Villanova University - Belle Air Yearbook (Villanova, PA)

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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.

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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.

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To prepare the graduate to take his place in the ranks of Cath- olic laity, religion at Villanova occupies a predominate position. One is constantly aware of his Catholic heritage from the open- ing Mass in freshman year until the baccalaureate Mass in June of his Senior year. The students have placed themselves under the care of Our Lady of Good Counsel by adopting her colors of blue and white, and she watches over us lovingly from her shrine in the center of the campus. The chapel serves as a medium for the student to enrich him- self spiritually by participation at daily Mass, attending evening devotions, and by frequent reception of the sacraments. Retreats are held during the year, and there is a Day of Recol- lection in October, further enabling the student to reaffirm his faith in God. These activities, plus the constant good example and holy life of the Augustinians, are a source of inspiration to all who partake of them. Fr. Whitley, Chaplain, provides spiritual guidance for Villanova students. Fr. Farrell, assistant chaplain, is always ready to advise troubled students. 20