Completed in 1887, it had long been the center of Augustinian activity in the United States, and still plays an important role within the order's local province.

The intent was to create a center of Augustinian life; an organized program of education for the priesthood, which became Villanova University; and an academy for Catholic boys, which now exists as Malvern Preparatory School.

In 1843, Villanova College opened its doors for its first few classes, becoming the center of Augustinian life in the United States, a position it would retain for over 70 years.

[3] With no known claim to the contrary, it is assumed that, at the time of its construction, the church's spires were the tallest man-made structure between the Delaware River and Lancaster.

Standing in the center of the sacristy, the main altar was made of Italian polished marble with Indiana stone filigree screen.

[2] The church's interior was originally very ornate, in keeping with the taste of the times, including faux marble, gilded columns and walls, and large oil painted murals of "The Assumption of St. Joseph" and "Our Mother of Good Counsel".

oversaw the first significant modifications based on the trends en vogue among liturgists at that time, as he commissioned the installation of a temporary wooden altar which faced the congregation.

[2] While many emergency repairs had been made to the church throughout its existence, none addressed the larger problems of structural reinforcement, electrical updating, climate control, and adequate sound systems.

The largest music group on campus, Pastoral Musicians boasts over 60 singers in the SATB choir, as well as over a dozen instrumentalists [5] The church is also a popular site for student weddings, as well as for funerals for prominent members of the university.