Inaugural Gregor Mendel Symposium at Villanova University

The Inaugural Gregor Mendel Symposium, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Gregor Mendel’s presentation of his paper, “Experiments in Plant Hybridization,” will be held at the Connelly Center on the campus of Villanova University on December 7, 2015.

The Symposium will celebrate the achievements of this 19th century Augustinian friar, teacher, biologist and mathematician, whose research and experiments have helped shape the world’s collective understanding of genes, crossbreeding, and heredity. Several of the world's leading minds are participants in the Symposium and will discuss the impact Mendel's reseach and experiments have had across many disciplines.

Attendance is complimentary and open to the public.  

For planning purposes, registration is requested by December 1, 2015. 
 
More information, including the Symposium schedule, a list of speakers and their biographies, and the registration form may be accessed by using the link:

https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/mendel_legacy/symposium.html  

North American Provincials and Provincial Councils meet in Villanova, Pa.

On October 14,  2015, the North American Provincials and their Counselors met in Villanova, Pa. to discuss common concerns on matters involving formation and studies. Pictured seated l-to-r: Michael F. Di Gregorio, O.S.A., Prior Provincial, Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova; Kevin C. Mullins, O.S.A, Prior Provincial of Province of Saint Augustine, (CA); Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (CG). Standing (L-to-R)::  John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. (CG); Joseph L. Narog, O.S.A, (Vil); Alvin Paligutan, O.S.A. (CA); Gary N. McCloskey, O.S.A. (Vil);  Michael H. Bielecki, O.S.A., (Vil); Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., (Vil); Luis A. Vera, O.S.A., (Vil); Arthur P. Purcaro, O.S.A., (Vil), Francis J. Horn, O.S.A., (Vil); Richard J. McGrath, O.S.A., (CG); William Sullivan, O.S.A., (CG); Thomas Taylor, O.S.A.; (CG); Michael T. Bube, O.S.A., (CA); Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., (Vil). 

Father Gioele Schiavella, O.S.A., Concelebrates Mass with Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI

Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI (center, right), is pictured with Father Gioele Schiavella. O.S.A. (center, left), marking the occasion of the 70th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Father Schiavella, formerly the pastor of the Papal Parish of Saint Anne, was invited to concelebrate Mass with Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI, at the chapel of Mater  Ecclesia convent, where the Pope Emeritus resides. Concelebrants also included (from left) Georg Gaswein, personal secretary to the Pope Emeritus; Jafet Ramon Ortega, O.S.A. of the parish of Saint Anne; Father Schiavella, O.S.A.; Pope Emeritus, Benedict XVI;  Father Bruno Silvestrini, O.S.A., pastor of the parish of Saint Anne; and Father Filipino Stefano Canuto, O.S.A., also of the parish of Saint Anne.

 In addition to concelebrating Mass with the Pope Emeritus, Father Gioele also concelebrated a Mass at Saint Anne, with many of his Augustinian brothers, including the Prior General, Father Alejandro Moral Anton, O.S.A.; the Vicar General, Joseph L. Farrell. O.S.A.; and Cardinal Prospero Grech, O.S.A.

Congratulations, Father Gioele, on the 70th anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood!

 Click here for a link to the Zenit article.