LETTER FROM FATHER PETER

We Are One

Dear Friends,

In the year since the election of Pope Leo XIV, many around the world have come to better know Villanova and our Augustinian Catholic mission. As the spotlight illuminated our University and the Augustinian Order, I felt incredibly proud that the values of our community were able to shine through.

In all we do, we follow the example of St. Augustine and the teachings of the Gospel while working together toward the common good. As we continue to evolve as an institution, we remain focused on supporting, educating and empowering our students and graduates to ignite change–on our campus, in their communities, across the country and around the world.

It has been poignant to hear Pope Leo, in the first year of his pontificate, make frequent reference to St. Augustine. Notably, the motto he selected—In Illo uno unum, or “In the One, we are one”—reflects his Augustinian roots. The Latin phrase comes from St. Augustine’s commentary on Psalm 127, in which he wrote, “Although we Christians are many, in the one Christ we are one.” There is much we can learn from and be inspired by in these words. Pope Leo has affirmed a focus on unity—acknowledging that, within the Church, we have our differences, but we can come together in harmony by engaging in true dialogue as friends.

By continuing to follow the teachings of St. Augustine, and now also the example of Pope Leo, Villanova will become an even more vibrant hub for the Augustinian Catholic tradition. As an Augustinian university, we are in a unique position to share with the world the beauty of our charism.

Sincerely,