Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova

06/08/2026

06/07/2026

"What you see is the bread and the chalice . . . But what your faith obliges you to accept is that the bread is the Body of Christ and the chalice the Blood of Christ." - St. Augustine

A Prayer for the Feast of Corpus Christi:
Oh Lord Jesus Christ,
we come before You today,
we thank You for the gift of Your Holy Body and Blood
through which we get strengthened
body, soul and mind.
We solemnly pledge that we will offer
You our undivided love
and also service to our brothers and sisters
as it is Your Holy will.
We pray this in the
Name of the Father,
and the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

06/05/2026

"Our lives spin on down the river. There will be some good times and some bad times. But at least, now, believing in the Eucharist and receiving the Eucharist, we don’t seem to be as hungry as we were before."

Read this week's homily at https://augustinian.org/corpus-christi-yr-a/

06/05/2026

On World Environment Day, we remember and honor the legacy of Pope Francis, whose prophetic voice for the care of our common home continues to inspire people of faith around the globe. It was in November 2021 that the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova formally joined the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, an initiative championed by Pope Francis and the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. Pope Leo XIV follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, asking us: "God will ask us if we have cultivated and cared for the world that he created for the benefit of all and for future generations, and if we have taken care of our brothers and sisters - what will be our answer, my dear friends?"

06/04/2026

The life of Blessed James of Viterbo, whom we commemorate today, reminds us of the importance of placing our gifts at the service of others. In this way we find, as he did, the path that leads to our own personal growth and holiness, while at the same time bringing enrichment to others.

Thought by some historians to be a descendant of the noble Capocci family, James was born in Viterbo, Italy, around 1255. He joined the Augustinians in 1272. After several years in Italy exercising various responsibilities in the Order, he returned to Paris for additional studies. He obtained his doctorate there in 1293 and, with the election of his former professor, Giles, to the office of Prior General, served as regent of studies until 1299. He then was assigned to Naples, Italy, where he taught and served again as regent. James was named Archbishop of Benevento by Boniface VIII in September, 1302 and the following December was transferred to the Archdiocese of Naples.

During his tenure the cathedral of Naples was constructed. His single most important theological work, De regimine cristiano, is considered the first systematic treatise on the Church. James died in Naples at the end of 1307 or the beginning of 1308, known for his great love for the Church and the teachings of Saint Augustine. Pius X confirmed his cult in 1911.

Blessed James, pray for us!

Learn more: http://ow.ly/p95k50Ji3J8

06/02/2026

"This month, Pope Leo invites us to remember that sports, athletics, teamwork, and competition at any level – from children in the playground to professionals in packed stadiums – can promote growth, respect for one another, good sportsmanship, and unity among all people." Prior Provincial Fr. Rob Hagan, O.S.A. reflects on Pope Leo XIV's June "Pray with the Pope" intention, "For the Value of Sports." Fr. Rob serves as the chaplain for the Villanova University football and men's basketball teams.

Read the reflection at augustinian.org/pray-with-the-pope-june-2026

05/29/2026

"In the face of exclusion, marginalization, prejudice and discrimination, we are called to be people and communities which respect and rejoice in diversity, as did Jesus, whom Augustine endeavored to follow and make more fully present in his time. So, too, in our time we are called to go out of ourselves to extend our relationships with others, with nature and with God; to be inclusive."

Read this week's homily at https://augustinian.org/trinity-yr-a/

05/26/2026

Our annual Friends of the Augustinians Golf Outing is here and you can be a part of the fun by joining our online auction! We have a number of fantastic items available, from dinner with Fr. Peter Donohue, O.S.A. to a trip to Ireland. Join now by texting GOLF to 71760. All bids and donations benefit the Fr. George M. Riley, O.S.A. Fund for Augustinian HealthCare and the M. Louise Fitzpatrick Fund for Formation.

05/24/2026

While we may not have the gift of tongues that was bestowed upon the disciples, we are endowed with the same grace and guidance by the Holy Spirit. Like those early disciples, we are called to put our own gifts to use and spread the Good News with love, today on Pentecost and always.

From Augustine:

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit
that my thoughts may all be holy;

Act in me O Holy Spirit
that my works, too, may be holy;

Draw my heart O Holy Spirit
that I love but what is holy;

Strengthen me O Holy Spirit
to defend that is holy;

Guard me then O Holy Spirit
that I always may be holy.

Image: Pentecost, Jean Restout (Paris, 1732)

05/23/2026

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Saint Rita of Cascia, one of the most renowned saints in not only the Augustinian tradition, but the Church itself. Celebrated at the beautiful National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia every year, the feast day brings together those from all walks of life, gathered to seek peace in their lives together with one heart.