The Villanova College House system is a vertical system of pastoral care and student formation that looks to support and nurture boys while they grow.
Introduced in 2024, but embedded through our Catholic identity since the establishment of our College in 1948, the eight Houses draw on the life stories and actions of significant figures in Augustinian history. These women and men who made Community, Humility, Interiority and the Restless Search for Truth hallmarks of their life and work.
The House System provides students with numerous opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and character-building experiences. Through a range of inter-house competitions, service projects, and collaborative activities, students discover their unique talents and strengths while working together to achieve common goals.
Houses are more than just a source of pride and identity; they are platforms that encourages students to embody our school’s values and spirit, nurturing their sense of responsibility, resilience, and respect.
The House System enriches the Villanova College experience and creates a supportive and dynamic environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Together, we will forge lasting memories and leave a legacy of unity and excellence for generations to come. Welcome to the House System – a place where each student’s journey is marked by camaraderie, growth, and a true sense of belonging.
Eight houses, one community. Together, we build a foundation of support, unity, and excellence, creating an environment where every individual can flourish and shine.
Crest: Alypius Symbols:
Motto: “Embrace the Light Within”
House Mascot: the Brumby
Alypius of Thagaste, a close friend of St. Augustine, played a pivotal role in Augustine’s life, accompanying him on a profound intellectual and spiritual journey. Their friendship was forged in Thagaste, North Africa, where they began their shared exploration of truth and philosophy.
Alypius, known for his intellectual prowess, also wrestled with worldly temptations in his youth. His transformative moment came in Carthage when he resisted the allure of the gladiatorial games, inspiring Augustine with his strength of character.
Their journey continued in Milan under the guidance of St. Ambrose, where both Augustine and Alypius embraced Christianity. Alypius’ conversion was deeply influenced by Augustine’s transformation and St. Ambrose’s teachings.
Throughout his life, Alypius remained Augustine’s unwavering companion. He later became a bishop in Thagaste, known for his commitment to justice and strong moral character.
The House crest represents Alypius’ enduring friendship, unwavering commitment to justice, strong moral compass, and intellectual curiosity. The motto, “Embrace the Light Within,” reflects the values upheld by Alypius House.
Our modern patron, Augustinian Bishop Reville OSA, was a respected figure even among those outside the Catholic faith. His diplomacy and ability to engage in public life during challenging times for Catholic education are admirable.
Alypius House’s mascot, the Brumby, symbolizes Alypius’ strong moral compass, his dedication to righteousness, and his role as a guide to truth and virtue. Like a Brumby, Alypius represents resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit, guiding and inspiring others in their pursuit of excellence.
Symbols:
Motto: “Live with purpose. Ignite the Change.”
House Mascot: the Phoenix
Adeodatus, his name translating to “Gift of God,” holds a significant place in history as St. Augustine’s beloved son. Despite his relatively short life, Adeodatus profoundly impacted his father’s spiritual journey and writings.
Their deep father-son bond was a source of great inspiration. Augustine often praised Adeodatus’s intelligence, wisdom, and his wisdom beyond his years. His existence became a metaphor for divine presence in human life.
Adeodatus’s untimely passing spurred Augustine’s spiritual awakening. He serves as a poignant reminder of how God works mysteriously in human lives, even amid tragedy.
The Creed of Adeodatus encapsulates four significant values for house members. The tear symbolises vulnerability, the group represents the importance of community, his name, “The Gift of God,” signifies the present, and the brain embodies his intellect.
The house’s motto, ‘Live with purpose, Ignite the Change,’ reflects the call to be the change they wish to see in the world.
The modern patron of Adeodatus House is Archbishop Goold OSA, the first Augustinian to arrive in Australia. Described as pious and a man of action, he successfully oversaw the construction of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.
The Phoenix, symbolising Adeodatus’s rise as the first “fine young man” educated in the Augustinian tradition, serves as the house’s mascot.
Symbols:
Motto: “Set no Limit”
House Mascot: the Pelican
St. Thomas of Villanova OSA, also known as Thomas García y Martínez, was a 16th-century Spanish Catholic friar, preacher, and bishop celebrated for his deep compassion for the poor and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Dedicating himself to the Augustinian Order, Thomas embraced a life of prayer, study, and service. His exceptional oratory skills made him a renowned preacher, able to touch the hearts of his audience with powerful sermons. Appointed as the Archbishop of Valencia, he served his community with great zeal and compassion.
A defining trait of St. Thomas was his dedication to the poor. He believed in imitating Christ’s selfless love and care for the needy. Thomas worked tirelessly to alleviate poverty, providing both spiritual and material support. His feast day is celebrated on September 22nd, and he is the patron saint of Valencia, charities, Catholic schools, and advocates for social justice.
The crest of Thomas House features four symbols embodying his life: chalk representing his teaching commitment, coins symbolising his dedication to the poor, a fist representing his fight for social justice, and an arch for his work in education. The house’s motto, “Set no limits,” reflects his spirit.
Fr. Ben O’Donnell OSA, the first Rector of Villanova College, serves as the modern patron of Thomas House. He established strong connections within the local Catholic community and fostered enduring staff-parent relationships.
The Pelican, symbolising selflessness and care, embodies the nurturing and supportive spirit of Thomas House.
Symbols:
Motto: “Faith in Action”
House Mascot: the Owl
St. Ambrose, also known as Ambrose of Milan, was an influential figure in the early Christian Church. Hailing from a wealthy Roman family, he initially pursued a legal career in Rome. However, a twist of fate led him to become the Bishop of Milan, a position he embraced with unwavering dedication despite not yet being baptized. Ambrose became a formidable advocate for justice, a staunch opponent of heresy, and a driving force behind the Christian community in Milan.
Beyond his role as a bishop and theologian, Ambrose was deeply spiritual, living an ascetic lifestyle to exemplify personal holiness. He championed the poor, confronted societal injustices, and used his influence to promote charity and acts of mercy.
The Ambrose House crest incorporates symbols that encapsulate his values: a bell symbolises his contributions to liturgical celebrations, a cypress tree signifies his steadfastness, an academic hat representing his academic and theological influence on Augustine, and a baptismal font symbolises his role in converting others to the faith.
Ambrose House adopts the motto “Faith in Action,” reflecting his belief that true faith manifests through loving and just actions.
The modern patron of Ambrose House is Bishop Heavey OSA, recognised for his dedication and extensive pastoral responsibilities in tropical Queensland. Despite his scholarly and introverted nature, he left a lasting impression through his prayerfulness, dedication to duty, and service in Augustinian schools.
The Owl, chosen for its wisdom and insight, represents the inquisitive and knowledgeable spirit of Ambrose House.
Symbols:
Motto: “Love Conquers All”
House Mascot: the Bee
St. Rita of Cascia, often called the “Saint of the Impossible,” is a highly revered figure in the Catholic Church. Born in 1381 in Italy, her life was marked by unwavering devotion, resilience, and miraculous interventions.
Despite her early desire to enter religious life, Rita was married to a man with a violent temper due to her parents’ insistence. She faced the challenges of this union with remarkable faith, demonstrating patience, kindness, and forgiveness. Through her devout prayers and the power of her example, she witnessed a profound transformation in her husband, who renounced his violent ways before his passing.
After her husband’s death, Rita pursued her original calling and joined the Augustinian convent in Cascia. There, she lived a life of prayer, penance, and service, deepening her connection with God and interceding for those in need. Rita’s years as a nun were characterised by humility, obedience, and a deep love for God and humanity.
St. Rita is known for the miracles attributed to her intercession. Many turned to her in seemingly impossible situations, and numerous accounts tell of miraculous healings and reconciliations brought about through her intercession.
St. Rita’s life serves as an inspirational model of faith, forgiveness, and trust in God’s providence. Her story reminds us that, even in the most challenging circumstances, unwavering faith and perseverance can lead to transformation and miracles. She continues to be venerated as a symbol of sanctity and a source of hope for those facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The Rita House crest features symbols that represent her life: the rose signifies the miracle of the winter rose, the veil represents her religious piety, thorns signify the hardships she endured, and the heart symbolises her unconditional love for God.
The motto for Rita House is “Love conquers all,” encapsulating her ability to love unconditionally and extend forgiveness, even in the face of difficulties and injustice.
The modern patron linked to Rita House is Bishop Crane OSA. As a capable administrator and dedicated traveler throughout his diocese, he brought stability to a struggling region. Bishop Crane’s honesty, humility, and unwavering prayer, even during his nineteen years of blindness, serve as a remarkable example of patience and devotion.
The mascot for Rita House is the Bee, symbolising Rita’s diligence and hard work in serving God and others. Legend has it that bees swarmed around her crib as an infant, foretelling her future holiness.
Symbols:
Motto: “Love and Serve”
House Mascot: the Wolf
St. Nicholas of Tolentine, an Italian Augustinian friar and Catholic saint, was born in 1245 in Pontano, Italy. From a young age, he joined the Order of Saint Augustine and dedicated his life to prayer, penance, and serving others. Renowned for his holiness and deep devotion to God, he was particularly known for his ability to heal the sick and bring about conversions through prayer. St. Nicholas passed away in 1305 in Tolentino, Italy, and was canonized by Pope Eugene IV in 1446. His feast day is celebrated on September 10th, and he is revered as a model of compassion, humility, and fervent prayer.
As an Augustinian friar, St. Nicholas embraced the spirituality that emphasises truth-seeking, community, and a contemplative life of prayer.
The Nicholas House Crest features a lily to symbolise purity and virtuous living, a star representing his path to Tolentine, healing hands for his dedication to helping the sick, and a rosary denoting his commitment to prayer. The house motto, “Love and Serve,” reflects his emphasis on love and service as a means to imitate Christ and bring positive change to the world.
The modern patron of Nicholas House is Bishop Murray OSA, known for his significant contributions to reinforcing the Catholic presence in Far North Queensland. Bishop Murray’s compassionate and Christ-like qualities endeared him to all he encountered.
Nicholas House is proud to
embrace the Wolf as its mascot. The Wolf embodies the qualities of strength,
resilience, and unity. St. Nicholas’s commitment to aiding the poor and the
sick finds representation in the pack’s spirit of solidarity and support.
Symbols:
Motto: “Hope and Perseverance”
House Mascot: the Lion
Monica House, named in honor of St. Monica, St. Augustine’s mother, commemorates the woman who played a pivotal role in her son’s spiritual journey. Her steadfast faith, unwavering perseverance, and maternal love profoundly influenced Augustine’s understanding of morality and led to his conversion to Christianity.
Monica’s moral character was marked by her profound devotion to God and her ceaseless prayers for her son’s salvation. Despite Augustine’s wayward youth and rebellious behavior, Monica’s unyielding faith and maternal love drove her to pray fervently for his redemption. Her dedication to righteousness and her firm belief in the transformative power of God’s grace are exemplified in her unwavering hope for Augustine’s salvation.
Monica’s moral example deeply impacted Augustine’s understanding of self-control and discipline as he grappled with various vices and temptations. Her resolute commitment to these principles and her ability to resist worldly pleasures inspired Augustine’s own spiritual journey.
The Monica House crest symbolises these principles with an image of mother and son to represent love and devotion, a man lifting a boulder to symbolise perseverance, books to signify their commitment to faith, and helping hands as a symbol of mutual support within the community.
Embodying the house motto, ‘Hope and Perseverance,’ members of Monica House strive to uphold these values and continue St. Monica’s legacy of unwavering commitment to the Augustinian charism.
The modern patron of Monica House is Fr. Louis Hanrahan OSA, a founding Father of Villanova College. He was also co-founder of Brisbane’s first Catholic theatre group, the Villanova Players, in 1948. His contributions to language, music, drama, and the visual arts have played an essential role in the curricular and co-curricular programs at the College ever since.
The mascot for Monica House is the Lion, symbolizing the strength and courage that St. Monica displayed throughout her life.
Symbols:
Motto: “Love Measure Deeds”
House Mascot: the Hippo
St. Augustine of Hippo, born in Thagaste (modern-day Algeria), is a pivotal figure in Western Christianity. His early life was marked by indulgence and immoral behavior. He pursued worldly desires, even fathering a child out of wedlock. Augustine’s recklessness and ambition were driven by personal satisfaction without regard for consequences.
In his academic journey, Augustine explored various philosophies, such as Manichaeism and Neoplatonism, during his study of rhetoric in Milan. However, after a period of skepticism and moral turmoil, he underwent a profound religious conversion in 386, embracing Christianity.
Following his conversion, Augustine became a priest and bishop, eventually serving as the Bishop of Hippo Regius in North Africa. Throughout his life, he authored numerous influential theological and philosophical works, including “Confessions” and “The City of God.” In “Confessions,” he intimately shared his personal journey, struggles with sin, and his ultimate acceptance of Christianity.
Augustine’s qualities are symbolised through the House crest: the staff represents his role as a shepherd guiding the faithful, the quill signifies his extensive writings, the flame represents his deep love for God, and the focus on community.
Augustine House’s motto is “Love measures deeds,” emphasising the importance of love as a criterion for evaluating actions and intentions.
The modern patron of Augustine House, Bishop John Hutchinson OSA, played a pioneering role in establishing a diocese in the remote and less-populated tropical regions of North Queensland, Australia. He and his fellow Augustinians accomplished remarkable work in constructing and renovating churches and schools.
The mascot for Augustine House is the Hippo, named after Augustine’s place of birth, Hippo Regius. Hippos are known for their generosity and concern for the well-being of those around them.
24 Sixth Avenue, Coorparoo, Brisbane, QLD 4151 Australia
Villanova College is an independent Catholic School for boys under the care of the Augustinian Order. Striving for excellence in boys’ education as an Augustinian community one in mind and heart on the way towards God.
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