About Augustinians

A History of the Order of St. Augustine

The graphic to the right is the primary symbol contained in the seal of the St. Thomas of Villanova Province of the Order of Saint Augustine. Introduced in 1997, this contemporary design retains the traditional symbols of profound significance to every Augustinian community. The heart represents love of God and all humanity. The flame represents the fire of the Holy Spirit, the inspiration of God's love, and the passion carried in each of us. The book represents the teachings of the gospel, the writings of Augustine, and the Order's special commitment to education. The open-ended cross suggests the various roads traveled by Augustinians over the centuries to spread the word of God. The openness of the seal is an important element in the design, intended to reflect openness of heart and mind to God, to brothers and sisters, and to neighbors.

Seals of the Order and the Eastern Province