The Most Reverend Louis A. DeSimone, Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia, and an Affiliate of the Order of Saint Augustine, has been a close friend of the Augustinians for many decades. His late brother, Father Russell DeSimone, O.S.A. was a member of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova until his death last year. As someone who lives each day of his life in a truly Augustinian spirit of humility and service, Bishop DeSimone is an ideal recipient of this recognition.

Bishop DeSimone graduated from Villanova University before entering the Army during World War II. Later, he completed studies at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and was ordained to the priesthood on May 10, 1952. He was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Philadelphia while pastor of Saint Monica Parish, Philadelphia, and was named Vicar General of the Archdiocese and later chairman of the Catholic Charities Appeal. He retired in 1997 after a lifetime of service to the Church, and currently resides at St. John Vianney Parish, Gladwyne. He continues to visit the Villanova Monastery weekly to join the friars in the celebration of Mass and to maintain longstanding friendships.