issue 2: JANUARY, 2009
 
  LETTERS
  AUGUSTINIAN VoLUNTEERS
  Augustinian FUND
  FOREIGN Missions

thoughts from supporters and friends

Dear Friends,
The Province has been blessed with a lot of support from very generous donors and volunteers who actively support the vision and mission of the Augustinians.  In our latest fund-raising brochure we highlighted the ministries that are supported by The Augustinian Fund, our annual appeal.  This year our special focus is on the care of the sick and retired Augustinians.  In the back of the brochure we had a card on which people could write a note, share a memory or send a prayer to an Augustinian living at the monastery.  It has been heartening to see how many of our friends have sent notes to cheer our elderly; some spoke of the influence a particular friar had on their lives, others remember a special time in the life of a parish, or a class that was taught with particular diligence, still others focus on the work and dedication of our missionaries. 

Mrs. Dolores DiJoseph’s note is typical of the many we receive.  “ … It does my heart good to recall these Augustinians - old and good memories.  I wish each of them and all those who served so well and are deservedly retired Our Lord’s choicest blessings in their retirement.  The Augustinians hold a special place in our hearts, having taken care of us for over 30 years.” 

Or from George Morris in California.  “I pray for all of you that have dedicated your lives to helping and praying for the less fortunate.  May God’s grace shine upon you thru eternity.

Or from Carmen Bellara
Thank you for serving God and us as faithful friars. Thank you for praying for me, my family and our country.  May you all have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I would like to thank all who have remembered our retired friars. And all who through your time, talent, and treasure help us continue what God has called us to do.

In Augustine,
Fr. Don Reilly, O.S.A.
Prior Provincial

AUGUSTINIAN VoLUNTEERS

On January 11, 2009 seven young men and women headed off to South Africa and Peru to spend a year volunteering. These Augustinian Volunteers have committed themselves to spending a year serving the poor in these two countries. Four Volunteers will be spending their year in Chulucanas, Peru working in conjunction with the Augustinian Friars and Mercy Sisters there. Their work will include teaching English in schools, assisting at San Jose Obrero parish with human rights issues, their health program and development programs.

The three Volunteers in South Africa will be working at St. Leo's School, St. Theresa's Home for Boys and Hillcrest Respite Unit. They will be doing a combination of teaching, assisting in after school programs and directly working at the Respite Unit which cares for those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.
Please click here read the biographies of the international volunteers.

Please click here to read reflections from the Augustinian Volunteers.

Augustinian FUND


Fr. Peter Donohue O.S.A. and Jay Wright served as auctioneers for the live auction portion of the Augustinian Fund Kick-Off
 
On October 15th we kicked off our third year of The Augustinian Fund with an event held at the Villanova Conference Center.  Fr. Peter Donohue, O.S.A. and Jay Wright were co-hosts and auctioneers. There was tremendous energy and enthusiasm in the room as we embarked on a goal of $1 million.  We are well on our way to reaching our goal, to date we have raised $827,000.00.  We are humbled by the outpouring of generosity by our faithful friends.  Charley Connolly, Chair of our Development Council and Jim Delaney and Bob Saldutti co-chairs of the Augustinian Fund have given outstanding leadership to this effort which is critical to the financial health of the Province.


Winning bidders, Anthony and Pat Dellomo and Karen Thurman pose with Fr. Gus Sandmann O.S.A.

FOREIGN Missions

The Province continues to experience an abundance of blessings from our work in the Missions in Japan, Peru, and South Africa. These Missions succeed thanks to the continued support of generous donors. The pictures below capture moments with the children from South Africa and Peru, whose beautiful smiles hide the harsh realities of their lives. To learn more about the Missions, click here.


Fr. Tony Burrascano O.S.A. gives the kids at St. Leo’s a special treat


Malvern Prep students distribute candy at the opening of new playground they built in Chulucanas, Peru.

Donations to the Augustinian Fund may be sent to:
Augustinian Province of
St. Thomas of Villanova
214 Ashwood Road
Villanova, PA 19085

Click here to contribute online

Questions or additional information, please call 610.527.3330, ext. 221.
Visit The Augustinian Fund

Read Stories of
Augustinian Volunteers

osavol.org
myspace
rightsofthepoor.org
The Augustinian

Augustinians, Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova | P.O. Box 340 | Villanova, PA 19085-0340
Phone: 610.527.3330 | Fax: 610.520.0618

For more information, please email us at: communications@augustinian.org
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