Augustinian News
Welcome to the Augustinian news, a place to follow the latest news and information about the Augustinians of The Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. Here, we’ll share news covered by the media as well as stories written by the Augustinians themselves. Be sure to check out our magazine and sign up for our e-newsletter.
Latest News from the Province
After much prayer and reflection, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Augustinian Friars of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova have reelected Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A.,...
Fr. Shawn Tracy, O.S.A.’s albums with his group Sanctuary were recently added to major digital music streaming services with the help of Dan Mason, Fr. Tracy’s longtime musical collaborator. Sanctuary...
By John Green, Executive Director of A.D.R.O.P. On Monday, January 19th, 2026, students from Villanova University came to ADROP in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King. They were doing service...
By Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A. The Augustinian formation house in Trujillo, Peru, named after St. Thomas of Villanova, marked its 35th anniversary during the Augustinian Vicariate’s annual assembly. The house’s...
We are pleased to share a new documentary created by Vatican Media about the roots of Robert Francis Prevost in his native United States. Partially filmed at the Province of...
Read the statement on the website of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Members of the Augustinian General Chapter in Rome elected Reverend Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., as the next Prior General...
From the Desk of Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A.
May 8, 2026 Dear Friends in Christ, It’s hard to believe it’s a year already since our brother, Pope Leo XIV, was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025....
July 8, 2025 Dear Friends in Christ, The Province of St. Thomas Villanova has a longstanding tradition of faith-filled service to the people of God. Our friars today stand on...
May 8, 2025 Dear Friends in Christ, What a wonderful day to be an Augustinian as we welcome our brother Robert Prevost, O.S.A. to the papacy as Pope Leo XIV!...
April 22, 2025 Dear Friends in Christ, We join the faithful around the world in deep sadness over the passing of Pope Francis, and in profound gratitude for his life...
February 13, 2024 Dear Friends in Christ, Fathers Matthew Carr (pictured at right) and John Rosseter, O.S.A., the first two Augustinians on American soil, responded to a call to provide...
June 26, 2024 Dear Friends in Christ, Our Augustinian brother, and Servant of God, Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. has returned home. On June 14, in a private ceremony, Fr. Bill’s...
All News
Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., Reelected Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova
After much prayer and reflection, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Augustinian Friars of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova have reelected
Music from Sanctuary Now Available on Streaming Services
Fr. Shawn Tracy, O.S.A.’s albums with his group Sanctuary were recently added to major digital music streaming services with the help of Dan Mason, Fr.
Villanova Students Support A.D.R.O.P. on MLK Day of Service
By John Green, Executive Director of A.D.R.O.P. On Monday, January 19th, 2026, students from Villanova University came to ADROP in honor of Dr. Martin Luther
35th Anniversary of the Founding of the Formation House in Peru
By Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A. The Augustinian formation house in Trujillo, Peru, named after St. Thomas of Villanova, marked its 35th anniversary during the Augustinian
New “Leo from Chicago” Documentery
We are pleased to share a new documentary created by Vatican Media about the roots of Robert Francis Prevost in his native United States. Partially
Statement of Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez on the Election of Reverend Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., as Prior General of the Worldwide Augustinian Order
Read the statement on the website of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Members of the Augustinian General Chapter in Rome elected Reverend Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., as
Fr. Joseph L. Farrell, O.S.A., Named Prior General of the Augustinian Order Worldwide
After much prayer and reflection, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the members of the Augustinian General Chapter have elected our brother Fr. Joseph
Pope Leo XIV Accepts Province’s Saint Augustine Medal
August 28 is a special day for the Augustinians every year: the Solemnity of St. Augustine of Hippo, the Order’s inspiration and guiding light. August
An Augustinian for These Times: A Personal Reflection on Meeting Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A.
This reflection is an opinion submitted by a member of our faith community. In the summer of 2010, something extraordinary unfolded at Clare Priory in
America Media Partners with the Augustinians On Two Events
The Augustinians were pleased to welcome a delegation from America Media on March 24 and 25. Known best for America magazine, America Media is a
Prior Provincial Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., Joins Athletes OnBalance Leadership Council
In March 2025, Prior Provincial Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., joined the Athletes OnBalance Leadership Council. OnBalance brings together care management, clinical interaction tracking, and
From The Augustinian magazine: Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., Reinterred in St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Story by Sarah Reisert for the fall 2024 issue of The Augustinian magazine. Read the full issue of the magazine and see more photos for
Villanova Province Celebrates 150th Anniversary
On August 25, 2024, the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding.
New Appointment in the Vatican Apostolic Archive
Vatican City, July 5 – Pope Francis has appointed Father Rocco Ronzani, an Augustinian priest and esteemed patristics professor from Rome, as the new prefect of the Vatican Apostolic Archive. This archive, which was formerly known as the Vatican Secret Archive, preserves Church documents dating back to the eighth century.
Fr. John’s Peru Visit: A Week of Teaching and Book Presentations
LIMA, Peru — Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A., recently concluded a visit to Peru, where he taught a weeklong class at the international novitiate in Lima
A New Resting Place for a Servant of God – CatholicPhilly.com
Story by Fr. Thomas Dailey, O.S.F.S. for CatholicPhilly.com. Read the full story and see more photos on their website. Fr. Bill Atkinson has a new
A New Marker for the Augustinian Plot in Calvary Cemetery
In 1980, the Augustinians purchased a plot of land in Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, PA. High atop a rolling hill, the mortal remains of
Augustinians Leave Two Parishes in the Diocese of Albany
The Office of the Prior Provincial September 22, 2023 Dear Parishioners of Saint Mary Parish and St. Augustine Parish, Since the mid-1800s, when the Augustinians
Brewin’ Peace Coffee Cart Makes Its Debut at the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia
On September 21 (the International Day of Peace) the Augustinians officially launched the Brewin’ Peace Coffee Cart, a new Augustinian ministry co-sponsored by the National
Watch Live as Bishop Robert Prevost , O.S.A. Becomes a Cardinal
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Archbishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A., will be among 21 bishops who will become cardinals on September 30 during
Prayer Service Celebrates Golden Anniversary of Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A.’s Dispensation
Story by Karen Knight of the Cape May County Herald. Read the full story and see more photos on their website. Family and friends gathered
Fr. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A Named Director of the Office of Peace and Justice
It is with great joy and excitement that the Province announces Fr. Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A as the new Director of the Office of Peace and
Augustinian Friar Archbishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A. Named a Cardinal
July 12, 2023 A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, Archbishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A., was among 21 bishops named cardinals this week. He will
Announcing the Fr. John E. Deegan, O.S.A. Fund for Justice and Peace
The Province of St. Thomas of Villanova is pleased to announce the re-naming of its Justice and Peace Fund to the Fr. John E. Deegan,
Save the Date for Tolle Lege Day: Monday, April 24, 2023!
Join the Augustinian Friars on Monday, April 24, 2023 for our third annual giving day: #TolleLegeDay! Friends of the Augustinians will come together with one
Transformative Gift from Barb and Brian Riley Creates the Barb and Brian Riley Fund for Mission and Ministry
The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova is extremely grateful to Barb and Brian Riley for their transformative commitment of $6,000,000 in support of
Fr. Robert Hagan, O.S.A, is Officially the New Prior Provincial
Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., who was installed on June 13, 2022, as the new Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova!
Mystery Worshippers Visit St. Augustine Church
Mystery Worshippers came to visit St. Augustine Church, and they rated everything from the stained glass to the homily. See what they had to say!
Dedication & Blessing of Memorial Bench in Honor of Fr. Brian Lowery, O.S.A.
A memorial Bench was created to honor the memory of Fr. Brian Lowery, O.S.A. The dedication and blessing of this event took place in San Gimignano, Italy.
> Read & Share Your Fr. Bill Memories
Michele Louden We would like to give thanks and praise to Father Bill Atkinson. As you know, Father Bill had his toboggan accident on 2/22/65.
Sister of the Liberty Bell Returns to St. Augustine Parish
An iconic bell symbolizing religious liberty has returned to its home parish, summoning all to safeguard the “sacred right” to worship.
Merrimack College Awards Prior General an Honorary Doctorate
The Rev. Alejandro Moral Antón O.S.A., participated in a conversation with students, faculty, and guests at Merrimack College. During the event, he was presented with a Doctor of Augustinian Education, honoris causa.
Save the Date for Tolle Lege Day! Sunday, April 24, 2022
Join the Augustinian Friars on Sunday, April 24, 2022 for our second annual giving day: #TolleLegeDay! Friends of the Augustinians will come together with one
Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A. Elected New Prior Provincial
The Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova is pleased to announce that Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A. has been elected to a four-year term as
Father Bill Atkinson canonization cause completes first phase, moves onto Rome.
“There’s something very ordinary about Father Bill in terms of how he did his work,” Father Michael said. “The extraordinary part was that he did
Fall Digital AUGUSTINIAN Magazine
Be among the first to receive the upcoming Summer 2021 AUGUSTINIAN Magazine; no need to wait for it on your doorstep!
1,300 Pilgrims Visit Saint Rita Shrine
Over the past two weeks, pilgrims from around the country (Illinois, Colorado, California, and New Jersey) visited the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia to celebrate Mass, participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation, go on tours, listen to talks and spend time in private prayer.
Physical Therapy Services Open at A.D.R.O.P.’s Clinic
The Unity Clinic will officially open physical therapy services this week thanks to generous donors, grants, and volunteer clinicians.
Watch the Priestly Ordinations of Frs. Bill Gabriel, O.S.A., Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A. and Elizandro Contreras, O.S.A.
Watch the priestly ordination of three of our friars.
Augustinian Volunteers Commissioning Mass
Please join us for a livestreamed celebration of the Augustinian Volunteers Commissioning Mass on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 5pm.
Preparations begin for the June 2022 Provincial Chapter
Remote preparation for the June 2022 Provincial Chapter of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova has begun.
New Growth for the Order
One of the newest foundations of Augustinian life has taken root in Vietnam.
Event Honoring Fr. George F. Riley, O.S.A.
Join us on October 23, 2021for the Inauguration of the Fr. George F. Riley, O.S.A. Fund for Augustinian HealthCare!
Construction Progresses on the Cascia Center and Saint Rita Place
It’s hard to believe that completion on Saint Rita Shrine’s Cascia Center is just two months away!
Augustinian Volunteers Take Part in End of Year Retreat
The Augustinian Volunteers are seeking recent college grads (21-29 years old) to spend a year dedicated to service, community, and spirituality.
A.D.R.O.P. Unity Clinic Achieves Gold Rating
For the second year in a row, the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (A.D.R.O.P.) Unity Clinic has achieved the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics’ (NAFC) Standards Gold Rating.
Fr. George F. Riley, O.S.A. featured in the Avalon, NJ Seven Mile Times
“The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova will rename its fund [formerly The Care of the Elderly and Infirm Friars] to provide proper health care for its elderly and infirmed friars in honor of Father George Riley, O.S.A. …”
Fr. Denis Wilde, O.S.A. To Receive 2021 Pennsylvania Pro-Life Lifetime Achievement Award
Fr. Denis Wilde, O.S.A. To Receive 2021 Pennsylvania Pro-Life Lifetime Achievement Award
New Ministry Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School
As the Province embraces a new ministry in collaboration with Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, this short video embodies the mission and spirit of the school.
Priestly Ordination – June 26th
The priestly ordinations of Elizandro Contreras, O.S.A., William Gabriel, O.S.A., and Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A.
The 2021 Cascia Classic
Save the Date! Join Fr. Rob Hagan, O.S.A. on August 20th for the 18th Annual Cascia Classic Golf Tournament.
A.D.R.O.P. Welcomes Summer Intern
The Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (A.D.R.O.P.) is excited to announce that Bonnie Pulla, rising junior at Villanova University, will serve as an intern as part of the Villanova PASJI summer program.
Augustinian Volunteers Summer Insights Available
As the 2020-2021 volunteer year comes to a close, we are excited to share the many gifts, challenges and lessons of this remarkable year.
Journey in the Footsteps of St. Augustine in Italy with Oberammergau Passion Play
Join Fr. Bill Waters, O.S.A., as we journey in the footsteps of St. Augustine in Italy and visit Oberammergau, the famous Passion Play village.
Share with your community – ExtraOrdinary Available to Download
ExtraOrdinary: The Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. Story is now available to watch on the Province website and download for offline viewing.
New Podcasts on the Augustinian Journey App
Download the AUGUSTINIAN JOURNEY APP Today at the App Store or from Google Play.
Congratulations to our Midwest Brothers!
Solemn Feast Day of Saint Rita of Cascia
Solemn Feast Day of Saint Rita of Cascia
Solemn Feast Day of Saint Rita of Cascia
Ensuring a Strong Presence of Augustinians into the Future
Villanova Alumnus Anthony Dellomo came to Villanova University in 1961 from Staten Island, New York.
A.D.R.O.P. Mass of Thanksgiving Video Now Available
Many thanks to all who supported and attended the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (A.D.R.O.P.) Mass of Thanksgiving.
Solemn Novena and Solemn Feast Day of Saint Rita of Cascia
Solemn Novena and Solemn Feast Day of Saint Rita of Cascia
Augustinian Bookstore
Visit our Augustinian Bookstore, where you can find selected books on Augustinian themes!
Coming Soon to the Augustinian Journey App
Download the AUGUSTINIAN JOURNEY APP Today at the App Store or from Google Play.
Mark Your Calendars
The next Justice and Peace Webinar Series: A Discussion on the U.S. Bishops Pastoral on Racism, ‘Open Wide Our Hearts’ is May 19th at 7:30 P.M. Presenters are Augustinian Friars in Dialogue.
Welcome Back, Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A.!
Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A. has returned from Peru after 53 years of priesthood and nearly 25 years as Bishop of Chulucanas.
A.D.R.O.P. Spring Newsletter Now Available
The Spring edition of the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (for A.D.R.O.P.) newsletter is now available online.
Meet Fr. Joseph Mostardi, O.S.A.
Meet Fr. Joseph Mostardi, O.S.A.
Celebrating Religious Brothers Day Saturday, May 1st
Today we give thanks in a special way for our brothers who are Brothers and for the fraternal life we share in common as Augustinian Friars!
World Day of Prayer for Vocations Sunday, April 25th
The purpose of this day, set aside annually on the 4th Sunday of Easter, also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” is to fulfill the Lord’s instruction to “ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for the harvest.” (Lk 10:2b)
Get Ready for Tolle Lege Day 2021!
One Day, One Mind, One Heart.
IN THIS YEAR OF SAINT JOSEPH
Fr. Denis Wilde, O.S.A. has penned an article on the husband of Mary and Patron of the Universal Church in this 150th anniversary of the
Next Justice and Peace 2021 Webinar Series
The next Justice and Peace Webinar Series: Solidarity and Prison Ministry is April 21st at 7:30 P.M. Presenter Dr. Kathryn Getek Soltis, Director, Office of
‘ExtraOrdinary’: WHYY to air film about former Monsignor Bonner teacher who could someday be named a saint
From The Philadelphia Inquirer: Plenty of people had a high school teacher they admired, but few make a movie about that teacher. Fewer still think
Newsbreak: Community Briefs: Documentary about Rev. Bill Atkinson to air on PBS
From NewsBreak.com: RADNOR — The world television premiere of “extraORDINARY / The Bill Atkinson Story,” the inspiring documentary film about the first quadriplegic priest to
Documentary about Rev. Bill Atkinson to air on PBS
From The Daily Times: ‘Documentary about Rev. Bill Atkinson to air on PBS’. Click image to view story. The Augustinians
Fr. Alejandro Moral Antón, O.S.A. Re-elected as Prior General
Monday, September 9, 2019, at their meeting in Rome of the 186th General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine, the chapter members reelected Alejandro Moral Antón, O.S.A. as Prior General, as well as Jospeh Farrell, O.S.A. to a second term as Vicar General.
Michael Riggs, O.S.A., First Profession of Vows
With gratitude for God’s blessings, the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova received Michael Riggs, O.S.A. into the Order on August 3rd, 2019.
