Michael and Jean MacDonald

I was 12 years old when my older brother, Brad, decided to enter the Order of Saint Augustine. As a child, I recall playing basketball with the seminarians at St. Mary’s Hall on Villanova’s campus. My mother and Fr. Don Reilly’s mother were members of the Augustinian Guild.

I entered Msgr. Bonner High School in 1967, and joined the Bonner Breakfast Club as an altar boy serving morning Mass. So many of the Augustinian teachers come to mind as I recall fondly my Bonner days—Fathers Smith, Jordan, Duffy, Melton and Marcellus to name a few. I played basketball at Bonner and on occasion played ball with Fr. Smith and other friars. The Augustinians set a tremendous example for me and shaped my character and values as a young boy.

As CEO of Medifast, Inc., I got to know Fr. Don Reilly, O.S.A. who served on Medifast’s board. He is one of the finest examples of the Augustinians, as well as Fr. Joe Calderone, O.S.A. who was also on the Medifast board.

I decided to leave the Augustinians in my will because I believe that if you’ve been successful, you have an obligation to give back. The Augustinians have had a profound influence on my life, my faith and my career. They are responsible for my success. I want to make sure that their future is secure so that they can continue to positively influence society through their ministry in the Church and in education. I also want to ensure the finest care for the friars in St. Thomas Monastery who have given their lives in service to God and the Church. My wife, Jean, and I are proud to be members of the Saint Augustine Legacy Society.