Contact:Michael Dolan Director of Communications Augustinian Friars, Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova P.O. Box 340 Villanova, PA 19085-0340

Phone: 610-527-3330 ext. 248 Fax: 610-520-0618 E-mail: [email protected]: www.augustinian.org

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Augustinians Receive $500,000.00 grant from The Philadelphia Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 21, 2005

Villanova, PA – The Augustinians of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova are in the midst of a $25 million campaign to raise funds for its various ministries and for recent renovations to Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery on the campus of Villanova University. The campaign received a boost this month when it received a $500,000.00 grant from the Harron Family Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation.

The campaign, dubbed “Embracing the Future . . .”, is the first major fundraising effort the Augustinian Province has undertaken in over 40 years. The $25 million goal will support the renovation of Saint Thomas of Villanova Monastery and create endowments for: Augustinian missions; the Augustinian Volunteers program; vocation, education and formation of Augustinians; and nursing care and programming for aged friars.

The Province, which comprises the East Coast sector of the Augustinian Order, as well as missions in Peru, South Africa and Japan, is headquartered in Villanova, PA.

Says Father Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A., head of the East Coast Province: “The Augustinians are truly grateful for the support we have received from the Harron Family Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation. We are humbled by the deep commitment this grant demonstrates for the ministry we provide in the world, and the funds will help us recommit ourselves to minister long into the future.”

To support the campaign, visit the Augustinian website at www.augustinian.org.

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