Looking to the Future with Villanova's Strategic Plan

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Recognized as a dean of cuisine, Father Joseph Mostardi, O.S.A., relishes the opportunity to tell his dinner guests, “Mangia!” While he enjoys being an accomplished cook, his deepest desire is to be an exemplary priest. Friar in the kitchen When the Rev. Joseph Mostardi, O.S.A., ’72 A&S goes from “alb to apron” to whip up his latest culinary masterpiece, the savory aroma wafting from the kitchen whets the appetites of not only his confreres in Burns Hall, but also the students lucky enough to be invited to dine with them. While he loves improving his craft—he recently took four weeks of cooking classes in Tuscany—and serving up gourmet food, Father Joe is more concerned with nourishing people spiritually. One might say that, in his 35 years of ministry as an Augustinian friar, he has tried to be what St. Paul calls “the aroma of Christ for God,” exciting the spiritual senses of those he encounters and inviting them to the banquet. “As a priest, I have the opportunity to spread the word of God, challenging people to turn that word into action. It’s gratifying to see people respond to that challenge.” Father Joe responded to the Gospel call while still a student at Monsignor Bonner High School. Some 47 Augustinian friars were active in the school, and their love of community life appealed to him. “They were like family. Their concern for one another and for the order was a great example to me.” Since being ordained in 1975, Father Joe has divided his time between New York and Philadelphia. His sometimes overlapping assignments have included that of director of youth programs, high school chaplain, campus minister, vocations director, pre-novitiate director and pastor at two different parishes. For 10 years he also served as the founding director of the Augustinian Volunteers, a faithbased lay program in which young adults work with Augustinians to serve others. In addition to studying in a doctor of ministry program, Father Joe, who returned to Villanova in January 2009, is currently serving as coordinator of liturgical ministries and overseeing several campus ministry programs. This role allows him to do what he enjoys most: “mentoring students so that they can be leaders for the Church and for our world.” In a way, the Augustinian heritage is like a cherished family recipe that Father Joe, along with the other friars, seeks to preserve and hand on. “We try to instill in our students an understanding of what we received from Augustine and to share what it means to be part of the Augustinian family.” 16 Villanova Magazine
The Order of St. Augustine: A Cure for Restless Heart Syndrome You have made us and drawn us to yourself, and our heart is unquiet until it rests in you. —St. Augustine More than sixteen centuries after the bishop of Hippo penned them, these words still resonate with people whose hearts are searching for God. Today, thousands of Augustinian friars worldwide understand this trait of restlessness. It ignites their common search for God through prayer, community life and ministry. What makes the order “Augustinian” • Community life founded on mutual respect, kindness and openness • Interiority rooted in the belief that self-knowledge leads to the discovery of God • Friendship that joins members together in Christ • Hospitality reflective of the gospel imperative to love one another • Service that spreads charity throughout the world What if someone thinks he is called to this life “Be open to the possibility,” says the Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., vocations director for the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. “Take the risk and make the contact. You don’t have to sign on a dotted line!” For more information on vocations, visit www.augustinianvocations.org. To learn more about the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, contact Father DePrinzio at (610) 519-7548 or at vocations@augustinian.org. The Augustinian Habit One in the Shepherd These are but four of the myriad stories that have textured the history of the Augustinian Order. Though every story adds its own nuances and, yes, flaws, the overall pattern remains constant: that of shepherds loving their flock and, inspired by the words of their order’s founder, searching tirelessly for those sheep that are lost and alone. “And should the brambles of the forests tear at me when I seek them,” Augustine wrote, “I shall force myself through all straits; I shall pull down all hedges. So far as God whom I fear grants me the strength, I shall search everywhere.” The habit is a sign of consecration and has three components, each of which is associated with a religious vow: Black tunic (white for novices and missionaries): Poverty Cincture (belt): Chastity Capuche (hood): Obedience Pictured: The Rev. Joseph Farrell, O.S.A., S.T.D., director of programming and external outreach, Office for Mission and Ministry Summer 2010 17
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