The Augustinian Fund—established in 2006—helps to provide for the care of infirm friars and those others who are no longer able to engage in full-time ministry. It also assists candidates and young friars preparing for the Augustinian way of life as well as ministries in Japan and Peru, the work of the Augustinian Volunteers, and the Province's Justice and Peace Ministries.
I am a 1985 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA. (My brother was in the class of 1976). It is there where many Augustinians helped formulate not only my educational foundation but more importantly my spiritual values.
Father James L. Nolan, O.S.A. was my dear uncle. He died in May of 2015 and we miss him very much. Our whole family was so thankful for all that so many of his brothers did for him during the last years of his life, and especially when his time came to finally go to Heaven.
My cousin, Father Frank Farsaci, O.S.A., has been an Augustinian for over 50 years! During that time, Frank has always been there for our family and friends. Countless marriages, baptisms, funerals, etc., Frank always makes time to help, even if it is just listening to a problem. His selfless character is a reflection of who he is, that's certain.
After the birth of our son Doug, we moved from center city to Gladwyne. Our parish church was St. John Vianney. After worshiping for a time at St. John Vianney, we realized this was not the parish where we thought Doug would learn to understand and appreciate the Catholic religion.
The Augustinians are financially independent of their sponsored schools and parishes. They rely on the generosity of benefactors to sustain their way of life and ministries. The Augustinian Fund provides a reliable source of revenue to care for elderly and infirm friars, the education and training of future Augustinians, and the friars' ministries that serve the poor and the disenfranchised.
My Great Uncle was Father John Bresnahan, O.S.A. From young age I have memories of visiting him in Washington, DC and then at Villanova. Several times a year, especially at Christmas he would come and visit us. I would spend time with him at breakfast listening to and learning from his many stories.