Veritas, Unitas, Caritas. Truth, Unity and Charity are the major guideposts that have shaped Villa Maria College over the past 50 years. These characteristics will continue to be beacons for the college on its journey of growth, education and service.
Villa Maria College will celebrate 50 years as a college in 2011, and will begin its celebration with a liturgy on Sept. 26.

“Our mission is to provide quality education in the Franciscan and Felician spirit of Catholic higher education,” said Sister Marcella Marie Garus, CSSF, president of Villa Maria College. “We’ve been faithful to our mission. If the founders were here today, they would still recognize it, but they would also be proud of our progress.”

ALLEGANY — Four postulants from Holy Name Province spent their first months in the Province at St. Bonaventure University participating in the summer program of the Franciscan Institute and experiencing varied aspects of Franciscan life.

John Aherne, Father Pedro Corces, Frank Souza and Jeffrey Upshaw began their studies in late June, according to postulant director Father Ronald Pecci, OFM. The program, which focuses on the life of St. Francis and early Franciscan history, included workshops given by friars specifically for the postulants.

Christ the King Seminary will be piloting a Distance Learning program for two of its Continuing Education classes during the Fall 2010 semester. The new program is intended to provide more options to help students access the Seminary’s courses in the manner most convenient to their lifestyle and needs. Students who register to take either “Theology of God” (Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. beginning September 14) or “The Gospels” (Thursdays, 7-9 p.m. beginning September 16) will be given the option of taking the class at the Seminary’s East Aurora campus or taking it via video-conferencing technology at Canisius College or St. Bonaventure University. Plans also include expanding the pilot program to include Niagara University for the Spring 2011 semester. No matter where the student takes the course, it will be a live and interactive experience, facilitated by two-way communication with the instructor.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Mother Teresa, two Buffalo landmarks were lit in blue and white on the evening of August 26.  The colors symbolize the Missionaries of Charity, the order of women religious founded by the woman who is now being promoted for sainthood by the Vatican.

The Electric Tower is located in the heart of downtown Buffalo.	The Peace Bridge spans the Niagara River from the U.S. to Canada, connecting Buffalo to Fort Erie.