November 13 is both St. Augustine’s birthday and Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day
Sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry, the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, and the Augustinian Institute, this celebration will raise consciousness about the founding spirit of Villanova, linking together the lives and ministries of these two great saints.
Villanova was founded by the Augustinians to bring the central values of St. Augustine – Truth, Unity and Love – into higher education. It was born in the midst of anti-immigration riots of Philadelphia in the 1840’s. As such, it was a university formed to raise up the hopes and dreams of Irish immigrants marginalized in the society of their time. Almost 50 years later, Mother Cabrini came to the United States to raise up the hopes and dignity of Italian immigrants, another marginalized group in American society. She is the first U.S. citizen to be declared a saint and is the patron saint of immigrants in the Church.
Both Augustine and Mother Cabrini were migrants themselves and understood how people are treated when they are the “others.” Pope Leo reminds us that “A litmus test for social justice today is the treatment of migrants, refugees and those forced to move due to poverty, violence, climate change and environmental disasters.” (MH 81). Through Mission Week, we hope to underscore that value and see that Villanova’s roots are tied to that challenge.
The week has celebrative, reflective and action-oriented activities.
Date and Time
Event
Description
Monday, November 9
6:00 p.m.
Location TBD
Hygiene Kit Assembly
Assemble hygiene kits for immigrants organized in partnership with the Villanova Refugee Empowerment (VRE) student group.
Tuesday, November 10
7:00 p.m.
Connelly Cinema
Cabrini film screening
Watch the film Cabrini about the life and times of Mother Cabrini and the immigrants in New York. Receiving stellar reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is inspirational and uplifting. Stay until the end of the movie for a chance to win Wawa gift cards. RSVP.
Wednesday, November 11
11:30 a.m.
Speakers Corner, Falvey Library at Maggitti Hall
Talk: Pope Leo and Migrants by Fr. Art Purcaro
Talk on “Pope Leo and Migrants” by the Rev. Art Purcaro, OSA, a longtime dear friend of Pope Leo’s, as he shares his unique insight about our Villanova alumnus.
Wednesday, November 11
6:30 p.m.
Location TBD
Panel: From Arrival to Belonging
The Villanova Refugee Empowerment student group hosts a panel titled: “From Arrival to Belonging.”
Wednesday, November 11
7:00 p.m.
Cabrini Campus Sacred Heart Chapel
Mass for Peace
Mass for Peace, including a special focus on immigrants.
Thursday, November 12
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
St. Rita’s Hall Community Room
Talk: Careers in Immigration Legal Services
Robyn Lieberman, of the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration will host a talk on “Careers in Immigration Legal Services.”
Thursday, November 12
5:00 p.m.
Ortiz Hall, Room 210
Dinner for faculty
and staff with
Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings
Dinner for professors and administrators teaching or researching immigration related themes with Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings of Notre Dame.
Friday, November 13 – Birthday of St. Augustine and Feast Day of Mother Cabrini
Friday,
November 13
12:05 p.m.
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Mass and Procession
Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, followed by a procession in support of immigrant justice. It starts at the Church, makes a stop at the Peace Pole in front of St. Rita’s Hall, and ends at Vic Maggitti Hall.
Friday,
November 15
1:00 p.m.
Speakers Corner, Falvey Library at Maggitti Hall
Talk: Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings
Academic talk “Embracing the World: The Mission and Legacy of Mother Frances Cabrini,” by Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings of Notre Dame University. Approved for ACS credit. RSVP
Additional ALL WEEK Activities
Monday-Thursday, Nov. 9-12: Join us in all the different Colleges and Law School, as well as numerous campus offices, for the celebration of these two saints with cupcakes and birthday cake to mark St. Augustine’s birthday.
Monday-Friday, Nov. 9-13: Campaign to collect mittens, hats and scarfs for poor immigrant children in the local schools. Collection bins are located on campus at the Connelly Center, Bellisini Hall and the new Falvey Library at Vic Maggitti Hall.
Monday-Friday Nov. 9-13: Tabling for political action in front of the Oreo between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The present migration phenomenon means there is a need for comprehensive and just immigration reform. Sign postcards to be sent to elected representatives asking for these changes in present law.