For the Rev. Joseph Calderone O.S.A., becoming an Augustinian did not begin with a singular, overwhelming call to religious life.
He describes it as a process, one that started as a young boy in Philadelphia Catholic schools. The lessons he learned from the teaching nuns, reinforced by his mother’s deep faith, set the foundation for the vocation he has dedicated more than 50 years of his life to.
“In the first grade, I was even thinking of becoming a priest,” said Calderone, who currently serves as associate director of Villanova University’s Center for Pastoral Ministry and Education. “I was getting positive reinforcement from both my mother and teachers when it came to my religious studies so they certainly added to it.”
It was in high school when that process accelerated. About 45 Augustinians worked at Calderone’s school as teachers, club moderators and athletic coaches. He identified with their mission, their work in education and their commitment to community.
“Growing up in my local parish, I always thought priests were older and ran churches,” Calderone said. “But the Augustinians showed me there were other orders with other missions and after graduation, I joined.”
From that point on, Calderone has ministered around the world, mentored both students and Augustinians, taught at colleges and universities and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve Chaplain Corps. For his contributions to the Merrimack College community and his impact as an Augustinian, Calderone received the 2025 Merrimack College Saint Augustine Medal on Thursday, Sept. 18, during the College’s annual Evening of Gratitude celebration.
“As an Augustinian, trustee, former president and staff member, Fr. Calderone has had a lasting impact on Merrimack College,” said President Christopher E. Hopey, Ph.D. “Fr. Calderone deeply embodies the values of St. Augustine and Merrimack College and we are honored to present him with this prestigious recognition of his service and legacy.”
Recent recipients of the Merrimack College Saint Augustine Medal include the Rev. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., Ph.D., Merrimack College’s vice president for mission and ministry, Professor Emeritus Joseph Kelley and the Rev. Gary McCloskey, O.S.A.
Calederone’s relationship with Merrimack College spans decades, starting in the 1970s when he served as director of campus ministry. He was also a moderator for the Class of 1978 and has officiated weddings for some Merrimack alumni. He lived in residence halls during his time at Merrimack and would host Saturday morning gatherings where students could come and watch cartoons.
“Those days, students didn’t have big screen televisions in their rooms, so they would come over and that was one of the ways I got to know them,” he said.
After his first stint at Merrimack College, Calderone went on to serve as director of campus ministry for the Diocese of Orlando, Fla. and it was there he was presented the opportunity to join the Navy’s Chaplain Corps. For the more than two decades he served as a reservist, Calderone said he enjoyed traveling and learning more about himself.
Calderone’s affiliation with Merrimack continued in 2005 when he joined the Board of Trustees and was part of the presidential search that ultimately led to President Hopey. Calderone also served as president of the College in 2008.
“I‘ve had a pretty motley career and it was always interesting,” he said with a laugh.
