church, were founded in A.D. 388 at Tagaste, North Africa. The founder was St. Augustine of Hippo. Born in North Africa in 3 54, Augustine received the rudiments of a Christian education. For a period, he was embroiled in the Manichaen heresy, but later rejected that belief. By 388, Augustine had re- turned to Africa and established his order. Ap- pointed Bishop of Hippo, he served in that posi- tion until his death in 430. The general work of the Order, unchanged over the years, is carried on at Villanova. Pursuing sci- entific study, caring for souls, teaching, and con- ducting Retreats, arc still the common ends toward which each Augustinian strives. Under the influence of St. Augustine and the members of his Order of Hermits, the student at Villanova receives a sound Catholic education. The principles and dictums of the Founder have become deeply imbedded in the daily life at Villanova since its early formative days at Belle Air Estate.