The Midwest Augustinian 2021 Fall/Winter 80th Anniversary Edition

Augustinian

The

Midwest

YEAR ANNIVERSARY 1941 - 2021

SPECIAL EDITION 225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 1

11/19/21 12:20 PM

LETTER FROM THE PRIOR PROVINCIAL

80th Anniversary Homily August 28th 2021

We remember and give thanks for our consecration to the Church through the Order as we celebrate 80 years officially as a Province, albeit the Augustinian presence pre-dates the 1941 official recognition of the Province.

The celebration of our Province anniversary reminds us that we are living in the midst of history. Having made (and continuing to make) history, we welcome all of our brothers and sisters within the Order and invite the affiliates and recipients of the Fidelitas Award as members of the wider Augustinian Family. Special congratulations to our jubilarians whose years of community life and service strengthen our resolve to serve Christ and His Church.

Life’s transitions: Approaching the 80th anniversary, I thought of how this is a transitional time for all of us, and one we could celebrate and mark as a Province, as we look back at our blessings, learn from the challenges/mistakes, and look forward to our future by incorporating eight decades of history celebrating liturgies, life in common, and service to the Church.

We live in freedom under Grace. We are under the One Living and True God, who holds all times and peoples in His Hands. He is transitioning and converting us now into becoming citizens of His Kingdom, collaborators of the creative order. This altar is our special meeting point, whereby God summons us, His elect, to incorporate mysteries revealed to listening and humble hearts, so that we witness the power of Grace.

2

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 2

We as Augustinians, as religious, should be keenly aware of our personal and collective growth, our struggles, and the gifts we bring to the Church. This is one of the hallmarks of our formation. Finding this equilibrium is not easy. God’s grace lifts us up out of darkness into His marvelous light, even though we get stuck in the muck and mire of our fallen nature, entitlement, arrogance, ambition, shame. Anything that nourishes our ego or prevents us from recognizing Christ in one another.

Pope Francis in his tweet today quotes St. Augustine: “I fear that Jesus will pass by me unnoticed.” The Pope continues: “It is important to remain watchful because one great mistake in life is to get absorbed in a thousand things and not notice God.” Transition is a time of Grace, it requires of us to recognize the constant need to let go of all we think we know and face our very powerlessness in order to make room for the power of God’ Spirit. Walking on this journey together, we discover that there are more gray areas in life. We do not live in a “yes” or “no” world all the time. It is more nuanced than being confined simply to “good” or “bad” and “black” or “white.”

The world actually encompasses qualities of both.

Loss, for example, while painful and not an experience most of us ever seek, often offers a path back to God. Loss of someone or something should not simply be considered the end, but another path to something new.

We have seen a lot of transition over the course of the past 8 decades and dating back to 1905. The Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, throughout its evolution and growth, has established several institutions and offered pastoral service that has left a positive impact on the lives of so many. You all are proof of this. All of us who are present have all been impacted by the work of the Augustinians

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:20 PM

of the Midwest Province to a greater or lesser degree. Yes, over the course of these years, we have lamented decisions to withdraw from some of these institutions due to many reasons. Letting go and moving on can seem to threaten our stability.

We were never perfect and we will never be perfect in this world, but we can grow together, working toward it and touching upon the potential of holiness grounded in our imperfect striving. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone in my imperfections.

We have a proud history of many accomplishments. The Midwest Province, since its inception, produced three bishops, two Priors General and a host of men dedicated to pastoral care, Catholic education, and mission activity.

St. Matthew Parish, Flint, MI – On May 14, 1926, the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova voted to accept the invitation of Bishop Michael J. Gallagher of the Detroit Diocese to come to Flint and assume care of St. Matthew Parish.

Since the first missionary friars from the Villanova Province to the Midwest until now, we have collectively lived through two great wars and several other military campaigns, as well as the trauma of 9/11. We continue to face a health crisis, racial stagnation, threatening environmental issues, political corruption, financial instability, Church abuse crisis, etc. Yet, through it all we have been resilient and, even in our smaller numbers, remain hopeful. Because of this, we ask that you please be patient with one another. We can’t do it all. We invite you all to share in this collaborative effort to solidify our role in building up God’s kingdom even in the midst of the challenges. All of these transitions could have broken us but just like a broken limb, the healing, which can be very painful, results in stronger limbs, a metaphor for a stronger resolve to move forward together to fulfill our destiny, that is to live for Christ and His Church in the spirit of St. Augustine.

One of our most cherished treasures in the course of these evolving years as a Province is the establishment of the Vicariate in Chulucanas in Northern Peru. Not only do we encounter Christ, but through the simplicity of God’s people, we learn that generosity is more than digging deeper into our pockets. The generous nature of God’s people in Peru lifts us out of our limited perspective so that our hearts see more clearly

Bishop John McNabb, O.S.A. (1925-2016) was named the first Prelate of Chulucanas by Pope Paul VI in 1964. Three years later, on June 17, 1967, he was ordained a bishop. He was a member of Vatican Council II - one of the few surviving members of that council. In 1989, 25 years after the creation of the Prelature, Pope (now Saint) John Paul II raised Chulucanas to the status of a diocese. Bishop McNabb served as Ordinary of the Diocese until his mandatory retirement age of 75, when he submitted his resignation to the Pope. Here he is pictured with his memoir Led Where I Did Not Plan to Go.

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 3

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

3

11/19/21 12:21 PM

God’s face in the campesino and his struggling family.

Our Peruvian family challenges our complacency, and, in turn, we are transformed more and more into the image and likeness of God. We are graced with the evangelizing spirit of our sisters and brothers in Peru who incarnate the heart of Christ. This is called Mission-in-reverse.

There are countless stories over the past 80 years as a Province and even more that date back to 1905, one of the best story tellers, Fr. John Flynn, 94 years old would have a lot to say. Our older and infirm men could not be with us physically right now, but they are part and parcel of this rich and sometimes complicated history of the life and work of the friars of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel. We all have contributed to a greater or lesser degree to the richness of this Province.

We acknowledge as well the gift of Our Sisters of Contemplative Life, Las Agustinas del Socorro, Las Agustinas del Buen Consejo, Sisters of St. Rita, Sisters of St. Casimir, and many other women religious with whom we have collaborated in our respective ministries through the years. Your prayers and your collaborative spirit deepen our appreciation for your contribution to the feminine genius of the Church leads us to a greater wholeness as the Body of Christ in the world as expressed in our consecrated lives. A world broken yet redeemed. Our mutual collaboration with one another is a powerful witness that the mercy and compassion of Christ our Shepherd extends beyond the gates, the proverbial sheepfold. This gospel passage is very clear in saying that the Church is big enough for everyone.

There are no boundaries or borders. There is no wall that can prevent us from walking with our suffering brothers and sisters from all cultures and ways of life who benefit from our outreach and mission and who teach us how to suffer with grace.

Current Prior Provincial Anthony Pizzo, O.S.A. at his ordination with Cardinal Joseph Bernadin

Our Affiliates play an important role in contributing to the wider Church through your membership in our Augustinian family. Through our mutual collaboration, your accompaniment adds a richness to our life.

The Fidelitas recipients demonstrate a deep and abiding friendship with us. St. Augustine teaches that “In this world two things are essential: life and friendship. Both should be highly prized and we must not undervalue them.”

Please continue to pray for vocations to our Augustinian way of life so that we incarnate in a real and practical way the metaphor of Shepherd and flock.

Thank you for your presence, and thank you for accepting the invitation to continue to make history and walk this journey together.

Our Mother of Good Counsel, pray for us!

Thank you to our collaborators in our Province offices for your dedication and commitment to assist us in our Mission.

We are grateful to our Province benefactors, both living and deceased, who accompany us on this journey forward. Not only in the sharing of your resources to help sustain our mission, but also by accompanying us, you share in the benefits of graces we receive from God’s Spirit.

4

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 4

Very Reverend Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A.

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

THE MIDWEST AUGUSTINIAN FALL/WINTER 2021 The Midwest Augustinian is a publication of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

For additional copies, or to unsubscribe, please contact the Province Office: Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel 10161 South Longwood Drive Chicago, IL 60643 PHONE 872-265-1100 EMAIL sean@midwestaugustinians.org WEB www.midwestaugustinians.org MIDWEST AUGUSTINIANS PRIOR PROVINCIAL

Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. PROVINCE SECRETARY

Rev. Richie Mercado, O.S.A. PROVINCE TREASURER

CONTENTS

FALL/WINTER 2021 ISSUE 6 8

By Michael Gerrity, Advancement Director

10 THE EARLY YEARS OF THE MISSIONS IN PERU: AN INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP DANIEL TURLEY, O.S.A. 12 “80TH AND 116TH”

by Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A.

14 O BROTHER, WHY ART THOU? 16 CASCIA HALL INSPIRED, CHALLENGED, AND FORMED US

By Anthony J. Lauinger, Augustinian Affiliate

Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A. FINANCE OFFICE

Sr. Mary Ann Hamer, O.S.F. Mr. Patrick Griffin PROVINCE COUNSELORS

THE FOUNDING OF A PROVINCE ADVANCING THE MINISTRY OF ST. AUGUSTINE - ONE CONVERSATION, ONE RELATIONSHIP, ONE SOUL AT A TIME”

18 EIGHTY YEARS – A LONG TIME – A LIFETIME FOR MANY

By Don Berschback, Augustinian Affiliate

20 WE ARE THE MEN FROM THE ACADEMY

by Joseph Torrisi

Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. Rev. Homero Sanchez, O.S.A. Rev. Robert Basler, O.S.A. Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A. Br. Joe Ruiz, O.S.A. Rev. Richard Young, O.S.A.

22 AUGUSTINIAN ACADEMY 50TH REUNION OF THE CLASS OF 1971

PROVINCIAL OFFICES

NUESTRA SECCIÓN EN ESPAÑOL

DIRECTOR OF VOCATIONS

26 80° HOMILÍA DE ANIVERSARIO

Rev. Thomas McCarthy, O.S.A. CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Mr. Michael Gerrity DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

By Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A.

23 ALUMNI REMEMBER ST. AUGUSTINE’S SEMINARY IN HOLLAND, MI

By Tom Brodnicki, Joe Brennan, & Pat O’Connor

del Prior Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo, O. S. A.

28 PROMOVIENDO EL MINISTERIO DE SAN AGUSTÍN UNA CONVERSACIÓN, UNA RELACIÓN, UN ALMA A LA VEZ...

Por Michael Gerrity, Director de Promoción

Mr. Sean Reynolds MANAGER OF ADVANCEMENT OPERATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS

Ms. Adriana Moreno

Mission Statement of the Midwest Augustinians We, the Augustinians of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, are members of the worldwide Order of St. Augustine in the Roman Catholic Church. Centered in the Eucharist and prayer, we search for God in community by sharing our lives, goods and spiritual journey with each other and the people of God. In harmony of mind and heart on our journey toward God, our experience of common life flows into and shapes our ministries. We continue to serve the Church in schools, parishes and missions as we seek to discern new paths of service to which God calls us.

30 OH, HERMANO, ¿POR QUÉ ERES TÚ?

32 CASCIA HALL FUE UNA INSPIRACIÓN, UN DESAFÍO Y UNA FORMACIÓN PARA NOSOTROS Por Anthony J. Lauinger Clase del 62

34 OCHENTA AÑOS MUCHO TIEMPO – TODA UNA VIDA PARA MUCHOS ANNUAL REPORT 35 36 43 44 45 46

2020-2021 FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2020 - 2021 PROVINCE DONOR SCROLL 2021 AUGUSTINIAN VIRTUAL GALA SPONSORS ONE MIND ONE HEART SOCIETY RESTLESS HEARTS SOCIETY RECURRING GIFT DONORS VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 5

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

5

11/19/21 12:21 PM

The founding of a Province Our Mother of Good Counsel

A

s a member of the Augustinian Mission Band of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, Fr. James Green, O.S.A. records having been sent to preach at the parishes of Chicago as early as 1901. We have included an archival photo of him traveling our city’s streets in a horse car. Among those who hosted him was Fr. John Flannigan, pastor of St. Anne’s Parish at 55th and Wentworth—where you now will find the entrance ramp to the northbound Dan Ryan Expressway.

At that time, Fr. Flannigan held considerable influence in the burgeoning city, and he was credited with a central role in resolving many labor disputes at the infamous Chicago Stock Yards. It was on his recommendation that Archbishop James Quigley accepted an application from the Augustinians of Villanova to establish a permanent foundation in the city.

Provincial Fr. Martin Geraghty, O.S.A. sent a letter of gratitude to the Archbishop in June of 1904, offering his assurance that “nothing will be left undone to fulfill in the best manner possible any charge you may see fit to assign us.” That first assignment would be to establish a new parish and school on the far southwest outskirts of the city at 63rd and Western. Fr. Green was a natural choice to head the new endeavor, and in June of 1905 he arrived in the city already with large plans in hand. The Chicago Record Herald reported in their June 24th issue: “…[T]he Order of Saint Augustine, commonly called the Augustinian friars, who have their mother house at Villanova Pa., has completed plans to establish its first house in the West in Chicago. For that purpose a tract of land consisting of five acres has been purchased on Sixty-third Street between Oakley and Claremont

6

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 6

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Thomas ach val d him where y.

ity,

p

ndone That west ad the ns in

s, h its of mont

Avenues, and the work on the erection of the community buildings will begin today…”

Called “St Rita’s College,” the initial building of the Order in Chicago took less than a year to complete, and the friars welcomed their first class of students in Fall 1906. The college chapel also celebrated daily Mass for the parishioners of the new St. Rita Parish, which was established simultaneously with the school. Fr. Green had been joined by Fr. William Egan, O.S.A. and Fr. Richard Maher, O.S.A. to serve as teachers and parish priests, together forming the very first Augustinian community in Chicago.

Despite their flourishing numbers, the parishioners of St. Rita had to wait over a decade to have a church structure of their own. Built on a five-acre tract of land abutting the intersection of 63rd and Wasthenaw, the present St. Rita parish was dedicated by Cardinal Mundelein on October 28, 1916. In the following year, the Augustinian community that served the parish

became separated from those who served St. Rita High School. Fr. Green was appointed pastor of the parish, and Fr. Egan succeeded him as principal of the high school.

It was not long after this that the small community of Chicago friars began taking steps towards establishing a new province, separated from Villanova. In the summer of 1918, Fr. Green submitted his first formal request to the Villanova Provincial Chapter Friars that they petition “the Curia General to create a new Province in the Middle Western section of the U.S.A.” The Chapter did agree to forward this petition to the General Curia in Rome, in response to which Prior General F. Thomas Rodriguez, O.S.A. wrote: “Before we have recourse to the Holy See for the faculty of erecting a new Province, it is necessary to know which houses and how many Religious will make up the new Province.”

Progress towards independence remained stagnant for many years, even as ministry and vocations flourished.

The Provincial Chapter did at last vote to establish a Midwest Province in 1938, by which point the Augustinians had established houses in Rockford, Detroit, Flint, and Tulsa, together serving three schools and six parishes. In 1940, the Mid-Chapter of the Villanova Province submitted a thoroughly detailed proposal for a new Province with the number of Religious serving exceeding 60. The geographical boundaries were defined thusly: “The new Province should extend northward to Canada, southward to the Gulf of Mexico, westward to the Rocky Mountains, that is, to the eastern limits of the States of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona, eastward to the western limits of the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.”

On May 7, 1940 Augustinian Prior General Fr. Carlo Pasquini, O.S.A. issued his approval for the establishment of the Midwest Province, naming the effective date April 26, 1941, the Feast of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 7

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

7

11/19/21 12:21 PM

One heart, one mind, on the road to God….

Advancing THE Ministry OF St. Augustine One conversation, one relationship, one soul at a time...

By Michael Gerrity, Advancement Director

8

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 8

When we consider the early origins of our faith, the first days of Christ’s ministry on earth, it was just that… one conversation, one hello, one relationship, and one soul at a time. Someone had to reach out, someone had to start a conversation, and it was Christ. Jesus knew that everyone had something to share, something to give, and something of value for others. He was the best in bringing that out of each person. The community he created was united in mission and purpose, diverse, and passionate. It is the same for us, the community of the Midwest Augustinians.

The work of advancement is the sharing of values, of telling the story of the Augustinians, of listening, and coming together to raise awareness and support, united around a vision for a shared God-inspired mission. Not unlike the early beginnings of our faith.

July 2011, starting again….

In the spring of 2011, a team under the leadership of then Prior Provincial Rev. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., comprised of leaders from the Midwest Province, began a search for an experienced advancement director who was a practicing Catholic and well-versed in building broad-based, successful fundraising programs. For some reason, for which I am very blessed, the Holy Spirit brought me together with the Midwest Augustinians.

At that time, there was a fundraising base started 20 years earlier with the leadership of Fr. Joe McCormick.

John and Diane Barrett, two dear souls who have since passed on, carried the program forward for over ten years until my arrival. They helped me to quickly get the lay of the land. Fr. Joe, who, with a handful of lay volunteers, led the Province’s major capital campaign in the early 1990s, had to turn to other formidable duties and assignments. The ministry called for a full-time dedicated staff. After a lot of prayers, questions, and absorbing, we proceeded to lay out and follow this course of action: 1. Mission and Purpose, Questions Upon Questions - We needed to create a well-articulated defining mission and purpose, put it into draft materials, and then test those materials with a couple of dozen Friars and loyal supporters – people who would be both candid and representative of the broader audience. There were so many good questions to address: What is a Province, why do they need financial support? How does a Friar interact with the ordinary church or diocesan pastor? How is an order funded? Are Augustinians still relevant today?

Do we even have realistic expectations and hopes of future growth in vocations?

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Michael Gerrity and Advancement Council Member Ed Hennessy

2. Spirituality of the Ministry - We needed to impress upon everyone, starting with the friars themselves, the deep spiritual nature of the ministry of fundraising. In the process, we purchased and distributed over one hundred copies of Fr. Henri Nouwen’s highly regarded work, “The Spirituality of Fundraising.” Raising funds for Christcentered activities is first and last a ministry. If not, then there is something wrong in the approach or in the heart.

It is faith-centered, relationship, person, and missioncentered work – not transactional.

3. Involving Friars and Laity - We need many more people involved and to buy into this with a passion. So, we sought advice from a dozen or more friars, formed a tenperson lay-driven ad hoc Advancement Council (which thrives today, 10 years later and with a dozen members), and reached out to scores of current or former donors for their thoughts and inputs.

4. Meet, Listen, Question, Listen - We met with over two hundred friars, donors, and families over a four-month period – in Chicago, Detroit, New Lenox, St. Louis, and Tulsa. We presented, they listened, then they spoke and questioned. We listened. As a result, our case and cause became sharper, clearer, and more compelling. People decided that the Augustinians were as relevant today as much as any other moment in human history.

5. Taking the Plunge, Seeking Commitments - Finally, after six months of working through the preceding four steps, we asked 150 people to commit anywhere from $3 to $1 a day for the mission and ministries of the Augustinians. We mailed letters with materials and then called each person. After all our work we had to ask, is supporting an Augustinian and promoting the Kingdom of God and St. Augustine worth a $1, $2, or $3

Continuing Our Journey of Faith Capital Campaign Council

a day? Worth any sacrificial gift? The answer was in the people, not in us. It was time to learn if were near the right course. Within thirty days of the mailing, we had over one hundred gifts (many first-time gifts) totaling over $100,000. Gifts ranged from $25 to $2,500. As important, by the end of 2011, we had: » An attractive, true, faith-based message for support, » Acceptance and understanding from Augustinians, » Ten men and women volunteering to become founding members of a Province Advancement Council, » A plan to hold a gala for over four hundred people in downtown Chicago in Spring 2012, and » Good reason to keep moving forward.

Our “Augustinian” section of the Great Vineyard - When Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A, assumed the formidable duties as Prior Provincial, he and his team saw the wisdom of continuing a faith-based, mission-focused advancement program. By the grace of God, and with your prayers, comments and gifts we continue striving to provide spiritual value to our supporters.

We continue securing financial support for our vocations, our retired and infirmed men, and our missions in Peru. We seek to grow our Province Advancement Council, and to find new ways to demonstrate the immense value of the Augustinians to our faith and the Kingdom of God. We are all working our “Augustinian” corner of God’s great vineyard. He will tell us when our work is done, He will tell us when it is time to end and come home. Until then, we work on in hope, joy, faith, and for each person with whom we connect every moment of our lives. Anything less, well that is just not Augustinian, is it?

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 9

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

9

11/19/21 12:21 PM

THE EARLY YEARS OF THE MISSIONS IN PERU

An Interview with Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A. Can you recall some of your first impression after arriving in Peru as a newly ordained priest?

First, you should know that I studied in Mexico for four years before going to Peru. I was in Mexico from 1965 until 1969. So, I arrived in Peru knowing Spanish. There were several of us initially chosen to go to Peru who were sent to Mexico first for preparation.

One of my classmates was Fr. Jack Dowling. Fr. Jack and I were ordained together, and we went to Mexico together to study and learn theology in the Spanish language.

The Augustinian mission parish where we stayed in Mexico was right on the Atlantic Ocean, where it was extremely hot in the summertime, and it was truly like a jungle area. We had been through places in Mexico with extreme poverty, so by the time I arrived in Lima, Peru, I found this rather beautiful city, and so I felt a little bit relaxed. I thought, “Peru isn’t so bad.” You know? Of course that was the big city, the big city of Lima. That was where Fr. Jack and I took care of our paperwork, getting our documents in order, and finally we moved on to the mission of the Chulucanas.

I arrived at my first assignment in Peru, which was the Parish of San Isidro. I also had an interesting encounter with the pastor Father Ed Chapman when I arrived. Now he was also an unbelievable missionary who spent many, many years in Peru. He was a real strong personality—tall and known to be stern, strict, and rough. So then my first day, we pull up in the car and he comes up to me and said with no introduction, “What took you so long to get here?” I said, “my gosh, I don't know. I've been trying to get here.” So he says, “You have mass tonight out in the campo.” I said, “Well what do you mean out in the campo?” “Well, you have to go a few miles out into the desert, and you're going to have mass out there.”

I said, “I don't know where the town is.” He said, “Someone's going to drive you, don't worry.” So that's my first night in Morropón. I'm now sent out to this desert town. Of course there was no electricity, and they had these lanterns.

You were saying mass by lamplight?

Yeah, right. And I was talking to people who had no idea who I was. I really had no introduction, what I was supposed to say them? I celebrated Mass, gave a homily, then came back late at night. Everyone was sleeping, and I get back and try to find my room in complete darkness. I said, “Oh my gosh, what have I gotten myself into?!”

In December 2018, Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A. and the people of his Chulucanas diocese celebrated 50 years of his priesthood, the entirety of which had been spent at our Peruvian Missions.

For this occasion we spoke with Bishop Turley about some of his earliest memories of the missions. To celebrate our 80th Anniversary as a Province we invite you to look back with us at this fascinating insight into our history.

But throughout it all, Fr. Chapman turned out to be just a wonderful pastor because he truly was a pastor who loved his people. He was willing to make great sacrifices for the people. He was really good to the poor. He always went out especially for anyone who was sick. Right from my first days in Morropón, we made a point to always go out to visit the sick. I'll never forget those things.

I was in Morropón for almost seven years at my first assignment. I learned an awful lot from Father Chapman. And also from the other fellow Augustinians. As I look back now 50 years later, I was most grateful for my first years because I saw that the thing that counts the most is the pastor's love for his people, and the people for him. That mutual support was what gives life to our priests and to our religious.

10

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 10

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

One of the most impactful events of my first years in Morropón was the Great Peruvian Earthquake in 1970. It was May 31st and around three o'clock in the afternoon. There had been a meeting of our parish and I began to see the church tarp moving back and forth in our house.

Everything was moving. It was an earthquake. I said, “Oh my gosh, Is the church going to fall down, or what?” I had never been in an earthquake before. That earthquake killed 75,000 people in total. Not in our diocese of Chulucanas, though. In central Peru, one town was totally wiped out by this avalanche that came down because of the earthquake. In that one town 27,000 people were killed. They were buried under mud that came down from the higher mountains and went right over the town. It later became a national cemetery.

The frightening part for us in Morropón was that there was no communication system. We didn't know what was happening. There was no television, but there was some information that there had been a major earthquake and many people were dying. We didn't have much more. The next day, which would've been June 1st, […] Father Chapman had got more information about the earthquake and filled up the truck with all the food that he could possibly get from the people and from the parish. He set out with two other men to bring food supplies to the people who were suffering greatly because of the earthquake. He gave everything that we had to the poor.

We later called this time the “Death and Resurrection in Northern Peru,” because there were so many signs of solidarity. So many people sacrificing themselves to go to help the stricken areas, the people who had been injured and who had lost everything.

At the time when you arrived, how much of the focus of the mission was on social issues like the development of infrastructure and hunger and health care versus catechesis or evangelization?

That's certainly a good question. It was a mixture but the greatest emphasis at that time was on evangelization--getting the Good News out.

Our people knew the Lord, but their knowledge of the faith was so poor.

They never had much catechesis or anything like that. So we certainly gave an awful lot of time trying to form the faith our people.

Fr. Dan Turley scaling the Andes with his burro

However, there was extreme poverty among our parishioner that we also had to address.

Right around time, Peru had some changes in its laws that were trying to turn the land over to the people. Up until that time, Peru had a hacienda system, which was where large tracts of land were controlled by one owner, who had many servants, almost like slaves, working on their land. In 1968, there was a new agricultural reform that began by saying, “The land is for those who work on it. The ones who work the land will become the owners.”

A lot of cooperatives came into being during the early 1970s. You had, say, 500 men who now became the owners of a big tract of land. The trouble was, how do you get these people to work together? They had never been owners of the land before. They didn't know how to administer, because they weren't prepared for it, and as a result they experienced prolonged poverty.

The Augustinian missionaries had to walk with them during that difficult time. We had social programs bringing in wheat, corn, and flour from the United States. At the parish in Morropón we had a little bread factory where each day we made 1,000 little loaves. The people would come to get bread from the parish. Most of the time you'd give let's say one bread to a person, one little roll.

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 11

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

11

11/19/21 12:21 PM

The life of a missionary often involves real danger, even physical danger from either the government, or the people who don't want change to happen in their countries. Was there any of that in your experience as a missionary?

Sure, I was almost thrown out of the country. That was when I first became bishop.

When I was priest I could say also there were tensions and difficulties with the government. When we were up in the mountains in Pacaipampa, there were a lot of tense moments. On the one hand, we Augustinian priests were accused of being communists, because we were trying to help the people. Then on the other hand, we were accused of being spies of the CIA. The worst time, when I was truly in danger, was when I was a new bishop and there was a big mining project going on up in Pacaipampa, up in the Andes.

Mining companies discovered that there was this huge deposit of copper there, so the government gave them permission to explore. The residents became very frightened by all of this and started having meetings. The people finally said, “We don't want a mine up here. We don't want a mining corporation to damage our rivers and our streams, and our water, and our land.”

The children of Pacaipampa Peru in the 1970s

As a young bishop, of course I felt it was my duty to walk with the flock and support them in this decision. Some of the political officials asked me, “Why aren't you supporting this big mine?” I said, “What is your understanding of a pastor?” I'd ask some of the politicians, “What do you understand by pastor? Doesn't a pastor take care of his sheep? I have to walk with the people, that's what I've been asked to do. Our people are saying they don't want the mine. They want to be listened to, they want to be respected.”

I would say to them, “The only thing these farmers have is their land and their animals.

They don't have anything else. They have no bank accounts. They have no checking accounts. They have no savings. They have nothing. If you expect the people to give up their land, let that all be destroyed, and to not be heard, then you are not thinking well.”

Government officials began saying that I, as bishop, was riling up dissent among the people and that I was a communist. They put me on the front page of the newspapers, saying I was going to be thrown out of the country. One Peruvian representative said to get rid of this bishop. Thanks be to God, that didn't happen. Actually, a very wonderful thing happened. There was a march organized by the people in my favor. There were 10,000 people marching through the streets in solidarity with me. The government then stepped back and began to listen. As a result, to this day that mine has never been put into activity. If, at some moment in the future, there could be the development of this mine, wonderful. But it should be done in unity with the people. Not to step down on the people.

It must take some distinct qualities in a person to be called to mission work and be willing to leave one’s comfort zone, can you speak to that?

When you're working with the poor, they really begin to evangelize you. You start to say to yourself, “Oh my god. I'm going to complain about my coffee's not hot?” How can I complain when someone doesn't have a table. They don't have anything, and I'm going to complain because I don't have some hot toast, or I don't have cornflakes or something.

All those things became so unimportant because you're with people who sometimes have nothing. So the poor truly evangelize one. They bring you closer to the Kingdom’s values.

They make you almost ashamed to ever be worried about some little comforts. You would almost be ashamed to even mention when you're with the very poor people.

12

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 12

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

TH

&

in God, and to others in the city and throughout the nation as they prepared young men for college and for life!

St. Rita had its record enrollment in the 1960s at 2,200 when it had a significant amount of technical classes. And while there are now only about 500 students, it nonetheless continues to provide a great college-prep curriculum while working on including a STEM approach for those who are interested.

TH

By Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A.

A

s we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel which was established in 1941, some may say, ‘I thought you guys have been in Chicago since 1905?’ And they would be correct! When Fr. James Green, O.S.A. came to the Southside of Chicago to establish the first Augustinian Foundations at St. Rita High School and Parish on 63rd Street, it was the Villanova Province that sent him there. There was only one Province in the United States at that time. But friars like Fr. Green and others were instrumental in laying the foundation for the new province to be formed. The new expansion of the Order to the Midwest and the West was an exciting time for the Church.

The number of new vocations, the distance and difficulty of travel (by train) and means of communication (by letter) meant that it made sense to form an independent province.

Unfortunately, Fr. Green didn’t live to see it happen. So while we celebrate 80 years as a Province, we also celebrate 116 of presence! For all these years St. Rita High School has been the flagship of the Augustinian Presence in Chicago.

I am proud to be part of that legacy having graduated in 1983, along with my four brothers, Michael ‘81, Tom ‘84, Joe ‘91, and Chris ‘94. I also have two nephews who are part of this legacy: Trevor ‘17 and Trent ‘22. My Dad, Mike, was made an honorary alumnus in 2018 on his 80th Birthday!

He was also an active member and officer of the Band Boosters and Fathers’ Club. My Mother, Jean, was a member of the Band Boosters and an officer in the Mothers’ Club.

My sister-in-law Dawn was a member of the Faculty and my sister-in-law Dina is a member of the Board of Directors.

I also still serve on the Board. So, as you can see, this has been and continues to be a family affair! I think that sense of Augustinian Community is what has attracted all of us, it’s the St. Rita Family! That is what I believe has been it’s biggest contribution over the years, connecting people to their Faith

Sports has always been a significant part of our history.

Many people associate St. Rita with a great football tradition, but they have also had significant success over the years in baseball, basketball and hockey, and more recently with volleyball, water polo, and soccer.

I, along with all of my brothers, spent time in the St. Rita Band! The Marching Mustangs are what actually attracted me to St. Rita! There have been several Augustinians who are alums of St. Rita and were members of the Band: Fr. Ray Ryan, Fr. John Ohner, Fr. Tom Martin, John Perovich and my classmate, Fr. Tom McCarthy!

St. Rita strives to educate the whole person: body, mind and spirit by providing a well-rounded liberal arts education where spirituality, academics, athletics and arts are all important! I believe one of the best things we do is summed up in the Kairos retreat program where students are able to reflect on all the opportunities they have been blessed by God to experience at St. Rita and with their families. They then are reminded of the responsibility to be a contributing member of society, family life, the church, and their alma mater. As St. Luke reminds us, “to those to whom much has been given, much will be expected!”

In one sense, it doesn’t matter what province runs St. Rita, what matters is that we have Augustinians and lay collaborators who will continue this fine tradition! I pray that St. Rita High School will continue to provide quality Augustinian Education on the Southside of Chicago for years to come!

St. Rita of Cascia…Pray for Us!

Rita Grads Bernie Scianna and Tom McCarthy with Fr. David Brecth, O.S.A.

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 13

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

13

11/19/21 12:21 PM

O BROTHER, WHY ART THOU? Br. Nicholas Mullarkey speaks to Br. Jerome Sysko about the role of the religious brother in our Province history

D

uring the Spring of 2012, I had my formal interview to join the Augustinians. I specifically remember telling the committee that I felt called to be a brother. One of the reasons I first contacted the Augustinians and eventually joined was specifically because they have brothers. It is a unique vocation, one that is often hard to explain, but one which has been a part of our Order since the beginning.

To better understand the evolution of my particular calling, I interviewed Br. Jerome Sysko, O.S.A. One of the silver linings of the Covid era is that video communication across long distances does not seem so strange anymore.

Although I live in Tulsa and Jerome lives in Chicago, we were able to talk face-to-face via Zoom. I noticed many similarities between our experiences, as well as some differences. But first and foremost, what I took away from the interview was JOY. Jerome conveyed incredibly deep joy about his vocation, his various ministries, and his life journey. He truly loves his vocation. And he wants others to feel the joy he has experienced throughout his life.

Jerome’s experience of formation was very different from mine. He moved to Oconomowoc, WI on Aug. 20, 1961.

After six months, he received the habit of an oblate – tunic, cincture, and scapular. During this time, the brothercandidates lived apart from priest-candidates in the brothers’ formation house. Normally Jerome would have been in Oconomowoc for three years before novitiate; however, he only spent about a year there. Fr. Ruellen Fink, O.S.A. asked Jerome to go to St. Rita High School Monastery. While there, his formation continued under the mentorship of several priests. He performed many domestic duties during this time, as was typical of brothers. Jerome began tailoring with Br. John Patrick during this time. He also learned how to cut hair. Jerome fondly remembers drawings of various Augustinians that were on the wall of the monastery barber shop (Frank Lawlor was the “Hollywood look” and bald Ralph Giovenetti was the “Barber’s delight”). Eventually, he joined the brothers who had taken over running the school cafeteria. (Fun fact: the money raised by the cafeteria was destined for the new Augustinian center house in Lima, Peru as our province mission was just getting going.)

How did Jerome become a brother? Originally from Chicago, from proud Polish roots, Jerome believes his vocation was planted at St. Ann Church by the priests and sisters there.

He was drawn to church like a magnet. He looked forward to his First Communion. He looked forward to serving Mass as an altar boy. In high school, Jerome was friends with Chuck Prevendar and he would tag along with Chuck’s family for visits to the novitiate in Oconomowoc, WI. He met Fr. Joe

On September 4, 1964 (57 years to do the day of our interview!), Jerome entered the novitiate. Brothers lived with the rest of the novices and also joined them for meals and classes. However, they prayed the Divine Office separately. The priest-candidates prayed the Office in Latin, while brother-candidates prayed the Little Office of Mary in English. They also wore different colors: priest-candidates wore a white habit and brother-candidates wore the regular

As we look back at our province’s 80th anniversary, I am grateful for the strong presence of brothers among the ranks of Midwest Augustinians since our founding. I know full well that I stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before me. And I also know that our role as brothers has changed and taken on new forms over the decades.

14

Perry and visited the brother’s formation house. Jerome was really impressed by the brothers, and, after meeting them several times, he eventually told his parents that he wanted to be an Augustinian brother.

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 14

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

black habit. Upon profession, all the priest-candidates moved to the regular black habit while brother-candidates kept the black habit. Once again his normal course of formation was cut short, and before finishing his novitiate, Br. Anthony came from St. Rita’s and asked for Jerome to come back to the cafeteria.

My pre-novitiate in Ardmore, PA and novitiate in Racine, WI were quite different. We did not live separately as prenovices. We all wore white habits in the novitiate and received the black habit upon profession. And we all prayed the same Office too. The only time my formation differed from priest-candidates was when I reached the Theologate in Hyde Park, Chicago. Some of my courses were different and I did not return to Hyde Park after my pastoral year because of the degree program I chose. Yet, even the fact I could choose my degree program says something about how my experience was different from Jerome’s.

Other differences in our experiences occurred in community life. At St. Rita’s in the early 1960s, brothers got $5 a month for their stipend while priests got $5 a week.

At times Jerome had to ask his parents for money. Brothers also sat at a separate table during dinner. (This was the only house Jerome had a separate table for eating. He never had a house with a separate common room, but he heard about it in other places.) This was very different from my experience, where meals and stipends have always been the same between everyone in the community.

I have heard stories about brothers being treated merely as domestic help; however, this was not Jerome’s experience. He never felt like a second-class friar. Rather, he emphasized how much the brothers enjoyed their time together. A very fond memory Jerome had was from the 1960s. Fr. Fink would invite all the brothers for the feast of Bl. Frederick of Regensburg, who was himself an Augustinian brother. Every year there would be a celebration for the brothers on that day, even including the brothers from Canada. There would be a banquet feast, Fr. Fink would express his gratitude to the brothers, and then hand them each $5. They would then stand on the steps of St. Rita Monastery and the high school band would pass by and play for them. Even after Fr. Cavanaugh became the next provincial, he appointed Fr. Fink as “provincial of the brothers,” where Fr. Fink would be in charge of transferring brothers and keeping in touch with them.

Throughout the years, brothers have been a big part of our province. But brothers still often get asked: “Why didn’t you go all the way? Why didn’t you get ordained?” Jerome and I have both experienced this. When I asked Jerome about this, he said, “I went all the way. I made my commitment. I took the same vows as the priests: poverty, chastity, and obedience; but I don’t feel I’m called to the ordained ministry.” Jerome did consider a vocation to the priesthood once in grammar school, however he ultimately found that “his giftedness was in his hands.” He is grateful for the various ways the Order facilitated and encouraged the use of his various gifts and talents. I agree with Jerome, and I love being a brother because of the various and creative ways in which we can serve.

Going forward, having brothers alongside priests will be an important part of what makes Augustinians unique. We currently have 10 brothers in the Midwest Province. So how do we prepare for future vocations?

Jerome says that someone discerning a vocation should come and talk to a brother and hear his story, as well as visit a community and see the ministry we do. He thinks we should encourage the students at our schools to think about vocations. He said, “I’m hoping that by our example, by our love, by our care, by our concern, by our attentiveness to the students, that that will speak volumes, more so than anything we can say verbally.”

I am privileged to share the vocation of brother with Jerome. We have a unique and important role to play in our Order. We support the ordained ministers, while also providing various ministries ourselves. I hope I may impact even a fraction of the people Jerome has impacted. I also hope that discerners can witness the joy of brothers like Jerome and consider whether God is calling them to this particular way of life.

Most of the changes between Jerome’s formation and mine can be attributed to the Second Vatican Council.

Jerome lived through these changes and noted how many different ministerial opportunities opened up to him after the Council. In fact, Jerome has done it all. Besides cooking, tailoring, and cutting hair, he has done ministry in parishes, schools, prisons, formation houses, and health care facilities.

Many of these opportunities would not have been available before the Council. Other changes began to occur after the Council too: all novices began to live together, and stipends became standardized for all friars, ordained or not.

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 15

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

15

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Cascia Hall Inspired, Challenged, and Formed Us

The dedication of the chapel at Cascia Hall Preparatory Academy in Tulsa

By Anthony J. Lauinger, Augustinian Affiliate Class of ‘62

“H

ave you ever thought of being a priest?” I was 13 years old the first time anyone asked me that. It was Fr. Mario J. Porreca, O.S.A., at Cascia Hall.

The question led me, four years later, into the Augustinian seminary, and though I didn’t become a priest, Fr. Porreca’s simple, yet profound, question left a deep imprint. My time in the seminary was a great blessing, and I’ve posed that same question through the years to my own sons and other young men. That question can plant a seed, and has the potential to produce fruit a hundredfold.

My introduction to Cascia Hall had come seven years earlier, on a Sunday afternoon in autumn when I walked through the woods and across the wooden bridge over the creek to see my first Cascia football game. That was 71

16

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 16

years ago. My brother Phil was a freshman at Cascia that fall of 1950, and I had walked with him the half mile from our home to see the game.

Phil is the oldest of the seven children in our family.

His 1954 graduation was outdoors, next to the old Chestnut Gymnasium. I still remember listening to his “Men of Normandy” Valedictory Address, delivered just days before the tenth anniversary of D-Day. My brother Frank graduated from Cascia in May of 1958. His commencement exercises were the first ever held in the brand-new Saint Rita’s Chapel, which had been dedicated earlier that same month by Bishop Victor J. Reed. A fellow eighth-grader and I had been pulled out of class the day before the dedication to help get the chapel

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

There were brief exchanges that took place more than six decades ago that I still remember as though it were yesterday.

One eighth-grade afternoon at football practice, I ran a play around left end carrying the ball in my right arm. Father W. F. Labadie, O.S.A., who was an exceptional coach, blew the whistle and yelled, “Lauinger, when you run around left end, carry the ball in your left arm.” I had the temerity to say, “But, Father, I always carry the ball in my right arm.” He responded simply: “You used to.” I never did again.

ready. The classmate was Frank Keating, who would go on to become Governor of Oklahoma.

I graduated from Cascia in 1962, and Joe, the youngest of us four boys and the seventh of our parents’ children, graduated in 1963. Joe is one of two Cascia Hall alumni whose names are carved in the black granite wall of the Vietnam Memorial.

In later years, Phil’s two sons both graduated from Cascia.

My sister Fran, an alumna of Cascia’s Benedictine all-girls “sister school,” Monte Cassino, saw four of her children graduate from Cascia. Phil now has a granddaughter at Cascia, and Fran has two granddaughters and a grandson there.

My wife Phyllis and I had children at Cascia 19 straight years, and have seven Cascia alumni among our eight children. Our oldest, a girl, graduated from our diocesan high school, which is named for Bishop Francis Clement Kelley, who, in 1926, asked the Augustinians to come to the mission territory of Oklahoma and establish a Catholic school for boys in Tulsa.

In 1986, Cascia announced it would begin admitting girls, a decision prompted by Monte Cassino’s closing its high school. I so strongly disagreed with the prospect of Cascia’s becoming co-ed that I requested an opportunity to address Cascia’s board of directors to explain my opposition in hopes the decision might be reconsidered.

I made my case to the board in support of a religious order of men teaching, coaching, mentoring boys in an all-male environment, and helping young guys make the transition from boys into men. I still believe in the soundness of the argument I offered – because I know how that environment benefited me – but the decision was not reconsidered. An ironic upshot of my failed attempt to persuade the board was that our four younger daughters all went on to graduate from Cascia Hall.

Angelo Prassa, the varsity football coach at that time, spoke to me on my way to class one morning in May of eighth grade: “Tony, I hope you’ll come out for football this fall. We think you could help us.” He must have been a mind-reader about a dilemma with which I was struggling.

I wasn’t “that big.” Playing high-school football wasn’t a family tradition. I found football to be a very intimidating and daunting challenge. But after hearing those words of personal encouragement from Coach Prassa, there was no longer any doubt I would play.

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of a young person’s having good influences during those extremely impressionable teenage years. Four decades after that brief encounter on a May morning, I attended Coach Prassa’s funeral. In his eulogy, fellow coach and close friend Wilf Uhren said that, for Angelo, “Football was a platform for teaching his players about life.” Those words captured Coach Prassa perfectly, and accurately explain, as well, the essence of Cascia Hall – boundless opportunities for exposure to good role models, for taking on extracurricular responsibilities, for growing into leadership, for learning enduring, invaluable lessons of life.

Those inspiring role models at Cascia have been legion: Father Spielmann, Father Gaffney, Father Sinnott, Father Hamill, Father Nash, Father McCall, Father Glynn, Father Brecht, Father Tack, Father Bernie, Father Philip, Father Laird, Father Perez, and many, many more.

The edifying example of so many selfless Augustinians through these past 95 years have molded, shaped, and made countless young people into the adults they became. We, who have been the students of these Augustinians, have benefited a hundredfold – not just from what they’ve taught us in the classroom, on the playing fields, or in the chapel – but from the example of their very lives.

They have embodied and lived that great teaching of the Order’s founder:

“Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 17

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

17

11/19/21 12:21 PM

EIGHTY YEARS

A LONG TIME – A LIFETIME FOR MANY

By Don Berschback, Augustinian Affiliate

D

uring this, the celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Midwest Province of the Augustinians, I have been asked to write a few comments on the role the Augustinians have played in my life and in the life of my family and friends. It is somewhat coincidental that 80 years is the amount of time God has given me the opportunity to live on planet earth.

My involvement with the Augustinians began in 1953 when my parents moved into the Parish of St. Clare of Montefalco in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Our growing family needed more space – thus a larger home. I entered St. Clare School in sixth grade. At that time there were six Augustinian Priests assigned to the Parish, 13 Masses (none on Saturday) and 1,100 children in the school building.

I vividly recall my mother hauling four children to the

18

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 18

Don (second principal’s office at school so we could from left) in the be enrolled. “Unfortunately” said the Austin Debate principal the school building was “full Club. Current up.” Later, my mother returned to the Augustinian principal’s office and Fr. Philip Colgan, archivist Br. Tom O.S.A., the pastor, was also present. After Taylor, O.S.A. is much discussion Fr. Colgan approved our seen seated, fifth entry into the school. This was my first from the right. initial experience with an Augustinian. A most favorable one and one that would grow and thrive from that day forward.

I graduated in 1956 from 8th grade and enrolled in Austin Catholic High School in August of 1956.

Thus my true beginning with the Augustinians. I vividly remember Fr. Edward Chapman, O.S.A., the disciplinarian

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

at Austin Catholic High School and also my Freshman Math teacher. He was, and still is, revered and honored as a true Christian model – one who influenced my life forever.

priests and now some of the younger priests entering the Augustinian Order – especially in the Midwest Province. The future seems bright for the Augustinians.

I do remember one time 600 of us boys were in the gym and Fr. Ed entered the room. I heard one voice say something out of character for the school – Fr. Ed identified the individual out of 599 other boys and quickly asked that individual to “meet him after school for jug.” One and onehalf hours of quiet time. No one ever did figure out how Fr. Ed could identify one person out of 600 boys.

I have been privileged to be involved with the Augustinians for such a long period of time. I have assisted them with fundraising efforts and they have enhanced my spiritual life. I was privileged to coordinate the “Journey of a Lifetime” campaign in the 1980s and have been on the Advancement Development Committee since its inception in 2011.

There was a Berschback boy (myself and my five younger siblings) in attendance at Austin Catholic High School continuously from 1956 through 1975 – 19 straight years.

While the Brecht family (including my good friend Fr. David Brecht, O.S.A.) also had six boys attend Austin Catholic High School, they did not attend on a continuous basis. That was one example of how the involvement of the Augustinians with large families with boys becoming men evidenced the Augustinians special educational opportunities.

A new Chapter for the Midwest Augustinians was the opening of the “new” Austin Catholic High School in Macomb County, Michigan some ten years ago. In this day and age “the numbers are not there yet”. However, the school continues to grow. I recently was asked to be on the Board of Directors of the School and will do all that I can to carry on the traditions of Austin for the future. I hope more alumni will join me in that effort.

My involvement with the Augustinians continued from high school through the present time. Except for a brief hiatus from St. Clare Parish when I got married, I have been close to the Order. I count as my friends some of the older

Eighty years – a lifetime and one that passes quickly – a lot faster than we realize. As we celebrate the history and great work of the Augustinians let us all pray for more vocations and for their continued success in education, Parish ministry, and their missionary work.

“As we celebrate the history and great work of the Augustinians let us all pray for more vocations and for their continued success in education, Parish ministry, and their missionary work.”

Don holding his younger brother Chip at the Austin school fair

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 19

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

19

11/19/21 12:21 PM

We are the Men from the Academy

by Joseph Torrisi

W

e are the men from the Academy. Augustinian Academy – A College Preparatory High School for Boys. Located south of St Rita’s and north of Cascia Hall. Our Augustinian outpost resided in St Louis, Missouri, a few blocks from the Mississippi River in an older section of South St. Louis called Dutchtown.

We were the youngest school in St. Louis, but had the oldest campus. The school grounds had a long history, beginning as a school for girls, then a college for women, to become an academy for men. In 1872, the Society of Sacred Heart sisters opened an all-girls school called Maryville Academy of the Sacred Heart, on 21-acre tract at 2900 Meramec Avenue. It evolved into Maryville College for Women until 1960, when the property was sold and became Augustinian Academy for Boys.

The first freshman class started in Fall 1961 when 130 brave boys began their high school education on the 90-yearold campus. The three buildings were unique, historic, and in need of repair. The architecture was unlike any other school.

The main building had administrative offices, classrooms with 20-foot windows, high ceilings, wooden floors, doors and bannisters, even had dormitory rooms on the top floor.

Plus, an old fashion telephone booth with a pay phone. The four-floored structure had a dome resting on top that could be seen by the Mississippi river boatmen, thus used as a navigating landmark for years.

The gymnasium did not have a regulation basketball floor, but it had a balcony which prevented shots from the corners.

20

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 20

Talk about home court advantage. Only the freshman played games there. The locker room had no lockers, just nails, hooks and wooden benches. The showers had limited hot water. But it was our gym. The third building was mostly classrooms.

The initial 1961 school year had nine male teachers educating 130 freshman. They did an outstanding job, and each year thereafter, the Academy’s reputation grew as a popular and respected school in St Louis. In a handful of years, student population rose from 130 to 650, as students came from all corners of the city, of all ethnic backgrounds, and all races, including 30-50 out-of-state residents, even international students from Mexico, Iran, and other countries. We were diverse, but held utmost respect for each other.

The staff grew to over thirty lay and religious instructors.

Coaches were hired, along with secretaries, cafeteria workers, custodians, and more. The discipline was legendary. Strict, firm but fair. After 1972, the Augustinian staff integrated into other area schools, and had notable careers. As proof, our outstanding staff became Principals, Deans, and leaders in academia. The coaches won numerous state championships at rival schools in baseball, basketball, football, while one coach won nine national collegiate soccer championships.

The academics were designed to challenge each student to reach their full potential. Advanced courses, and college placement classes provide students an opportunity to

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

graduate with college credits. Extracurricular activities ran the gamut from traditional interscholastic team sports, to club sports like bowling, hockey, chess, plus theatre, photography, yearbook, newspaper. Academy men were given numerous opportunities to grow and develop. Augustinian graduates went on to universities of higher learning, many went on to attend local state and private colleges, even a Rhodes Scholar.

In sports, Augustinian was in the premier private school conference. It was tough, but the young school was competitive and held its own. In year five of our existence, the 1966 Augustinian Braves finished fourth in state basketball, and second in state basketball. The athletic future was bright for a school without a home football or baseball field, nor a gymnasium to host a basketball game. These Braves truly were road warriors.

The enthusiastic student body support was inspirational.

Again, Augustinian never had a home came; yet for many games, students met at school to board charter buses, arriving en masse and flooding the bleachers while singing and chanting our cheers and fight song. Our entrance was energizing, invigorating, exciting. Goosebumps.

The athletic success inspired the construction of a football/soccer field in 1970, and a baseball diamond in 1971. In addition, plans for our own gymnasium was in the works. Also, classrooms were improved, the auditorium renovated, library expanded, our landmark Dome was being reconditioned. We were molding a first class institution.

The Men’s Club, The Mother’s Club, and other auxiliaries raised funds and awareness for the physical improvements, and for academic scholarships. The Foundation Day Dinner, started in 1962, became an annual event, along with The Fall Festival, the Alphabet Club, and Student Council monthly dances. The goal was daunting, but the Academy men were up to task. Remember, we were years away from starting an Alumni Association.

The first few Augustinian graduates were just completing college. Yet, Augustinian Spirit prevailed, and improvements were accomplished in due time.

out, easy to transfer, easy to accept our fate, but instead the Academy Men stood tall, held their heads up high, and felt justly proud when the red and black marched by until that final day in May 1972.

And today? You should know that The Augustinian Academy Spirit remains strong. How? The efforts of Steve Baker, and his 1969 classmates would not let the spirit, nor the memory fade. The last 35+ years, they have provided leadership in developing an organized Alumni Association.

They became began meeting, soon inviting all alumni. In time, other classes began to do same. Events like a Golf Tourney began with proceeds set aside for scholarship fund awarded to Children/Grandchildren of Alumni who met the criteria and would attend a Catholic High School. Class lunches were being held with greater frequency, especially as Alums retire. Some classes meet monthly, other less frequent.

Nearly every class has held a reunion. There is a website, and social media opportunities to reconnect or stay connected.

The Spirit is contagious.

The class lunches have been well received. Guys who have not seen each other, in some cases 50 years, reconnect instantly. The laughter, the stories, the memories, the recollections, and moments of silence for deceased classmates, – the unity and the brotherhood we all shared resurfaces instantly. Everyone agrees, we must meet again.

We make plans to do it again. As we depart, contact info is exchanged, personal plans are made for a quieter lunch, a dinner with spouses, a round of golf, a bicycle ride on the Katy Trail, a coffee.

Yes, our Spirit continues today, and it will remain inside each of us until the last man. After all…WE ARE FOREVER THE MEN OF THE ACADEMY, AUGUSTINIAN!

That same Augustinian Spirit remains alive. It has been 49 years since the decision to turn off the lights, and lock the doors at 2900 Meramec.

The 1971-72 school year officially was the final year of Augustinian Academy, St. Louis. It did not stop the Freshman (Class of 1975) from enrolling to gain one year of the Augustinian experience. It did not stop the Sophomore class (1974) and Junior class (1973) returning to the Academy for a final school year before they would transfer. It did not stop the Class of 1972 from carrying on the traditions for that one final year. It did not stop Alumni from attending and participating. It would have been easy to bail

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 21

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

21

11/19/21 12:21 PM

A

Augustinian Academy

50

TH

REUNION

of the Class of 1971

By Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A.

O

n October 9, 2021, I attended the 50th reunion of the Class of ’71 of the former Augustinian Academy in St. Louis. During my three day visit I was offered hospitality by Fr. Jack Siefert, the pastor of St. Ambrose Parish on The Hill. It was a memorable occasion because I had the opportunity to meet the attending alumni of the Academy as well as get acquainted with the neighborhood of The Hill where I haven’t visited for over 40 years.

The Hill produced baseball’s Yogi Berra and Joe Garagiola, who grew up on the same block and got their start by playing street ball. Today the community maintains its Italian American flair with street level commercial businesses that serve the residents with authentic cuisine and freshly baked pastries.

T

Even after 50 years and only one decade (1961-1972) of Augustinian presence at the school, the sense of camaraderie and strong connections between the alumni of Augustinian Academy are very impressive. I am grateful especially to Joe Torrisi, an alum of the same class, who was one of the coordinators of this event.

The hospitality of the alumni and the neighborhood around The Hill is genuine. The gratitude that these graduates of ’71 demonstrate their Augustinian education is authentic. I was left with the same sense of gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate these 50 years of fraternity.

closed of Mic the ca the clo semin those counte volunt three s the im

To Class Good B encaps the ov St. Au from t O.S.A

I also took the opportunity to visit the former novitiate of the Midwest Province at Immaculate Conception/St. Henry Parish (now closed).

This is one of the apostolates the Province served for several years not only contributing to the formation of many friars but also greatly contributing to the poor in the neighborhood.

22

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 22

At as Bro follow invest priests ordain am ete your l

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Alumni Remember St. Augustine’s Seminary in Holland

T

he Augustinian Order operated a minor seminary, St. Augustine High School, in Holland, MI beginning in the 1940s. Due to declining enrollment the friars closed the school in 1977, selling the property to the State of Michigan and using the proceeds to establish a fund for the care of sick and retired friars. In the decades following the closing, the bonds of brotherhood forged among the seminary alumni have remained vibrant, and many of those who ultimately discerned out of religious life are now counted among the Province’s most generous benefactors and volunteers. In recognition of the Province’s 80th Anniversary, three such alumni offered their memories and reflections on the impact of their years spent at St. Augustine’s.

Tom Brodnicki, member of the St. Augustine Seminary Class of 1967, is nearing completion on a book titled Good Boys – Growing Up Away from Home, which looks to encapsulate the “stories of seminary life, lessons learned, and the overall impact of our individual and shared experience [at St. Augustine’s]” The book’s title, as well as its scope, comes from the words of former Seminary Rector Fr. Ray Ryan, O.S.A. At the 40th Anniversary celebration of the class of ’67, as Brodnicki relates, one of the alumni asked Fr. Ray the following question: “Given the time, energy, and resources invested in us by the Augustinians, were you or the other priests disappointed that all but three of our class were ordained as Augustinians?” Fr. Ray responded. “Not at all, I am eternally grateful for the experience of playing a role in your lives and that you have grown up to be good men. After

all, that is what we, your Augustinian teachers and guides set out to do from day one.”

Excerpt from the forward to Good Boys—Growing up Away from Home: We were lucky. Actually, in retrospect, without knowing it, we were blessed. Born amidst the “Baby Boomer” generation, we grew up as adolescents away from home as high school seminarians during the turbulent 1960s. Although away from home, family and friends - together we learned, we grew, we experienced the events and turbulence of our nation and the world from a bubble of sorts as we shaped our values and how we would choose to live our lives and our faith over the decades since then.

As a group of mostly midwestern seminarians from the 1960s, our chosen paths and relentless friendships came into clear focus at the 10th, 25th and especially at our 40th and 50th reunions, where many of us, several of our wives and those ordained from our class came together in ways we never imagined when we first met in September 1963.

Regardless of the reason you picked up this book, we hope you “take up and read” and journey with us through our story and the difference it made in our lives and those we have touched along the way. Our story is made up of hopes and dreams initiated and shared by our parents, parish priests and religious sisters. Our story is also wrapped around in brotherly-like love through the laughter, pranks, challenges and quiet tears of being away from home learning and adjusting to a life totally foreign to what we had previously known. At the same time, we hope our story will VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 23

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

23

11/19/21 12:21 PM

cause you to reflect deeper on your own life, your own faith, your own struggle with knowing God and how you respond to His call – whatever it may have been then and continues or does not continue to be today.

Reflection from Joe Brennan, Class of 1968: I can remember coming back from my St. Augustine Seminary class’ 40th reunion at what is now Saugatuck Dunes State Park and, as was always the case, when I took my shoes off at home, there was sand. Back in the day, there was sand in the locker room, sand on the gym floor, some say sand even in the food. I’d come home to Chicago for holidays and summer and my mom

would complain about sand in the washing machine. It was a constant presence and reminder of that idyllic place on the other side of Lake Michigan.

Reconnecting with guys I hadn’t seen since the day we graduated, men who stood up in my wedding, and others who have popped in and out of contact over the last 55 years are a lot like that sand: always there in varying degrees and turning up in the darnedest places and at unexpected times. Hair has changed color and disappeared, weight has come and gone (mostly come!) and eyeglasses are now part of everyone’s wardrobe. Except for half of a brick a sharp-eyed classmate spotted, our brand spanking new school and dorms are demolished and gone. The “old” building, the Felt mansion, that we thought would dry up and blow away in time has been lovingly restored. The 600+ acres of dunes and Lake Michigan shoreline we had all to ourselves are now a state park. Yet it was like we had just rolled out of bed in the dorm, finished prayers and mass in the small chapel, or completed our house job for the day (everybody had an assigned daily chore) or maybe were just released from evening study hall for a half hour of recreation before more prayers and bed. A word, a phrase, a line from a song, a synapse would fire and start a chain reaction. Someone would remember a name, a favorite phrase or a story and another would finish it. Sand!”

Reflection from Pat O’Connor, Class of 1970: If you were a seminarian at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Holland, MI in the mid 1960s, you were chosen by God to become an Augustinian priest… Nah, not unless God drove a blue station wagon called the “Blue Bomb” and took the earthly form of Fr. Dudley Day O.S.A.! Fr. Day was the Vocation Director for the Midwest Province

24

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 24

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

and was the best salesman to ever make a pitch. If he was selling anything else, he would have been a business icon.

How could a 13-year-old turn down going to a brand-new school located on the shores of Lake Michigan, swimming, hiking, skiing, tobogganing? Your parents would be so proud, and, of course, would not be there to tell you what to do. It’s the 60s, you would be making a statement by setting out on your own, Easy Rider bike! While not all found St. Augustine’s through Fr. Day, most did. Others came through parents’ encouragement, other family members already associated with the Augustinians, or a feeling of wanting to take the altar boy responsibility to the next level. But all kidding aside, someone helped guide a young boy to leave home and pursue a deeper understanding of what God had in store for him.

At that point in our lives, becoming a religious and possibly a priest was the path we were on. That journey of discovery is what brought us together and formed a bond with each other and the Augustinians. For some, those bonds were very short lived, but for others those bonds remain strong even today. For me the major pieces of that journey at St. Augustine’s were sharing the religious life with the Augustinian priests and brothers, the brotherhood of my classmates, the outstanding education, sports and all the crazy things we did! In other words, we were living in an Augustinian community that supported and encouraged self-awareness, spiritual development, learning, service to others, playing, and having fun along the way. That experience of Augustinian community added to our families’ love and guidance set us on our life journey with a great roadmap. That is a gift from God.

28. Fr. Mike is the Director of the Health Care program for the Augustinians in Crown Point, Indiana. On St. Augustine’s feast day this year, he made sure the men had a special day to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Province. They had a special mass recognizing all the men for their contribution to the Province, especially those celebrating milestone anniversaries. He then arranged for a catered meal from a local restaurant. But there was one problem – no one to serve the men their meal. I volunteered to be the oldest “priest waiter” on record and ensured him I could find others. My classmate Jim Carberry and Jim Ford, another alum from the class of 1974 , brushed off their priest waiter skills and volunteered. It was an honor and a privilege to serve the men who helped us on our life journey. It was a gift from God to share that very special day with my brother whose Augustinian priestly journey is an inspiration and blessing to me and so many others.

But that original journey that started years ago led most of us on a different path. Actually, out of about sixty members my class, only three were ordained priests: Fr. Cedric Wilson O.S.A., Fr. Bob Dueweke O.S.A. and Fr. Larry Nickels O.F.M. (Larry has since passed and will always help me on my journey.) That said, the bonds established between the Augustinians and my classmates continue to influence my journey of discovering what God is asking of me.

The wisdom of the spiritual direction given to me by so many Augustinians help me to both challenge and live my faith.

The education I received allowed me to pursue a career that was meaningful and rewarding. Lessons learned help guide me as I both failed and succeeded. *** On a personal note, I was introduced to the Midwest Augustinians by my brother, Fr. Michael J. O’Connor O.S.A. My first recollection of his affiliation with the Augustinians occurred when he professed Simple Vows in 1961 at St. Monica’s Seminary in Oconomowoc WI. He celebrated his 60th anniversary as an Augustinian on September 4 and his 50th anniversary as a priest on August

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 25

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

25

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

80° Homilía de Aniversario

del Prior Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo, O. S. A.

R

ecordamos y damos gracias por nuestra consagración a la Iglesia a través de la Orden al celebrar 80 años oficialmente como Provincia, aunque la presencia de OSA existió antes del reconocimiento oficial de la Provincia del año 1941.

La celebración del aniversario de nuestra Provincia nos recuerda que estamos viviendo en medio de la historia. Habiendo hecho (y todavía haciendo) historia, damos la bienvenida a todos nuestros hermanos y hermanas dentro de la Orden e invitamos a los afiliados y beneficiarios del Premio Fidelitas como miembros de la Familia Agustina en general.

Felicitaciones especiales a nuestros jubilares cuyos años de vida comunitaria y servicio fortalecen nuestra determinación de servir a Cristo y a Su Iglesia…

Transiciones de la vida: Muy apropiado con el 80° aniversario, pensé en cómo este es un tiempo de transición para todos nosotros, y uno que podríamos celebrar y marcar como una Provincia, al mirar hacia atrás en nuestras bendiciones, aprender de los desafíos/errores, y mirar hacia adelante, hacia nuestro futuro, mediante la incorporación de ocho décadas de historia celebrando liturgias, la vida en común y de servicio a la Iglesia.

Vivimos en libertad bajo la Gracia. Estamos bajo el Único Dios Vivo y Verdadero, que tiene en Sus Manos todos los tiempos y pueblos. Él nos está haciendo la transición y convirtiéndonos ahora en ciudadanos de Su Reino, colaboradores del orden creativo. Este altar es nuestro punto de encuentro especial en el que Dios nos convoca a nosotros, Sus elegidos, a incorporar los misterios revelados a los corazones escuchantes y humildes para que demos testimonio del poder de la Gracia.

Nosotros como Agustinos y como religiosos, debemos ser muy conscientes de nuestro crecimiento personal y colectivo, nuestras luchas y los dones que traemos a la Iglesia. Esta es una de las señas de identidad de nuestra formación. Encontrar este equilibrio no es fácil. La gracia de Dios nos levanta de la oscuridad a Su luz maravillosa, aunque nos quedamos atrapados en el lodo y el fango de nuestra naturaleza caída, el derecho, la arrogancia, la ambición, la vergüenza y todo lo que nutre nuestro ego o nos impide reconocer a Cristo los unos en los otros.

26

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 26

El Papa Francisco en su tuit de hoy cita a San Agustín: Temo que Jesús pase desapercibido por mí. El Papa continúa: es importante permanecer vigilante porque un gran error en la vida es estar absortos en mil cosas y no notar a Dios.

La transición es un tiempo de Gracia, requiere que nosotros reconozcamos la necesidad constante de dejar ir todo lo que creemos saber y enfrentar nuestra propia impotencia/limitaciones para hacer espacio para el poder del Espíritu de Dios. Caminando juntos en este viaje, descubrimos que hay más áreas grises en la vida. No vivimos en un mundo del “sí” o del “no” todo el tiempo. Tiene muchos matices como para limitarse simplemente a lo “bueno” o lo “malo” o lo “negro” o lo “blanco”.

El mundo en realidad abarca cualidades de ambos.

La pérdida, por ejemplo, si bien es dolorosa y no es una experiencia que la mayoría de nosotros busque, a menudo ofrece un camino de regreso a Dios. La pérdida de alguien o algo no debe considerarse simplemente el final, sino otro camino hacia algo nuevo.

Hemos visto mucha transición en el transcurso de las últimas 8 décadas y que se remonta al año 1905.

La Provincia de OMGC en su evolución y crecimiento ha establecido varias instituciones y ha ofrecido un servicio pastoral que ha dejado un impacto positivo en la vida de muchos. Todos ustedes son prueba de esto. Todos los que estamos presentes hemos sido impactados por el trabajo de los Agustinos de la Provincia del Medio Oeste en mayor o menor grado.

Sí... a lo largo de estos años, hemos lamentado las decisiones de retirarnos de algunas de estas instituciones por muchas razones. Parece que dejar ir y seguir adelante puede amenazar nuestra estabilidad.

Nunca fuimos perfectos y nunca seremos perfectos en este mundo, pero podemos crecer juntos trabajando hacia eso y alcanzar el potencial de santidad basado en nuestro esfuerzo imperfecto. Es bueno saber que no estoy solo en mis imperfecciones.

Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestra historia llena de logros. La Provincia del Medio Oeste, desde su creación, produjo 3 obispos, dos priores generales (3 si

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

contamos al Fr. Hickey que vino de la parroquia de San Gabriel en Canaryville, antes del establecimiento de la Provincia) y una multitud de hombres dedicados a la atención pastoral, la educación católica y la actividad misionera y en diversas funciones de servicio.

Desde los primeros misioneros OSA desde la Provincia de Villanova hasta el Medio Oeste hasta ahora, hemos vivido colectivamente dos grandes guerras y varias otras campañas militares, así como el trauma del 9/11. Seguimos enfrentando una crisis de salud, estancamiento racial, problemas ambientales amenazantes, corrupción política, inestabilidad financiera, crisis de abuso de la Iglesia, etc. sin embargo, a través de todo esto hemos resistido, e incluso en nuestro número más pequeño, seguimos con esperanza. Debido a esto, les pedimos que por favor sean pacientes los unos con los otros. No podemos hacerlo todo. Los invitamos a todos a compartir este esfuerzo de colaboración para solidificar nuestro papel en la construcción del reino de Dios, incluso en medio de los desafíos. Todas estas transiciones podrían habernos derrotado, pero al igual que una extremidad herida, la curación, que puede ser muy dolorosa, resulta en extremidades más fuertes, una metáfora de una resolución más fuerte para avanzar juntos para cumplir nuestro destino, es decir, vivir para Cristo y Su Iglesia en el espíritu de San Agustín.

Uno de nuestros tesoros más preciados en el curso de estos años de evolución como Provincia es el establecimiento del Vicariato en Chulucanas en el norte del Perú. No solo nos encontramos con Cristo, sino que, a través de la sencillez del pueblo de Dios, aprendemos que la generosidad es más que escarbar de manera más profunda en nuestros bolsillos (no es que haya algo malo en eso). La naturaleza generosa del pueblo de Dios en Perú nos saca de nuestra perspectiva limitada para que nuestros corazones vean de manera más clara el rostro de Dios en el campesino y las dificultades que enfrenta su familia. Nuestra familia peruana desafía nuestra complacencia, y a su vez, nos transformamos cada vez más en la imagen y semejanza de Dios (que es más que ser seres inteligentes y razonables, significa ser relacionales). Somos agraciados con el espíritu evangelizador de nuestras hermanas y hermanos en el Perú que encarnan el corazón de Cristo. Esto se llama Misión en reversa.

Existen innumerables historias en los últimos 80 años como Provincia y aún más que se remontan al año 1905, uno de los mejores narradores, el Fr. John Flynn, de 94 años, tendría mucho que decir (y seguir contando). Nuestros hombres mayores y enfermos no podían estar con nosotros físicamente en este momento, pero son parte integral de esta rica y a veces complicada historia de la vida y el trabajo de OSAs de

la Provincia de OMGC. Todos hemos contribuido en mayor o menor grado a la riqueza de esta Provincia.

Reconocemos también el don de Nuestras Hermanas de Vida Contemplativa, Las Agustinas del Socorro, Las Agustinas del Buen Consejo, Hermanas de Santa Rita (que están celebrando 50 años de servicio en la salud), Hermanas de San Casimiro y muchas otras religiosas con las que hemos colaborado en nuestros respectivos ministerios a través de los años... Sus oraciones y su espíritu de colaboración profundizan nuestro aprecio por su contribución al genio femenino de la Iglesia nos lleva a una mayor plenitud como el Cuerpo de Cristo en el mundo, tal como se expresa en nuestras vidas consagradas. Un mundo roto, pero redimido. Nuestra colaboración es un testimonio poderoso de que la misericordia y la compasión de Cristo nuestro Pastor se extiende más allá de las puertas, el proverbial redil de las ovejas. Este pasaje del Evangelio es muy claro en que la Iglesia es lo suficientemente grande para todos. No hay límites, ni fronteras. No hay muro que nos impida caminar con nuestros hermanos y hermanas sufrientes de todas las culturas y formas de vida que se benefician de nuestro alcance y misión y que nos enseñan cómo sufrir con gracia.

Gracias a nuestros colaboradores en nuestras oficinas provinciales por su dedicación y compromiso para ayudarnos en nuestra Misión.

Estamos agradecidos con los bienhechores de nuestra Provincia, tanto vivos como difuntos, que nos acompañan en este camino hacia adelante. No solo al compartir sus recursos para ayudar a sostener nuestra misión, sino también al acompañarnos, ustedes comparten los beneficios de las gracias que recibimos del Espíritu de Dios.

Nuestros Afiliados juegan un papel importante en contribuir a la Iglesia a través de su membresía en nuestra familia Agustina. A través de nuestra mutua colaboración, su acompañamiento añade una riqueza a nuestra vida.

Los beneficiarios de Fidelitas demuestran una amistad profunda y duradera con nosotros. San Agustín enseña que “En este mundo dos cosas son esenciales: la vida y la amistad. Ambas deben ser muy apreciadas y no debemos infravalorarlas”.

Por favor, sigan orando por las vocaciones a nuestro estilo de vida Agustino para que encarnemos de una manera real y práctica la metáfora del Pastor y el rebaño.

Gracias por su presencia y gracias por aceptar la invitación a seguir haciendo historia y recorrer juntos este camino.

Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo, ¡ruega por nosotros!

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 27

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

27

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

Promoviendo el Ministerio de San Agustín

Una conversación, una relación, un alma a la vez...

Por Michael Gerrity, Director de Promoción Un corazón, una mente, en el camino hacia Dios.

Si consideramos los orígenes de nuestra fe, los primeros días del ministerio de Cristo en la tierra, fue solo eso... una conversación, un hola, una relación, y un alma a la vez. Alguien tenía que tender la mano, alguien tenía que empezar una conversación, y ese alguien fue Cristo. Jesús sabía que todos tenían algo que compartir, algo que dar y algo de valor para los demás. Él era el mejor en sacar lo valioso de cada persona.

La comunidad que creó estaba unida en misión y propósito, era diversa y apasionada. Es lo mismo para nosotros, la comunidad de los Agustinos del Medio Oeste.

El trabajo de promover consiste en compartir valores, contar la historia de los Agustinos, escuchar y unirse para crear conciencia y apoyar unidos en torno a una visión para una misión compartida inspirada por Dios. No es muy diferente a los primeros comienzos de nuestra fe.

Julio de 2011, comenzando de nuevo....

En la primavera del año 2011, un equipo bajo el liderazgo del entonces Prior Provincial Rev. Bernie Scianna, O. S. A., conformado por líderes de la Provincia del Medio Oeste, nuestras escuelas y parroquias,

28

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 28

comenzó una búsqueda de un director de promoción experimentado que fuera católico practicante y bien versado en la construcción de programas de recaudación de fondos exitosos, inclusivos y de base amplia. Por alguna razón, por la cual estoy muy bendecido, el Espíritu Santo me reunió con los Agustinos del Medio Oeste.

En ese momento había una base de recaudación de fondos que inició 20 años antes con el liderazgo del Fr. Joe McCormick. John y Diane Barrett, dos queridas almas que después fallecieron, dirigieron el programa por más de diez años hasta mi llegada. Me ayudaron a obtener rápidamente la disposición del territorio. El Fr. Joe, quien con un puñado de voluntarios laicos lideró la campaña de la capital de la Provincia a principios de los noventa, tuvo que recurrir a otras formidables tareas y asignaciones. El ministerio pidió personal dedicado a tiempo completo. Después de muchas oraciones, preguntas e ideas interesantes, procedimos a diseñar y seguir este curso de acción: 1. Misión y propósito, serie de preguntas Necesitábamos crear una misión y un propósito bien articulados, ponerlos en borradores, y luego probar esos materiales con un par de docenas de frailes y seguidores leales, personas que fueran sinceras y representativas de la audiencia más

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

amplia. Había tantas preguntas buenas por analizar: ¿Qué es una Provincia, por qué necesitan apoyo financiero? ¿Cómo interactúa un fraile con la iglesia ordinaria o el pastor diocesano? ¿Cómo se financia una orden? ¿Los Agustinos siguen siendo relevantes hoy en día? ¿Acaso tenemos expectativas realistas y esperanzas de crecimiento futuro en las vocaciones?

2. Espiritualidad del ministerio - Teníamos que inculcarles a todos, empezando especialmente por los mismos frailes, la profunda naturaleza espiritual y llena de gracia del ministerio de la recaudación de fondos. En el proceso compramos y distribuimos más de cien ejemplares de la obra de gran prestigio del Fr. Henri Nouwen, “La Espiritualidad de la recaudación de fondos”. Es el primero y último ministerio el recaudar fondos para actividades centradas en Cristo. Si no es de esta manera, entonces algo está mal en el enfoque o en el corazón. Es un trabajo centrado en la fe, la relación, la persona y la misión, no es un trabajo transaccional.

3. Involucrar a frailes y laicos - Necesitábamos muchas más personas involucradas e invirtiendo dinero en esto con pasión. Por lo tanto, buscamos el consejo de una docena o más de frailes, formamos un Consejo de Promoción de diez personas ad hoc impulsado por laicos (el cual prospera hoy 10 años después y con una docena de miembros), y contactamos a decenas de donantes actuales o anteriores para obtener sus ideas y aportes.

4. Reunirse, escuchar, cuestionar, escuchar - Nos reunimos con más de doscientos frailes, donantes y familias durante un período de cuatro meses, en Chicago, Detroit, New Lenox, St. Louis y Tulsa.

Presentamos nuestras ideas, ellos escucharon, luego hablaron y preguntaron. Nosotros los escuchamos. Como resultado, nuestro caso y causa se volvieron más nítidos, más claros y convincentes. La gente decidió que éramos tan relevantes y necesarios en la actualidad tanto como, si no es que más, en cualquier otro momento en la historia de la humanidad.

5. Tomar la iniciativa, buscar compromisos Finalmente, después de seis meses de trabajo a través de los cuatro pasos anteriores, pedimos a

150 personas que se comprometieran con un aporte de entre $3 y $1 al día para la misión y los ministerios de los Agustinos. Enviamos cartas con materiales y luego llamamos a cada persona. Después de todo nuestro trabajo tuvimos que preguntar, ¿vale la pena apoyar a un Agustino y promover el Reino de Dios y San Agustín con $1, $2, o $3 diarios? ¿Vale la pena dar una generosa ofrenda? La respuesta estaba en la gente, no en nosotros.

Era hora de saber si estábamos cerca del camino correcto. Durante los treinta días de los envíos, recibimos más de cien donaciones (muchos donaban por primera vez) por un total de más de $100,000. Las donaciones oscilaban entre los $25 y $2,500. De igual importancia, a finales del año 2011, obtuvimos: »

Un mensaje de apoyo atractivo, verdadero y basado en la fe,

»

Aceptación y comprensión de los Agustinos,

»

Diez hombres y mujeres voluntarios para convertirse en miembros fundadores de un Consejo Provincial de Promoción,

»

Un plan para celebrar una gala para más de cuatrocientas personas en el centro de Chicago en la primavera del año 2012, y

»

Una buena razón para seguir adelante.

Nuestra sección “Agustina” de la Gran Viña – Cuando el Fr. Tony Pizzo asumió los formidables deberes como Provincial Anterior, él y su equipo tuvieron la sabiduría de continuar con un programa de promoción basado en la fe y centrado en la misión. Por la gracia de Dios, y con sus oraciones, comentarios y dones continuamos esforzándonos por proporcionar valor espiritual a nuestros seguidores. Seguimos asegurando apoyo financiero para nuestras vocaciones, nuestros hombres jubilados y enfermos, y nuestras misiones en Perú.

Buscamos hacer crecer nuestro Consejo de Promoción Provincial, y encontrar nuevas formas de demostrar el inmenso valor de los Agustinos para nuestra fe y el Reino de Dios. Todos estamos trabajando desde nuestro rincón “Agustino” de la gran viña de Dios. Él nos dirá cuando nuestro trabajo esté hecho, Él nos dirá cuando es el momento de terminar y volver a casa.

Hasta entonces, trabajamos con esperanza, alegría, fe y por cada persona con la que nos conectamos en cada momento de nuestras vidas. Nada menos que eso, bueno eso no sería algo de un buen Agustino, ¿verdad?

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 29

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

29

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

Oh, Hermano, ¿POR QUÉ Eres Tú?

El Hno. Nicholas Mullarkey habla con el Hno. Jerome Sysko sobre el papel del hermano religioso en nuestra historia de Provincia

D

urante la primavera del año 2012, tuve mi entrevista formal para unirme a los Agustinos.

Recuerdo específicamente que le dije al comité que sentí un llamado para convertirme en hermano.

Una de las razones por las que me contacté por primera vez con los Agustinos, y me uní finalmente, fue específicamente porque tienen hermanos. Es una vocación única, a menudo difícil de explicar, pero que forma parte de nuestra Orden desde el principio.

Al mirar hacia atrás en el 80.º aniversario de nuestra Provincia, estoy agradecido por la fuerte presencia de hermanos entre las filas de Agustinos del Medio Oeste desde nuestra fundación. Sé muy bien que estoy parado sobre los hombros de los que me precedieron.

Y también sé que nuestro papel como hermanos ha cambiado y ha tomado nuevas formas a lo largo de las décadas.

Para comprender mejor la evolución de mi vocación particular, entrevisté al Hno. Jerome Sysko, OSA. Uno de los aspectos positivos de la era COVID es que la comunicación por vídeo a través de largas distancias ya no parece tan extraña. Aunque vivo en Tulsa y Jerome vive en Chicago, pudimos hablar cara a cara a través de Zoom. Noté muchas similitudes entre nuestras experiencias, así como algunas diferencias. Pero, ante todo, lo que obtuve de esta entrevista fue ALEGRÍA. Jerome me transmitió una alegría increíblemente profunda por su vocación, sus diversos ministerios y su experiencia de vida. Él ama verdaderamente su vocación. Y quiere que otros sientan la alegría que ha experimentado a lo largo de su vida. ¿Cómo se convirtió Jerome en hermano? Originario de Chicago y orgulloso de sus raíces polacas, Jerome cree que su vocación fue plantada por los sacerdotes y las hermanas de la Iglesia de Santa Ana. Se sintió atraído por la iglesia como un imán. Estaba esperando su Primera Comunión. Esperaba poder servir en Misa.

En la escuela preparatoria, Jerome era amigo de Chuck Prevendar y acompañaba a la familia de Chuck para visitar al noviciado en Oconomowoc, Wiscosin.

Conoció al Fr. Joe Perry y visitó la casa de formación del hermano. Jerome estaba realmente impresionado

30

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 30

con los hermanos, y después de reunirse con ellos varias veces, finalmente les dijo a sus padres que quería ser un hermano Agustino después de la escuela preparatoria.

La experiencia formativa de Jerome fue muy diferente a la mía. Se mudó a Oconomowoc, Wiscosin, el 20 de agosto de 1961. Después de seis meses, recibió el hábito de un oblato; túnica, cinto y escapulario. Durante este tiempo, los hermanos candidatos vivían separados en la casa de formación del hermano. Normalmente, Jerome habría estado en Oconomowoc durante tres años antes del noviciado, sin embargo, solo pasó alrededor de un año en ese lugar. El Fr. Fink le pidió a Jerome que fuera al Monasterio de la Escuela Preparatoria de Santa Rita.

Mientras estuvo allí, su formación continuó bajo la tutoría de varios sacerdotes. Realizó muchas tareas domésticas durante este tiempo, como era típico de los hermanos. Jerome comenzó a hacer sastrería con el Hno. John Patrick durante este tiempo. También aprendió a cortar el pelo. Jerome recuerda con cariño los dibujos de varios Agustinos que estaban colocados en la pared de la barbería del monasterio (Frank Lawlor era el “look de Hollywood” y el calvo Ralph Giovenetti era el “deleite del barbero”). Finalmente, se unió a los hermanos que se habían hecho cargo de la cafetería de la escuela. (Dato curioso: el dinero recaudado por la cafetería fue destinado a la nueva casa del centro Agustino en Lima, Perú, cuando nuestra misión provincial apenas comenzaba).

El 4 de septiembre de 1964 (¡57 años antes del día de nuestra entrevista!), Jerome entró en el noviciado.

Los hermanos vivían con el resto de los novicios y también los acompañaban en las comidas y las clases.

Sin embargo, rezaban el Oficio Divino por separado.

Los candidatos a sacerdotes rezaban el Oficio en latín, mientras que los candidatos a hermanos rezaban el Oficio de María en inglés. También llevaban diferentes colores: los candidatos a sacerdotes llevaban un hábito blanco y los candidatos a hermanos llevaban el hábito negro regular. Después de la profesión, todos los candidatos a sacerdotes cambiaron al hábito negro regular, mientras que los candidatos a hermanos

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

mantuvieron el hábito negro. Una vez más, su curso normal de formación se interrumpió, y antes de terminar su noviciado, el Hno. Anthony vino de Santa Rita y le pidió a Jerome que volviera a la cafetería.

Mi prenoviciado en Ardmore, Pensilvania, y el noviciado en Racine, Wisconsin eran muy diferentes.

No vivíamos separados como prenovicios. Todos llevábamos hábitos blancos en el noviciado y recibimos el hábito negro en la profesión. Y todos rezamos el mismo Oficio también. La única vez que mi formación difería de los candidatos a sacerdotes fue cuando llegué al Teologado en Hyde Park, Chicago. Algunos de mis cursos eran diferentes y no regresé a Hyde Park después de mi año pastoral debido al programa de grado que elegí. Sin embargo, incluso el hecho de que yo pudiera elegir mi programa de grado dice algo sobre la manera en que mi experiencia fue diferente.

Otras diferencias en nuestras experiencias ocurrieron en la vida comunitaria. En Santa Rita en la década de 1960, los hermanos recibían $5 al mes para su estipendio mientras que los sacerdotes recibían $5 a la semana. A veces Jerome tenía que pedir dinero a sus padres. Los hermanos también se sentaban en una mesa separada durante la cena. (Esta era la única casa en la que Jerome tenía una mesa separada para comer. Nunca tuvo una casa con una sala común separada, pero escuchó hablar de ella en otros lugares). Esto fue muy diferente a mi experiencia, donde las comidas y los estipendios siempre han sido los mismos entre todos en la comunidad.

He escuchado historias sobre hermanos a quienes los tratan simplemente como ayudantes domésticos, sin embargo, esta no fue la experiencia de Jerome.

Nunca se sintió como un fraile de segunda clase. Más bien, enfatizó lo mucho que los hermanos disfrutaban de su tiempo juntos. Un recuerdo muy cariñoso que Jerome tiene es de la década de 1960. El Fr. Fink invitaba a todos los hermanos a la fiesta del Beato Federico de Ratisbona, que era un hermano. Cada año había una celebración para los hermanos en ese día, incluyendo a los hermanos de Canadá. Había un banquete, el Fr. Fink expresaba su gratitud a los hermanos, y luego le daba a cada uno $5. Luego, ellos se paraban en las escaleras del Monasterio de Santa Rita y la banda de la escuela preparatoria pasaba y tocaba para ellos. Incluso después de que el Fr. Cavanaugh se convirtió en el próximo provincial, nombró al Fr. Fink como “provincial de los hermanos”, donde el Fr. Fink estaría a cargo de transferir hermanos y mantenerse en contacto con ellos.

La mayoría de los cambios entre la formación de Jerome y la mía se pueden atribuir al Concilio Vaticano II. Jerome vivió estos cambios y notó cuántas

oportunidades ministeriales diferentes se le abrieron después del Concilio. De hecho, Jerome ha hecho de todo. Además de cocinar, hacer sastrería y cortar el pelo, ha trabajado en parroquias, escuelas, prisiones, casas de formación y centros de salud. Muchas de estas oportunidades no habrían estado disponibles antes del Concilio. Después del Concilio también comenzaron a ocurrir otros cambios: todos los novicios empezaron a vivir juntos, y los estipendios se estandarizaron para todos los frailes, ordenados o no.

A lo largo de los años, los hermanos han constituido una gran parte de nuestra Provincia. Pero a los hermanos todavía se les pregunta a menudo: “¿Por qué no seguiste hasta el final? ¿Por qué no recibiste la orden sacerdotal?” Jerome y yo hemos experimentado esto. Cuando le pregunté a Jerome sobre esto, él me respondió: “Seguí hasta el final. Hice mi compromiso.

Tomé los mismos votos que los sacerdotes: pobreza, castidad y obediencia; pero no sentí el llamado al ministerio ordenado”. Jerome consideró una vocación al sacerdocio una vez en la escuela primaria, sin embargo, finalmente encontró que “su talento estaba en sus manos”. Está agradecido por las diversas formas en que la Orden le facilitó y alentó el uso de sus diversos dones y talentos. Estoy de acuerdo con Jerome, y me encanta ser un hermano debido a las maneras diversas y creativas en que podemos servir.

En el futuro, tener hermanos junto a los sacerdotes será una parte importante de lo que hace únicos a los Agustinos. Actualmente tenemos 10 hermanos en la Provincia del Medio Oeste. Entonces, ¿cómo nos preparamos para futuras vocaciones? Jerome dice que alguien que discierne una vocación debe venir y hablar con un hermano y escuchar su historia, así como visitar una comunidad y ver el ministerio que hacemos. Él piensa que debemos animar a los estudiantes de nuestras escuelas a pensar en las vocaciones. Él me dijo: “Espero que, por nuestro ejemplo, por nuestro amor, por nuestro cuidado, por nuestra preocupación, por nuestra atención a los estudiantes, que todo eso hable mucho, más que cualquier cosa que podamos decir verbalmente”.

Tengo el privilegio de compartir la vocación del hermano Jerome. Tenemos un papel único e importante que desempeñar en nuestra Orden.

Apoyamos a los ministros ordenados, al mismo tiempo que proveemos varios ministerios nosotros mismos. Espero impactar aunque sea a una fracción de la gente que Jerome ha impactado. También deseo que los discernidores puedan testimoniar la alegría de los hermanos como Jerome y considerar si Dios los está llamando a este modo particular de vida.

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 31

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

31

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

Cascia Hall fue una inspiración, un desafío y una formación para nosotros Por Anthony J. Lauinger

32

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 32

vez ha pensado en ser sacerdote?” “¿A lguna Tenía 13 años la primera vez que alguien me

preguntó eso. La pregunta me la hizo el Padre Mario J. Porreca, OSA, en Cascia Hall. Esta pregunta me llevó cuatro años más tarde al seminario Agustino, y aunque no me convertí en sacerdote, la sencilla pregunta, pero compleja, del padre Porreca me dejó una profunda huella. Mi tiempo en el seminario fue una gran bendición, y les he planteado la misma pregunta a través de los años a mis propios hijos y a otros jóvenes. Esa pregunta puede plantar una semilla, y tiene el potencial de producir frutos por cien veces más.

Mi introducción a Cascia Hall fue siete años antes, un domingo por la tarde en otoño cuando caminé a través del bosque y del puente de madera que estaba sobre el arroyo para presenciar mi primer partido de fútbol en Cascia. Eso fue hace 71 años. En ese otoño del año 1950, mi hermano Phil era un estudiante de primer año en Cascia y yo había caminado media milla con él desde nuestra casa para ver el partido.

Phil es el mayor de los siete hijos de nuestra familia.

Su graduación en el año 1954 fue al aire libre, junto al viejo Gimnasio Chestnut. Todavía recuerdo cuando

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

escuché su discurso de despedida sobre los “Hombres de Normandía”, el cual pronunció pocos días antes del décimo aniversario del Día D. Mi hermano Frank se graduó de Cascia en mayo del año 1958. Sus ejercicios de graduación fueron los primeros que se llevaron a cabo en la flamante Capilla de Santa Rita, que había sido dedicada a principios de ese mismo mes por el obispo Victor J. Reed. Un compañero de octavo grado y yo habíamos terminado las clases un día antes de la dedicación para ayudar a preparar la capilla. Mi compañero de clase era Frank Keating, quien se convertiría en gobernador de Oklahoma.

Me gradué de Cascia en el año 1962, y Joe, el más joven de nosotros de los cuatro niños y el séptimo de los hijos de nuestros padres, se graduó en el año 1963.

Joe es uno de los dos alumnos de Cascia Hall cuyos nombres están tallados en la pared de granito negro del Monumento a los Veteranos de Vietnam.

En años posteriores, los dos hijos de Phil se graduaron de Cascia. Los cuatro hijos de mi hermana Fran, una alumna de la “escuela hermana” benedictina para niñas de Cascia, Monte Cassino, se graduaron de Cascia. Phil ahora tiene una nieta en Cascia, y Fran tiene dos nietas y un nieto allí.

Mi esposa Phyllis y yo mandamos a nuestros hijos a Cascia por 19 años consecutivos, y de nuestros ocho hijos, siete fueron alumnos de Cascia. Nuestra hija mayor se graduó de nuestra escuela preparatoria diocesana, que lleva el nombre del obispo Francis Clement Kelley, quien, en el año 1926, pidió a los Agustinos que vinieran al territorio misionero de Oklahoma y establecieran una escuela católica para niños en Tulsa.

En el año 1986, Cascia anunció que comenzaría a admitir chicas, una decisión motivada por el cierre de la escuela preparatoria de Monte Cassino. Estaba tan en desacuerdo con la perspectiva de que Cascia se convirtiera en una institución mixta que solicité una oportunidad para hablar con la junta directiva de Cascia para explicar mi oposición con la esperanza de que la decisión podría ser reconsiderada.

Presenté mi caso a la junta en apoyo de una orden religiosa de hombres que enseñan, entrenan, orientan a niños en un entorno exclusivamente masculino y ayudan a los jóvenes a hacer la transición de niños a hombres.

Sigo creyendo en la solidez del argumento que propuse, porque sé cómo me benefició ese entorno, pero la decisión no fue reconsiderada. Un resultado irónico de mi intento fallido de persuadir a la junta fue que nuestras cuatro hijas más jóvenes se graduaron de Cascia Hall.

Hubo breves intercambios que tuvieron lugar hace más de seis décadas que todavía recuerdo como si fuera ayer. Una tarde de octavo grado, en la práctica de

fútbol, corrí una jugada por el extremo izquierdo llevando la pelota en mi brazo derecho. El Padre W. F. Labadie, O. S. A., que era un entrenador excepcional, sonó el silbato y me gritó: “Lauinger, cuando corras por el extremo izquierdo, lleva la pelota en tu brazo izquierdo”. Tuve la temeridad de decirle, “Pero, Padre, siempre llevo la pelota en mi brazo derecho”. Él simplemente me respondió: “Así lo hacías antes”. Nunca volví a hacerlo.

Angelo Prassa, el entrenador de fútbol universitario en ese momento, hablo conmigo de camino a la clase una mañana de mayo en octavo grado: “Tony, espero que vengas a jugar fútbol para este otoño. Creemos que podrías ser de mucha ayuda”. Seguro me leyó la mente e identificó el dilema con el que yo estaba lidiando. No era “para tanto”. Jugar fútbol en la preparatoria no era una tradición familiar. El fútbol me parecía un desafío muy intimidante y desalentador. Pero después de escuchar esas palabras de aliento personal del entrenador Prassa, ya no había ninguna duda de que jugaría.

Es imposible exagerar la importancia de que una persona joven tenga buenas influencias durante esos años de adolescencia extremadamente impresionables.

Cuatro décadas después de ese breve encuentro, asistí al funeral del entrenador Prassa en una mañana de mayo. En su elogio, su compañero entrenador y amigo cercano Wilf Uhren dijo que, para Angelo, “El fútbol era una plataforma para enseñar a sus jugadores sobre la vida”. Esas palabras describían perfectamente al entrenador Prassa, y también explicaban con precisión la esencia de Cascia Hall, oportunidades ilimitadas para la exposición de buenos modelos a seguir, para asumir responsabilidades extracurriculares, para crecer en el liderazgo, para un aprendizaje perdurable y lecciones de vida invaluables.

Estos inspiradores modelos para seguir en Cascia han sido legión: Padre Spielmann, Padre Gaffney, Padre Sinnott, Padre Hamill, Padre Nash, Padre McCall, Padre Glynn, Padre Brecht, Padre Tack, Padre Bernie, Padre Philip, Padre Laird, Padre Pérez, y muchos, muchos más…

El ejemplo edificante de tantos Agustinos desinteresados a través de estos últimos 95 años ha moldeado, formado y hecho a innumerables jóvenes en los adultos que se convirtieron. Nosotros, que hemos sido los estudiantes de estos Agustinos, nos hemos beneficiado por cien veces, no solo de lo que nos han enseñado en el aula, en los campos de juego o en la capilla, sino del ejemplo de sus propias vidas.

Ellos han encarnado y vivido esa gran enseñanza del fundador de la Orden: “Nos has hecho para Ti, oh, Señor, y nuestros corazones están inquietos hasta que descansen en Ti”.

VISIT US ONLINE!

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 33

| www.midwestaugustinians.org

33

11/19/21 12:21 PM

La Revista Agustiniana

OCHENTA AÑOS

MUCHO TIEMPO – TODA UNA VIDA PARA MUCHOS

D

urante esta, la celebración del 80° Aniversario de la Provincia del Medio Oeste de los Agustinos, me han pedido que escriba algunos comentarios sobre el papel que los Agustinos han desempeñado en mi vida y en la vida de mi familia y amigos. Es una coincidencia que 80 años sea la cantidad de tiempo que Dios me ha dado la oportunidad de vivir en el planeta tierra.

Mi participación con los Agustinos comenzó en el año 1953, cuando mis padres se mudaron a la Parroquia de Santa Clara de Montefalco en Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Nuestra familia en crecimiento necesitaba más espacio, por lo tanto, una casa más grande. Entré en la escuela de Santa Clara en sexto grado. En ese momento había seis sacerdotes Agustinos asignados a la Parroquia, 13 Misas (ninguna el sábado) y 1,100 niños en las instalaciones de la escuela. Recuerdo vívidamente a mi madre llevando a sus cuatro hijos a la oficina del director en la escuela para que nos matricularan. “Desafortunadamente” dijo el director, el edificio de la escuela estaba “lleno”. Más tarde, mi madre regresó a la oficina del director y Fr. Philip Colgan, OSA, el Pastor, también estaba presente.

Después de mucha discusión, Fr. Colgan aprobó nuestra entrada en la escuela. Esta fue mi primera experiencia con un Agustino. Una muy favorable y que crecería y prosperaría desde ese día en adelante.

Me gradué en el año 1956 del octavo grado y me matriculé en la Escuela Preparatoria Católica de Austin en agosto del año 1956.

Desde ese momento fue mi verdadero comienzo con los Agustinos. Recuerdo vívidamente a Fr. Edward Chapman, el disciplinario en la Escuela Preparatoria Católica de Austin y también mi profesor de matemáticas de primer año. Él fue, y todavía es, venerado y honrado como un verdadero modelo cristiano, uno que influyó en mi vida para siempre.

Recuerdo una vez que 600 de nosotros estábamos en el gimnasio y Fr. Ed entró en el lugar. Escuché que alguien dijo algo fuera de lugar para la escuela, Fr. Ed identificó al individuo entre otros 599 niños y rápidamente le pidió que “se reuniera con él después

34

The Midwest Augustinian |

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 34

de la escuela”. Una hora y media de tiempo tranquilo. Nadie supo cómo Fr. pudo identificar a una persona entre 600 niños.

Hubo un niño Berschback (mis cinco hermanos menores y yo) asistiendo a la Escuela Preparatoria Católica de Austin continuamente desde el año 1956 hasta 1975 – 19 años consecutivos.

Mientras que seis niños de la familia Brecht (incluyendo a mi buen amigo Fr. David Brecht, OSA), también asistieron a la Escuela Preparatoria Católica de Austin a la que no asistían de manera continua. Ese fue un ejemplo de cómo la participación de los Agustinos con familias numerosas con niños en proceso de convertirse en hombres evidenció las oportunidades educativas especiales de los Agustinos.

Mi participación con los Agustinos siguió desde la escuela preparatoria hasta la actualidad. Excepto por una breve pausa de la Parroquia de Santa Clara cuando me casé, he estado cerca de la Orden. Cuento como mis amigos a algunos de los más viejos Sacerdotes y ahora a algunos de los Sacerdotes más jóvenes que entran en la Orden Agustina, especialmente en la Provincia del Medio Oeste. El futuro parece brillante para los Agustinos.

He tenido el privilegio de estar involucrado con los Agustinos durante un largo período de tiempo. Los he ayudado con los esfuerzos de recaudación de fondos y han mejorado mi vida espiritual. Tuve el privilegio de coordinar la campaña “Journey of a Lifetime” en la década de 1980 y he estado en el Comité de Desarrollo de Avance desde su creación en el año 2011.

Un nuevo Capítulo para los Agustinos del Medio Oeste fue la apertura de la “nueva” Escuela Preparatoria Católica de Austin en el Condado de Macomb, Michigan, hace unos diez años. En este día y época, “todavía no se tienen las cifras”. Sin embargo, la escuela sigue creciendo. Recientemente me pidieron estar en la Junta Directiva de la Escuela y haré todo lo que pueda para continuar con las tradiciones de Austin para el futuro. Espero que más exalumnos me acompañen en ese esfuerzo.

Ochenta años, toda una vida y una que pasa rápidamente, mucho más rápido de lo que nos damos cuenta. Al celebrar la historia y la gran obra de los Agustinos, oremos por más vocaciones y por su continuo éxito en la educación, el ministerio parroquial y su trabajo misionero.

Don R. Berschback, Afiliado Agustino desde el año 1995

FALL/WINTER 2021

11/19/21 12:21 PM

FINANCIAL SUMMARY Province Revenues 2021

July 1, 2020 – June 30

Operations, (including all salaries and social security from friars)

$1,653,392.03

Advancement (Net)

$883,058.29

Total Revenue

Province Expenses

35%

Advancement

65%

Operations

$2,536,450.32

34%

July 1, 2020 – June 30 2021

Administration

Care for Retired & Infirm Friars

$1,003,563.67

Care for Retired & Infirm Friars

$957, 868.03

Formation & Vocations Outreach

$616,874.36

Missions in Peru

$251,814.44

Total Expenses

$2,830,120.50

EXPENSES OVER REVENUE

$293,670.18

TOTAL DRAWDOWNS FROM TRUSTS FOR MISSIONS AND RETIRED FRIARS

$300,000.00

22%

35%

Formation & Vocations Outreach

Administration

9% Missions in Peru

2020-2021 Advancement Council Members Mrs. Norma Berman Mrs. Anne Berschback Mr. Donald R. Berschback Mr. Joseph B. Brennan, Jr. Mr. Matthew F. Coughlin, III

Mr. Michael W. Gerrity Mrs. Catharine Hennessy Mr. Edward L. Hennessy Mr. Manuel Jimenez Mr. Anthony J. Lauinger

Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. Mr. Dominic Sanfilippo Mrs. Lisa A. Solava, P.H.R. Mr. Robert J. Utter Mr. Martin H. Wojcik

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 35

| Annual Report

35

11/19/21 12:21 PM

2020 - 2021 Province Donor Scroll The Midwest Augustinians extend their prayers and gratitude to the following individuals who have made a donation or pledge of any amount to our Province between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021. Without these individuals, we would not be able to carry out our ministries or support our incoming vocations.

Mrs. Suzanne Abeln Mr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Abramowicz Mr. and Mrs. William T. Abramowicz Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Abrams Mr. and Mrs. Ronald C. Adams Mr. and Mrs. Dominic J. Adducci Mr. and Mrs. James D. Adducci Mr. Dominic R. Adducci Mr. Michael Adducci Dr. Jerome M. Alaksiewicz, D.D.S. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis W. Alexander Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Allen Mrs. Patricia J. Allen Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Alling Dr. and Mrs. H. W. Allred, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Louis A. Amorose Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Andersen Ms. Dorene Anderson Ms. Nancy S. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. David J. Andrade Mr. and Mrs. Alan Anstett Mr. and Mrs. George P. Anthony Mrs. Maria Arango Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Raymond N. Augsburger Mr. and Mrs. Yong Y. Auh Mr. James P. Axtell Dr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Ayer, D.D.S. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bagley Mr. and Ms. Harry Baker Ms. Marlene Maxfield Baker Mr. and Mrs. Rodney F. Bakkala, Sr. Ms. Bridget K. Balint Mr. Joseph F. Bamberger Ms. Mary Ann Bamberger Rev. Brian Barker Mr. and Mrs. Arthur N. Barkman Mrs. Judith Barnes

36

Annual Report |

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Barrett Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Barrett Mr. John M. Barrett Dr. and Mrs. Linas J. Bartuska, D.D.S. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis E. Baskin Dr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Baumgartner, D.D.S. Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bayley Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Beaudin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Becerril Mr. and Mrs. George C. Beckwith Mr. and Mrs. Joseph R. Beemster Mrs. Carolyn Beil and Mr. Frank Beil Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Benak Mr. Wes Benak Mrs. Kathleen M. Benedetto Mr. and Mrs. Robert T. Benos Mr. Michael Bentley Mr. and Mrs. Morris Berk, III Mr. and Mrs. Ted C. Berman Mr. and Mrs. John C. Bermel Ms. Barbara J. Berry Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Berschback Mr. and Mrs. Kevin F. Beykirch Mr. Kenneth P. Biagi Mr. and Mrs. Anthony F. Biamonte Mr. and Mrs. William D. Bickel, Jr. Ms. Patricia A. Biehler Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Billich Anonymous Mrs. Rosie M. Binge Mr. and Mrs. William F. Bingham Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Biolchini Mrs. Frances L. Biolchini Mr. and Mrs. Paul Biolotta Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James A. Blake Mr. and Mrs. William H. Blanchard

Dr. Michael J. Bland, Psy.D. and Dr. Otto Aldana, M.D. Mr. Joshua R. Blaszak Mr. G. Lawrence Bliss Mr. and Mrs. Brian Boisvert Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Boline Dr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Bonaguro, M.D. Ms. Kathleen T. Borkowski Mr. John Bourbon Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Benito L. Bozzetti, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Philip T. Brady Ms. Dorothy Brann Mr. John F. Brennan Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Brennan, Jr. Ms. Janet Briscoe Mrs. Anne Brislin Dr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Brosnan Mr. Robert M. Brown Mr. William J. Brown Ms. Theresa M. Brown Mr. Kenneth L. Brune, P.C. Mrs. Mary Ann Brynda Mr. and Mrs. William B. Buckler Mr. and Mrs. Joseph S. Bugda Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Bulow Mr. and Mrs. John J. Burke Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Burns Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Burns Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Butterworth Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Cameli Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Camire Mr. and Mrs. Gerald P. Campione Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Canning Dr. John N. Canzona Mr. and Mrs. Karol Capiak Anonymous

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 36

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Mr. and Mrs. James Carberry Ms. Katherine Cardinale Ms. Margaret A. Carey and Mr. David E. Demy Ms. MaryBeth Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Jason L. Carter Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Casey Mr. Michael A. Casey Mr. Charles D. Cassity Mr. and Mrs. George M. Cauley, Jr. Mr. Raymond Cavanaugh Mr. Mark Cedeck Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Ceh Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Ceja Mr. Ronald P. Centanni Anonymous Ms. Kathleen T. Cleary Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James D. Coakley Ms. Norine Colby Mr. and Mrs. Barry G. Collins Mr. and Mrs. Anthony C. Colosimo Ms. Sandra A. Compisi Ms. Jenny Conde Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James Condon Mr. James D. Conners Mr. Dennis Connor Mr. and Mrs. Martin T. Conroy Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Conway Mr. and Mrs. John Coogan Mrs. Mary G. Cooper Mr. and Mrs. Brett Coppens Mr. and Mrs. Eugene M. Coppola Anonymous Ms. Carol A. Cottone Mr. and Mrs. Matthew F. Coughlin, III Mrs. Margaret Coughlin Dr. and Mrs. Christopher A. Coury Rev. John J. Crepeau Mr. and Mrs. David Croen Mr. Michael S. Cronin Ms. Marianne E. Cronin Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Crylen Ms. Anna Cukrowski Mr. and Mrs. William J. Cuppett

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Curry Mr. Michael Cymbala Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Danz, Jr. Mrs. Theresa Dasher Ms. Patricia Daugherty Mrs. Joanne E. Debarbera Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. DeFilippis Mr. and Mrs. Rick Defries Mr. and Mrs. Daniel R. Degen Mrs. Judith A. Dehm Mr. Richard J. DeLamielleure Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Delegatto Ms. Elsa B. Delfin Ms. Barbara A. Depesa Mr. and Mrs. Edwin W. Desmond, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Roy E. Deters Dr. and Mrs. Geoffrey R. DeTolve, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. David L. Devine Mr. James J. Devine Mr. Roger A. DeVito Mr. Robert S. DeWitt-Barber Mrs. Regina M. Dietz and Mr. Charles P. Dietz Mrs. Patricia R. DiGiacomo Mr. and Mrs. Dennis DiPasquo Mr. and Mrs. John P. DiVecchio Ms. Dorothy Dlotkowski Mr. Gregory G. Dodge Mrs. Maureen Dombrowski Mr. and Mrs. John Dominici Mr. and Mrs. John E. Donnan Ms. Jacqueline Donnelly Mr. and Mrs. David Donohue Mr. William J. Dorans Mr. and Mrs. William J. Dore Mrs. Barbara A. Dornan Mrs. Rita M. Doveri Mr. Martin Dowling Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Doyle Mr. Frank J. Drabik Mrs. Sandra Drap Mr. Charles Dreas, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dressel Mr. and Mrs. Emmett F. Driscoll

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Driscoll Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Duffy Mr. and Mrs. George H. DuFour Ms. Maureen Dunne-McGraw Mr. and Mrs. William A. Duss, Jr. Mr. Stephen J. Dzeba Mr. Richard Dziennik Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Eck Mr. and Mrs. Craig M. Eckert Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Eichenlaub Mr. and Mrs. Mark G. Ellebrecht Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Engvall Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Ernst Rev. Ronald J. Essman Ms. Maureen A. Farmakis Mrs. Carol Faron Ms. Deborah D. Faust Mr. and Mrs. Edmond F. Fee Mr. and Mrs. Silvio Ferrara Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Ferraro Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Ferraro Mr. and Mrs. Kevin D. Fifer Mr. and Mrs. Donald T. Findlay Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Finno Mr. Robert W. Fioretti Dcn. and Mrs. Howard Fischer Mr. Robert H. Flach and Mrs. Dawn A. Zimmerman-Flach Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flaherty Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Flanagan Dr. Bruce Fleck Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Fleming Mrs. Lillian A. Fleming Ms. Patricia A. Flynn Mr. Daniel J. Foley Dr. and Mrs. James J. Foody, MD Mr. and Mrs. Bruce E. Ford Mr. and Mrs. Mark Formentini Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Forsthoefel Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Foster Mr. and Mrs. David L. Fox Mr. and Mrs. James W. Fox Mr. and Mrs. John Franco Mr. Phillip B. Franczyk Mr. and Mrs. John H. Frankovich Mr. Ronald J. Frazier, Jr.

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 37

| Annual Report

37

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Mr. Fred Frego Mr. Michael Friend Mr. and Mrs. Arthur A. Frigo Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Frost Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. Furey Mr. and Mrs. Roger P. Furey Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Furjanic Mr. and Mrs. John A. Gaberino, Jr. Mrs. Joyce M. Gadola Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gal Mr. Louis M. Gale Mr. and Mrs. Steven W. Galka Mr. and Mrs. James M. Gallen Mr. and Mrs. Gerald E. Gamble Dr. and Mrs. John J. Gardner, O.D. Ms. Angela Gargiulo Mr. and Mrs. Michael Garvey Mr. and Mrs. Louis V. Gaspardo Ms. Suzanne C. Gates Dr. and Mrs. Guy H. Gattone Mr. and Mrs. Jerry A. Gawenda Mr. Theodore J. Gebauer Mr. Richard J. Geiss Mrs. Patricia A. Geiss Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Jaspare J. Giardina Dr. and Mrs. James P. Gierahn Ms. Gierens and Mr. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Gierl Mrs. Agnes A. Giermak Mr. and Mrs. John F. Glennon Ms. Carol Glowczynski Mr. and Mrs. Morris R. Godfrey Most Rev. Raymond E. Goedert Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Goes Anonymous Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Eulogio M. Gonzalez Ms. Ardith E. Goodroe Mr. and Mrs. Ralph S. Goraj Mr. and Mrs. John E. Gordon Lt. Col. and Mrs. William Gorman, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Gould Mr. and Mrs. Clarence J. Graber

38

Annual Report |

Ms. Cynthia Gradek Mr. Joseph M. Grady Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Graff, Sr. Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Griffin, J.D. Mr. Michael Grosch Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Gross Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Grzesiak Mr. Brian Gunn Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gustafson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gustafson Mr. and Mrs. Donald W. Haberkamp Ms. Andrea L. Hacker Mr. and Ms. Gerald J. Hacker, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald J. Hacker, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Hacker Mr. and Mrs. John M. Hajek Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Hamilton, Jr. Mrs. Louise Hamilton Ms. Patricia D. Hammer Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Hanley Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hannon Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Harman Ms. Marguerite Harrington Mr. and Mrs. Bill G. Harris Mr. Ivan H. Harrison and Mrs. Janet M. Johnson-Harrison Miss Maureen Hartigan Mr. Daniel J. Hartigan, Jr. Ms. Mary K. Hartigan Mr. Jeremiah Hartmann Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Hartz Mr. Bruce J. Hattemer Ms. Mary Pat Hayes Mr. and Mrs. Tim Heaven Mr. and Mrs. Daniel K. Heenan Mr. and Mrs. Peter Hegarty Mr. and Mrs. James A. Heintz Mr. Robert P. Heisdorffer Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Hennessy Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Henry Anonymous Mr. James J. Herbert Mrs. Yvonne M. Herlihey Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Hickey Ms. Dolores A. Hilden

Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Hillebrand Mr. and Mrs. Ray C. Hindson Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Hoch Mr. and Mrs. Joel Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Hojnicki Mr. and Mrs. David W. Holden Mr. and Mrs. William M. Hopkins Mrs. Margaret Hopkins Mrs. Grace L. Horin Mr. and Mrs. Ross K. Horne Rev. John C. Horton Mr. and Mrs. David J. Hougan Anonymous Ms. Nancy A. Hunt Ms. Faith Huppler Mr. James J. Husa, Sr. Anonymous Ms. Christine Inglima Ms. Mary Insalaco Mr. and Mrs. William S. Jablonski Ms. Lois J. Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Jancauskas Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Jania Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Jarosik Mr. John G. Jaworski Mr. Gregory P. Jenkins Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Jimenez Mr. Curtis L. Johnson and Ms. Anne-Marie Gierens Mr. and Mrs. James H. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Rodger M. Jones Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Joutras Mr. and Mrs. Stanley W. Jozefiak Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Kahne Mr. and Mrs. Howard C. Kaplan, Jr. Mr. James A. Kaput Anonymous Mr. Lawrence Katuzny Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. John S. Kavalunas Anonymous Ms. Roseann Keller Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Kelly Mrs. Geralyn A. Kelly Ms. Mary L. Kelly

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 38

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Mr. Richard J. Kemp Dr. Thomas A. Kersten Mr. and Mrs. James E. Kersten Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Patrick R. Kilcoyne, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kill Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. King, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John E. King Ms. Sheila King Mrs. Elizabeth Kleinheinz Ms. Phyllis Knobbe Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Knoerzer Dr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Koenig Ms. Janet Relstab Kolimas Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Koniarz Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Konieczny Mrs. Barbara J. Kopec Mr. Jeff Kopsky Ms. Nancy J. Korlesky Mr. and Mrs. John P. Kos Mr. Bernard M. Kosowski Dr. and Mrs. Francis J. Kostel Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kot Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kovarik Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus E. Kowynia Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kraskiewicz Mr. and Dr. Michael J. Kraus Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kreitzberg Mrs. Regina P. Kristopaitis Mr. and Mrs. Brian A. Kroll Mr. and Mrs. Edward Kroll Ms. Debbie Kruyer Mr. and Mrs. Casimer S. Kubak Mr. and Mrs. Daniel C. Kuemmel Mr. and Mrs. James R. Kuffel Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Kukawka Mr. Kenneth E. Kuntz Dr. Cynthia M. Kurtz, D.P.M. and Dr. Peter E. Cornell, D.P.M. Ms. Gail Ann Kus Mr. and Mrs. John A. Kustra Mr. Robert J. LaFortune Ms. Sandra J. Lajter Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Lakomy Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lanuti

Mr. Anthony J. Lauinger and Dr. Phyllis Lauinger Mr. Vincent J. Leahy, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Lenahan Mr. Thomas Leo Ms. Virginia B. Leonhart Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. LePretre Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth F. Lewis Mr. and Mrs. John Leyden Mrs. Barbara Jean L. Lichtfuss Mr. and Mrs. Lee E. Lieser Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Linane Mr. and Mrs. Carwin B. Lindenbusch Mr. and Mrs. Earl L. Linehan Mr. and Mrs. Neil Link Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Loftus MSgt. Bernard M. Loftus Mr. and Mrs. Ronald E. Logeman Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Long Mr. and Mrs. Douglas L. Lowe Mr. and Mrs. John W. Lowry Dr. Rosemary L. Lucas Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Lucas Mrs. Janet J. Lucas Mrs. Barbara J. Lucente Ms. Margo Lullo Mr. and Mrs. Dane A. Lupo Ms. Patricia M. Lydon Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Lynch Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Mackey Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Mackey Mr. Ray A. Macri Mr. Peter M. Madden and Mrs. Meredith R. Siegfried Madden Mrs. Maureen D. Magee Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Magnuson Estate of Stephanie H. Maibusch Mr. William G. Maibusch Mr. and Mrs. Leonard W. Maier Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Maier Ms. Marilyn Maikisch Mr. and Mrs. John Majcher Ms. Irene V. Maksym Dcn. and Mrs. Kevin F. Malarkey Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Malmgren

Mr. George E. Mampreian Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Manders Ms. Mary Claire S. Mandeville Mr. and Mrs. William Mangold Mr. and Mrs. Todd R. Mangun Ms. Jeanette R. Mansour Mr. Paul A. Manthey Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Maracich Mrs. Sophie Maranto Mr. and Mrs. Guy N. Maras Mr. and Mrs. George Marino Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Martin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel K. Martin Mr. Reid Martin Ms. Joyce Martin Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Martinovich Mr. and Mrs. Keith R. Marx Mrs. Felicidad S. Masibay Mr. John W. Matkey Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Mattes Mr. and Mrs. Jerry R. Matulis Mr. Sam Mauro Ms. Elizabeth Mazur Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Mazzuca Anonymous Mr. Timothy I. McArdle and Ms. Sharon S. McArdle Ms. Eleanor M. McBride Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. McCabe Mr. and Mrs. James P. McCarthy Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. Ms. Ellen McCormack Rev. Joseph E. McCormick, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. David J. McCutcheon Mr. David J. McCutcheon Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold G. McDonald Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. McGinnis Mr. Michael E. McGinnis, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. McGivern Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. McGrath Mr. and Mrs. James R. McInerney Mr. and Mrs. Andrew N. McIntosh Mr. Patrick G. McKeever, Sr. Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. McMahon

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 39

| Annual Report

39

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Mr. Francis X. McManigal, Jr. Ms. Martha A. Flynn McMaster Mr. R. J. McMillan Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. John J. McNicholas Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. McNichols Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mearna Mr. and Mrs. Jose L. Medina Mrs. Laura B. Medina Ms. Jennifer A. Meehan Mr. and Mrs. Robert Meehan Ms. Johanna Mentlewicz Mr. and Mrs. John D. Meyer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. John W. Meyer Mr. Justin Meyer Ms. Mary V. Meyers Rev. James L. Miara Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth S. Milani Ms. Anna E. Milla Mr. and Mrs. David J. Miller Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller Mrs. Luanne D. Miller Ms. Margaret Minogue Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Missant Mrs. and Mr. Robin Missant Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Mizwicki Dr. and Mrs. Francis P. Mohan Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moisan Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Molina Mr. and Mrs. Mark Molinaro Mrs. and Mrs. John Moloney Ms. Holly B. Moncher Mr. Jonathan C. Monge Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. Montemurro Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moody Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Moran Ms. Adriana Moreno Mr. and Mrs. James Morris Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G. Morrissette Mr. and Mrs. Mark Moylan Mr. Robert J. Moynihan Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Mrozek Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James L. Mudrock Mr. Peter A. Mueller Mr. Robert Mulcahy

40

Annual Report |

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Mulhall Mr. and Mrs. Jerold Mullane Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Joseph V. Mullarkey Mrs. Dorothy G. Mullarkey Mr. William Mullen Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Mullins Mr. and Mrs. James A. Mundo Ms. Sheila M. Muprhy and Mr. Patrick C. Racey Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Murawski Mr. Patrick T. Murphy, CFRE Mrs. John L. Murphy Ms. Jackie Murphy Ms. Rita J. Murphy Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Murray Mr. and Mrs. Frank R. Murray Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Murray Mr. Michael Murtaugh Ms. Laura J. Nalepka Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Napleton Anonymous Mrs. Eileen Neal Ms. Eileen Burns Neary Dr. Susan M. Nedza, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Nendza Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Neville Mr. John M. Nichols Mrs. Molly A. Nickell Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Nolan Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Nolter Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Norman, II Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Norrick Mr. and Mrs. Dale D. Novak Mr. William T. Novak Mrs. Irene A. Nowak Ms. Joyce Oboy Mr. and Mrs. James G. O'Connor Ms. Arlene M. O'Connor Mrs. Mary E. O'Connor Mr. and Mrs. John M. O'Connor Mr. and Mrs. Patrick F. O'Connor Mrs. Renate M. O'Connor Mr. Daniel M. Offner Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Ogrodnik

Mr. and Mrs. William M. O'Hara Rev. John M. Ohner, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Robert O'Keefe Mr. Norbert E. Olaska Mr. and Mrs. Eric A. Olesen Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Olsen Ms. Margaret A. Olson Ms. Theresa A. Orlow Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. O'Sullivan Mrs. Betty O'Toole Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Ourso, III Mr. Donald W. Pacer Mr. Stanislaw Pajerski and Mrs. Anna Pajerski Mr. and Mrs. James S. Pall Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Michael Panice Mr. Chuck Panop Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Paradiso Ms. Kathleen M. Parker Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Parthun Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Partyka Mr. and Mrs. James A. Paruszkiewicz Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Pastir Mrs. Lorraine Pavelcik Mr. and Mrs. Jerome E. Pawelak Mr. and Mrs. Gregory R. Pawell Mr. and Mrs. Chester J. Pawlak Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Pawlak Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Manuel F. Perez Mr. Ignacio Perez Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Perry Mr. and Mrs. Richard Perry Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Persicketti Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Peskor Anonymous Ms. Mary Peters Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus Mr. Roger Petrick Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Pettinelli Mrs. Geraldine Pfluger Mr. and Mrs. Antoine A. Phillips Mr. Michael A. Phillips Ms. Danna Phillips Mr. and Mrs. Ronald F. Pilon

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 40

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence D. Piwnicki Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Plomann Mr. William J. Podl Mr. Christopher M. Polis and Ms. Jennifer Perkins Mr. James Polis Ms. Eleanor A. Pollock Ms. Dorothy Polus Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Pomykala, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ponschke Mr. and Mrs. Percy E. Pool Mr. Paul Pope Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Poppish Mr. and Mrs. James P. Porrevecchio Dr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Porsche Anonymous Mr. John C. Predkiewicz Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Press Mrs. Annette G. Pringle Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Prunty Ms. Penelope Pugh Mr. Donald J. Purser Mr. and Mrs. Alois R. Pustejovsky Mr. and Mrs. Emil J. Pustejovsky Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Putz Dr. James Quaid, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Terrence J. Quandt Mr. Timothy Quinn Dr. Ernest E. Ramirez, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Ramirez Mr. David Ramos Mr. Jose R. Randall Mrs. Catherine A. Randolph Mr. and Mrs. Joseph I. Raphael Mrs. Donatella Raphael Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Rapinchuk Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. Ratuszny Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Rauch, Esq. Mrs. Anne M. Reedy and Mr. John F. Reedy Mr. Robert T. Reilly Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reins Mr. and Mrs. James F. Relstab Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Relstab Dr. Sean T. Reynolds, Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Reynolds

Mrs. Mary Catherine Reynolds Ms. Joyce C. Reynolds Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Reyzer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Ricken Ms. Christine Riedl Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Rieger Dr. and Mrs. John D. Roarty Mr. Charles J. Roarty, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Robinson, II Dcn. and Mrs. Joseph Roccasalva Ms. Barbara Roche Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Rochow Mrs. JoAnn Rodi Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Rojek Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Rumishek Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. James J. Ruzich Anonymous Dcn. Kevin Ryan Mr. and Mrs. John P. Ryan Mrs. Patricia J. Ryan-Fouts and Mr. Steven Ryan-Fouts Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sallade Anonymous Ms. Joan E. Sampson Ms. V. Sherrill Sander Mr. Dominic Sanfilippo Mr. and Mrs. William C. Santino Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Satkiewicz Mr. and Mrs. John F. Sattler Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Saunders Mr. and Mrs. Eugene D. Schaller Mr. and Mrs. Allen D. Scheef Mrs. Kathryn J. Schenk Mr. and Mrs. Allen F. Scherer Mr. and Mrs. James W. Scheuerell Mr. and Mrs. William L. Schloss, III Mr. and Mrs. Gregory A. Schmidt Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Schmitt Mr. and Mrs. Mark Schmitz Mr. Robert J. Schmitz Ms. Margaret A. Schneider Ms. Mary K. Schneider Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Schouten Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Schouten

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen K. Schroeder Dcn. and Mrs. William J. Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Schultz Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Schultz Mr. Todd E. Schumann Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Schury Mrs. Mary Ellen Schwaller Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Scianna Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Scianna Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Scianna Mr. and Mrs. Roger P. Scott Ms. Mary L. Seeley Mr. and Mrs. Edward G. Seimetz Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Seliga, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Guy A. Sell Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Shamblin Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Shanle Mr. Michael J. Shannon Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Sheedy Mr. Michael J. Sheridan Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Sherman Mr. Joseph A. Shore Mrs. Marie C. Shroba Mr. and Mrs. Elgin D. Shupert, III Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Siegfried Mrs. Milann H. Siegfried Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Sieracki Mr. and Mrs. James J. Simnick Mr. Donald Sinak Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sise Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Sise Ms. Joyce M. Siska Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Siwek Mr. and Mrs. Bruce J. Skryd Mr. Ronald L. Skwarek Mr. and Mrs. Martin P. Slark Mr. and Mrs. David C. Slattery Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Slattery Dr. William H. Slavin, III Dr. and Mrs. William W. Small Mr. and Mrs. Larry E. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Smith Mr. Michael E. Smith Mr. Reeves E. Smith

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 41

| Annual Report

41

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Smuczynski Sr. Ruth M. Snyder, O.S.F. Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Snyders Ms. Rose M. Solodyna Mrs. Mary C. Soltis Ms. Janice H. Sosnowski Mr. John S. Sosnowski Mrs. Gertrude M. Spain Mr. and Mrs. William J. Spatz, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Srncik Mr. and Mrs. Alan Staab Dr. Linda Stamato, Ph.D. Ms. Mary Beth Stark Mr. and Mrs. John M. Starkey Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Starkus Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Staudt Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Stern Mrs. Patricia A. Stern Rev. Reinhard J. Sternemann, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Stobba Rev. Joseph G. Stobba, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Cameron T. Stock Mr. Ronald J. Stuchl Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Sturdy Br. Angelo A. Sturn, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Sujack Mr. and Mrs. Rick Sullins Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Sullivan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Roger R. Sullivan Ms. Meleesa M. Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Phillip J. Supple Mr. Michael J. Swanson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Szura Mrs. Celine T. Szykowny Mr. and Mrs. Anthony A. Tadin Mr. and Mrs. David J. Takashima Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Tanghe Ms. DeAnna L. Thomas Ms. Natalie A. Thompson Mr. John Tidwell Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Tierney Mr. and Mrs. James B. Tierney The Tierney Family Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Tinman

42

Annual Report |

Ms. Marcia C. Tonda Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Tonner Mr. Mario Tortoriello Mr. and Mrs. John C. Trainor Mr. Troy Tripamer Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tristano Mr. and Mrs. John Trusty Ms. Jean M. Tsokatos Mr. Michael R. Tully Mr. and Mrs. John P. Turcich Mrs. Kathryn T. Turkowski Ms. Teresa Turlek Ms. Nancy M. Ulibarri Mr. and Mrs. Richard Urchell Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Utter Ms. Marcella Valencia Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Valentino Mr. and Mrs. Donald Valiska Mr. and Mrs. John M. Van Antwerp Mrs. Joann F. Van Antwerp Ms. Karen A. Van Huezen Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Van Zeyl Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Van Zeyl Mr. and Mrs. Mark VanSile Mr. and Mrs. David L. Vaughan Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Vega Mr. and Mrs. Arthur R. Velasquez Mr. and Mrs. David A. Veneziano Ms. Mary C. Verduin Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Verdun Dr. Mary R. Vermilion, Ph.D. Ms. Cynthia B. Vernon Ms. Rita Vidal Dr. and Mrs. James C. Vlazny Mr. Robert Vorbroker Mr. Richard A. Wagner Mr. and Mrs. Leonard M. Waguespack, III Mr. and Mrs. Patrick K. Walls Mr. and Mrs. John J. Walsh Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Walsh Mr. James E. Walsh Mr. and Mrs. Harold Walter Mr. and Mrs. John A. Ward Mr. Frank J. Ward Mr. and Mrs. Kennard Warfield, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gary R. Waxmonsky Mr. Paul S. Wemhoff Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Wentworth, Jr. Dcn. and Mrs. Emil J. Wernert Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Whalen Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Whealen Ms. Veronica Whittington-Beal Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Whitton Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Wilimczyk Mr. and Mrs. Ward T. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Ed Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Phil A. Wilson Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wise Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Bruce C. Wisniewski Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Witynski Mr. and Mrs. George R. Wizi Mr. Martin H. Wojcik Mr. and Mrs. James R. Wollangk Mr. and Mrs. John E. Woycheese Mr. and Mrs. Carter H. Wright, Jr. Dr. Thomas A. Wroblewski, M.D. Rev. Richard A. Young, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew G. Youpel Mrs. Cynthia R. Zarach Dr. and Mrs. Richard J. Zaranek Anonymous Mr. John J. Ziemba Sr. M. B. Zimmer, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Zolfo Mr. James Zotti Ms. Deborah J. Zwolinski Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes AmazonSmile American Combustion Service, Inc. Ameriprise Financial Anonymous Archdiocese of Chicago Archdiocese of Saint Louis Architectural Grilles and Sunshades Associated Hearing Services, PC Augustinian Community of Burns Hall Friary Austin Alumni Association Austin Catholic High School

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 42

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Ayco Charitble Foundation Bernard Heerey Family Foundation Brothers of the Order of Hermits of St. Augustine Buck Services, Inc. Cascia Hall Foundation Cascia Hall Preparatory School Catholic Cemeteries of Chicago Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Chicago Community Foundation CoWorx Staffing Services, LLC Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese of Lansing Federation of Augustinians of North America (FANA) Goldrick and Goldrick, Ltd. Holy Rosary Holy Name Society Illinois State Council Knights of Columbus International Insurance Brokers, Ltd. Italian American Executives of Transportation J.P. Morgan Jackson National Life Insurance Company Joseph Cardinal Bernadin Council #324 Knights of Columbus #9970 LaMancha, Inc. Little Company of Mary Sisters - USA Marquette Bank Mayo Family Charitable Trust Mendel Alumni Association Merrill Lynch Mutual Of America Financial Group Overt Press Inc. Palermo Stella Del Mar Paul Borg Construction Perry and Associates, LLP Pershing Charitable Trust Providence Catholic High School Racine Community Foundation Saint Rita of Cascia High School Saint Thomas of Villanova College Saint Turibius Parish Schwab Charitable Fund

Sisters of St. Casimir Sisters of St. Rita Southwest Town Mechanical St. Ann's Parish St. Augustine Friary St. Linus Parish St. Louis Community Foundation St. Mary Nativity Parish St. Rita of Cascia High School Mother's Club TD Ameritrade Teddy Bear Nursery Schools, Inc. The Harold D. and Hazel C. Wright Foundation The Raymond and Mildred McCarthy Fund The Society for the Propagation of the Faith The St. Augustine Foundation The State Bank Group The Topper Foundation The Wooden Spoon Thomas W. Dower Foundation UBS Financial Services UroPartners, LLC Vanguard Charitable

2021 Augustinian Virtual Gala Sponsors Thomas W. Dower Foundation International Insurance Brokers, Ltd. The Novak Family Charitable Fund Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Burns Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Berschback Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Engvall Mr. and Mrs. Silvio Ferrara Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Gerrity Mr. Bernard M. Kosowski Mr. Anthony J. Lauinger and Dr. Phyllis W. Lauinger, M.D. Mr. Patrick G. McKeever, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Ernest J. Mrozek Dcn. and Mrs. Joseph Roccasalva Mr. Ronald L. Skwarek Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Sullivan, Jr.

St. Rita High School baseball team, 1911

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 43

| Annual Report

43

11/19/21 12:21 PM

One Mind One Heart Society One Mind, One Heart Society members share these attributes: 1) They believe in the mission and charism of the Augustinians; 2) they pray for the Augustinians in formation, for an increase in vocations, and for our ministries; and 3) they provide an annual commitment of $1,000 or greater in support of our men in formation and vocations outreach, retired and infirm Augustinians, and our missions in Peru.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl P. Adducci Mr. James P. Axtell ANONYMOUS Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Beaudin, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Ted C. Berman Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Berschback Mrs. Frances L. Biolchini Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Biolchini Dr. Michael J. Bland and Dr. Otto Aldana Mr. Joshua R. Blaszak Ms. Christine J. Bobek Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Brennan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Butterworth ANONYMOUS Ms. Clarissa Cerda Mr. and Mrs. Randall Clark ANONYMOUS Mr. and Mrs. Martin T. Conroy Mr. and Mrs. Matthew F. Coughlin, III ANONYMOUS Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Dachota Mr. and Mrs. David L. Devine Mr. and Mrs. William J. Dore Ms. Carolyn A. Dunskis Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Engvall Mr. and Mrs. Silvio Ferrara Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Ferraro Dr. Anthony R. Fisher, Ph.D. Dr. and Mrs. William F. Fitter Ms. Patricia A. Flynn Dr. and Mrs. James J. Foody, MD Mr. and Mrs. Roger P. Furey Mr. and Mrs. John A. Gaberino, Jr. ANONYMOUS Mrs. Patricia A. Geiss Mr. Robert J. Gentile Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Gerrity ANONYMOUS Ms. Ardith E. Goodroe

44

Annual Report |

Mr. Joseph M. Grady Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Graff, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene F. Griffin, J.D. Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Hacker Mr. Daniel J. Hartigan, Jr. Mr. Jeremiah Hartmann Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Hartz Mr. and Mrs. Daniel K. Heenan Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Heeney Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Hennessy Mrs. Yvonne M. Herlihey Mr. and Mrs. David J. Hougan Ms. Lois J. Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Jania ANONYMOUS ANONYMOUS Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Wayne G. Klasing Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kniola Mr. Richard D. Kornowski Mr. Bernard M. Kosowski Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kreitzberg Mrs. Regina P. Kristopaitis Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lanuti Mr. Anthony J. Lauinger and Dr. Phyllis W. Lauinger Mr. Thomas Leo Ms. Virginia B. Leonhart Mr. William G. Maibusch Mrs. Inge M. Markey Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Martin, Jr. ANONYMOUS Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Martinovich Dcn. Terrance McGuire and Ms. Kathleen McGowan Mr. Patrick G. McKeever, Sr. Mr. Francis X. McManigal, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Francis P. Mohan Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Moore Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Morris Mr. and Mrs. Ernest J. Mrozek

ANONYMOUS Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Munster Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Murray Ms. Laura J. Nalepka Ms. Eileen Burns Neary Mr. and Mrs. William H. Nolan Mrs. Betty O'Toole Rev. John M. Ohner, O.S.A. Ms. Theresa A. Orlow Mr. and Mrs. John V. Paris, II Mrs. Lorraine Pavelcik Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Peskor Mr. and Mrs. Ronald F. Pilon Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Prieboy, D.O., M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Alois R. Pustejovsky Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Ramsay Mr. and Mrs. James F. Relstab Dcn. and Mrs. Joseph Roccasalva Mrs. Nancy E. Ryan, M.Ed. And Dr. Bernard E. Ryan, D.D.S. Mr. Robert J. Schmitz Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Scianna Mr. John Seper Mr. Ronald L. Skwarek Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Smith Ms. Janice H. Sosnowski Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Stobba Mr. O. K. Stransky Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Sullivan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Roger R. Sullivan Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Tierney Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Toenjes, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Tonner Mr. Robert S. Topor and Ms. Rachel A. Rone Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Utter Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Walker Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, Jr. Mr. Martin H. Wojcik

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 44

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Restless Hearts Society

“You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You” Enrollment in the Restless Hearts Society is reserved for those who have included the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel of the Augustinian Order in their wills and estate plans, or who have listed the Province as beneficiaries in life insurance, IRAs, annuities or other retirement plans, or who have donated houses or other property, and have informed the Provincial of this most gracious act and intent.

Mrs. Arlene Adams Mr. Pierre M. Adams Mr. Joseph F. Bamberger Mrs. Carolyn Beil Mr. Frank Beil Mrs. Anne Berschback Mr. Donald R. Berschback Mr. Charles D. Cassity Mr. James A. Corona Mr. James V. Corrigan Mr. Thomas C. De Corte Ms. Delores F. Denning Mrs. Sandra Lyn Drap Ms. Carolyn A. Dunskis Mr. Gregory J. Flanagan Ms. Rita M. Fortino Dr. Robert J. Fredericks, Ph.D. Mr. John M. Freese Mr. John A. Gaberino Mr. Oliver E. Giere Ms. Ardith E. Goodroe

Mr. Frank D. Grimaldi Mrs. Winifred M. Guthikonda Mr. Richard H. Hagedorn Mr. David J. Hougan Ms. Lois J. Jacobs Mr. Michael C. Kirby Mr. Wayne G. Klasing Mrs. Barbara G. Klasing Mr. Richard D. Kornowski Mr. John N. Kost Mr. John D. Kwiatkowski Mr. Robert J. LaFortune Mrs. Ann G. LaGere Mr. Anthony J. Lauinger Mrs. Bonnie J. Leighty Mr. Thomas F. Leo Mrs. Connie Leos Mr. Steve Leos Mrs. Barbara Jean L. Lichtfuss Mr. Earl L. Linehan

Mr. Jerome J. Lui Ms. Dolores P. Lundeen Ms. Robert H. Mace Mrs. Elizabeth Manning Mr. Michael P. Manning Dcn. Terrance McGuire Ms. Kathleen McGowan Mrs. Dolores F. Michalski Mr. Donald V. Miller Ms. Debra Molinari Dr. Thomas J. Moore Mrs. Mary L. Nolan Mrs. Adele M. O'Sullivan Mr. Harry J. O'Sullivan Mrs. Betty J. O'Toole Mrs. Lorraine Pavelcik Mrs. Nancy C. Petkus Mr. Donald A. Petkus Mrs. Connee E. Pines Mr. Timothy M. Ramsay Mrs. Mary A. Rasmussen

Mr. Richard Rasmussen Mrs. Bernice A. Raubiskis Mr. Albert Raubiskis Mrs. Pauline Reidy Mrs. Patricia J. Ryan-Fouts Mr. Steven Ryan-Fouts Mr. Robert J. Schmitz Mr. Philip A. Sgariglia Mrs. Lisa A. Solava, P.H.R. Mr. Richard C. Solava Mr. John S. Sosnowski Mr. Joshua D. Stewart Mr. Ned Van Hamm Mr. David L. Vaughan Mrs. Lisa Vaughan Mr. Martin H. Wojcik

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 45

| Annual Report

45

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Recurring Gift Donors Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Randall Clark Ms. Sandra De La Garza Ms. Carolyn A. Dunskis Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Glen Gray Anonymous Dr. and Mrs. Ernest L. Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mr. Richard D. Kornowski Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Kreitzberg Mr. and Mrs. Gary C. LaGere Mr. and Mrs. William Leighty

Mr. and Mrs. Juan J. Lopez Mr. and Mrs. William Mangold Anonymous Dcn. Terrance McGuire and Ms. Kathleen McGowan Anonymous Ms. Jennifer A. Meehan Mr. and Mrs. Lonald D. Monfils Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Moore Mr. and Mrs. William H. Nolan Mr. Dennis L. O'Keeffe Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Pastir Anonymous

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Prieboy, D.O., M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Ramsay Mr. Nicholas Relstab Mr. and Mrs. Moises Rodriguez Mrs. Verona M. Sawyer Mr. John Seper Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Slattery Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Smith Mr. Gerald T. Spatz Mr. and Mrs. Glennon J. Waeckerle

Pre-N

Shon Ma

Hyder

Novic

Joseph

Am

Dedication of Tolentine Collegiate Chapel: L-R Fathers Francis Fenton, John Seary, William Fink, Bishop Van Lierde, Cardinal Albert Meyer, Father Clement McHale, Bishop Reed, Father Donnellon

Third Provincial Chapter of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel in 1947

46

Annual Report |

St. Mary Parish, Rockford – Fr. Cornelius Ford, O.S.A. was appointed to be the first Augustinian pastor of St. Mary’s in 1933.

2020-2021

225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 46

11/19/21 12:21 PM

Augustinians in Formation

Men of Heart

Pre-Novices

Shon Maqpool Alam, 31

Frank Connor, 24

Nathan Fernandes, 29

Connor Fitzmaurice, 23

David Marshall, 24

Tony Moreno, 50

Lou San Vincente, 46

Hyderabad, Pakistan

Glen Rock, NJ

Mississauga, ON

Columbia, MO

Oakwood, OH

Live Oak, CA

San Diego, CA

Does God want you to be an Augustinian Friar?

Professed

Novices

Joseph Barowski, 24

Rajen Gomes, 37

Nicholas Stone, 27

Atsushi Kuwahara, 36

Mauricio Morales, 31

David Relstab, 25

Amherst, NH

Toronto, ON

Winston-Salem, NC

Fukuoka, Japan

Granada, Nicaragua

Palos Hills, IL

Michael Riggs, 29

Dominic Smith, 44

Spencer Thomas, 28

Thi Van-Truong, 32

Centereach, NY

Riverside, CA

Tulsa, OK

Tau Province, Vietnam

Fr. Ray Flores, 48

Emmanuel Isaac, 36

Jeff Raths, 28

Joe Roccasalva, 31

Las Cruces, NM

Faisalabad, Pakistan

Davison, MI

Chicago, IL

Fr. Jeremy Hiers, 41

Fr. Sam Joutras, 29

Hebron, KY

Joliet, IL

Newly Solemnly Professed

Newly Ordained Fr. Elizandro Contreras, 42 Fr. William Gabriel, 29 La Vega, Dominican Republic

vi sit 225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 47

Dover, NH

beafriar.org 11/19/21 12:21 PM

Virtual Augustinian Christmas Celebration Sunday, December 12th at 6 p.m. CT Watch at www.midwestaugustinians.org

The Priesthood Ordinations of Deacon Joe Roccasalva, O.S.A. & Deacon Jeff Raths, O.S.A. Saturday, December 18th at 10 a.m.

St. Jude Catholic Church 241 W. 2nd Avenue New Lenox, IL 60451 225411 MWA FALL-WINTER 2021 r3.indd 48

11/19/21 12:21 PM