Our Augustinian Identity
Founded in 1244 in Italy, the Order of Saint Augustine began when several hermit communities in Tuscany united under the Rule of Saint Augustine and a common Superior General, appointed by Pope Innocent IV.
The Grand Union of 1256 united various hermit groups into the Augustinian Order, blending contemplation with pastoral ministry within the Mendicant Movement.
By the mid-1300s, the Order grew to 8,000 friars serving as pastors, preachers, educators, and missionaries. Women religious and lay fraternities also joined, sharing the Order's spirituality and customs.
Throughout history, Augustinians played a significant role in missionary work, establishing a presence across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and founding the first university in the New World. They were instrumental in evangelizing the Philippine Islands and included many saints, martyrs, theologians, and Church leaders among their ranks.
Today, Augustinians live and minister in over 40 countries, preaching the Gospel and fostering St. Augustine's vision of unity in mind and heart for God's glory and the service of humanity.
AUGUSTINIAN VALUES
Augustinian spirituality is a unique lens through which one can discover God. Stemming from St. Augustine’s own life, writings, and teachings, Augustinian spirituality can largely be explained as the act of journeying together in search of the Truth that is God. Augustine took scripture as a guide for truth, and as such, he and the communities in which he lived followed Christ’s outward model of love through service to others.
The mission of St. Augustine Prep strives to enflesh these values by “setting hearts on fire with a passionate search for Truth, Unity, and Love.”