AugustinianThe Midwest SUMMER 2022 INSIDE: Mendel Spirit Is Alive for Alumni Provincial Chapter Elects Leaders Meet Our New Secretary Br. Nick Fr. Terry Thrives as College Chaplain Why Do Friars Make Temporary Vows? Fr. Tony visits the Augustinian Novitiate in Lima, Peru
PRIOR PROVINCIAL
CONTENTS SUMMER 2022 ISSUE 3 PROVINCIAL ADDRESS 5 PROVINCE CHAPTER INSTALLS FR. TONY TO SECOND TERM AS PRIOR PROVINCIAL 6 PROVINCE CHAPTER CELEBRATES INSTALLATION CEREMONY 8 MEET OUR NEW PROVINCE SECRETARY 9 WHY DO WE MAKE TEMPORARY VOWS? By Br. David Relstab, O.S.A. 10 FROM ALTAR SERVER TO ALTAR BUILDER 12 2022 AUGUSTINIAN GALA REUNITES THE FAMILY! 14 THREE MEN MOVE ON TO NOVITIATE 15 PROFILE OF A FRIAR 16 WE FORM THE SPACE, THEN THE SPACE FORMS US by Fr. Joe McCormick, OSA 17 MENDEL ALUMNI UNITE FOR ALL-CLASS REUNION WEEKEND
PROVINCE SECRETARY Br. Nicholas Mullarkey, O.S.A.
EMAIL sean@midwestaugustinians.org WEB www.midwestaugustinians.org
By Marty Wojcik
MIDWEST AUGUSTINIANS
Rev. William Lego, O.S.A. Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. Rev. Bernard Scianna, O.S.A. Rev. Ray Flores, O.S.A. Rev. Richard Young, O.S.A. Rev. Jack Tierney, O.S.A.
Rev. Thomas McCarthy, O.S.A.
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.
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By Kathleen Lynch
Mrs. Kathleen Lynch
18 THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF MENDEL HIGH SCHOOL
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PROVINCE COUNSELORS
Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A.
PROVINCE TREASURER Rev. James Halstead, O.S.A.
NUESTRA SECCIÓN EN ESPAÑOL 20 DIRECCIÓN PROVINCIAL 22 DE MONAGUILLO A CONSTRUCTOR DE ALTARES 24 EL CAPÍTULO PROVINCIAL INSTALA AL P. TONY A UN SEGUNDO MANDATO COMO PRIOR PROVINCIAL 25 THANK YOU TO OUR NEWEST DONORS! 26 IN HONOR AND IN MEMORY OF... 2 The Midwest Augustinian | SUMMER 2022
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THE MIDWEST AUGUSTINIAN SUMMER 2022
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We know that for some, maybe for many, it was very traumatic. Death came knocking at our own door, the doors of our families, friends, and members of our respective communities. In an increasingly commercialized and secularized context, we religious are caught in several layers of a fractured reality. Yes, at times it is a struggle to live authentic justice and genuine Christ-centered love. Whenever I feel at a loss, or that I’ve reached my limitations, I say the same words. It sounds more poetic in the Spanish language: Lo que me falta, Dios provee. What I lack, God provides. The words of St.
The address of Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. upon his installation to a second term as Prior Provincial. Delivered at St. Rita Shrine Chapel on June 8th, 2022.
am extremely grateful this evening. For grace has sustained me along with the fraternal support of so many of my brothers and sisters, including the Prior General, Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton, O.S.A. and our Vicar General Fr. Joe Farrell, O.S.A. This support extends to the entire Augustinian family: our affiliates, our Provincial staff, our collaborators, our generous donors, and all those associated with us as a Province.
We can point to many highlights over these past four years, including several Professions and Ordinations, new Affiliations, and our 80th Anniversary. These came in spite of several external forces that have challenged us as a Province and as a civil society: a health pandemic and its residual effects; strained racial relationships nationwide and locally; threats of violence; political polarization across the nation and within our Church; global war; and so many other challenges particular to our respective communities and apostolates. Our collective inner landscape is wounded and vulnerable. The pandemic, for instance, became part of (and is still residually
in) our collective, shared experience. How did “living our best COVID life” affect our way of thinking and relating?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
I am deeply appreciative to our Province Treasurer, Fr. Jim Halstead, O.S.A.—who will continue in this position into the next term—and our outgoing Secretary Fr. Richie Mercado, O.S.A.—who will serve as Special Assistant to the Provincial while he completes his studies in Canon Law. These two men have walked with me on a daily basis, advising me during the joyous moments and the very challenging moments. I begin my second term as Prior Provincial looking forward to the future with hope and encouragement, celebrating the different events in the life of our Province, especially the reception of Vows and Ordinations to come in the next term.
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I am especially grateful to the outgoing members of our Province Council for their leadership over the past four years: Fr. Robert Basler, O.S.A.; Fr. Homero Sanchez, O.S.A.; and Br. Joe Ruiz, O.S.A.
can get overwhelming to consider so many critical movements in our Province and society, which are layered one upon the other. All the more reason why our daily prayer and Eucharist is essential. Our lives have to be systemically prayerful. As Augustinians, we share in the common issues facing the Church, the Order, and society. The most recent synodal process affords us the opportunity to listen carefully and respond collectively. This entails greater collaboration with one another, not only as brother and sister religious, but also with the laity. Our Order has a gift of Affiliation. I would like to explore how to include our Affiliates more through consultation and participation in our life.
Taking into consideration many factors in collective decision making, are we willing to let go of a corporate mentality of apostolates and focus on our corporate witness within the context of our communal life and apostolic service? I hope we are willing to give this serious consideration. Our vow of Poverty must be more than simply sharing things in common, there is an essential value in living our lives in a simple way, witnessing to this value and trusting in the Providence of God. Several of you have heard me say that “less is more,” both for the externals and for our interior life. I believe
our Province shares in a federated relationship with two other provinces here in North America, the Villanova Province and the California Province. From its initial formation, the Federation was intended to explore more opportunities for collaborations. Are we willing to further discussions regarding a possible unification, which is representative of the various regional cultural nuances? Such a task can appear overwhelming, considering all of the components that make us up as a Province and the many nuances captured in the mosaic of our respective identities, namely: our professed communities, our vocations and formation, our apostolic activities, our outreach to the poor and disenfranchised, our healthcare and advancement teams, and many other opportunities for collaboration with the laity in our wider Augustinian family.
Paul in his letter to the Philippians console me as well during those moments: “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.”It
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Amen.-Fr.Tony
Benedetto Pizzo, O.S.A.
This will require a willingness to engage one another and our lay collaborators in difficult conversations, at times. Our Augustinian charism is the heart of the communal life that animates our service within our apostolates. This is not about a comfortable life of complacency. Rather, it is a journey together whereby we walk the extra mile, willing to step out of our comfort zones, and willing to think outside the box.
Currently,it!
The wider community of the laity are part of this identity, all who have supported us and have been willing to walk with us on this journey of “one mind and one heart.” In Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti, he says that our relationships are based on a developing sense of fraternity within a common mission and purpose, and that is to bring Christ to one another.Family and friends, there is so much more to be said; yet words don’t always capture the essence of who we are. As we try to define ourselves, as we make attempts to reflect a reality that the world is often blind to, we recall the words attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and use words if necessary.” Our actions reflect who we are as consecrated people living in freedom under grace. We accompany one another on this camino, which has many points of departure, but leads to the same goal: The Kingdom of God. May the Lord continue to walk with us as we walk with one another.
All of these proverbial expressions challenge us to move forward together as a Province and a Church in 2022 and beyond. Our Mission Statement, the one that I just received as a symbol of our commitment, defines us as a Province of the Order of Saint Augustine. Most recently, what strikes me about this statement is our last line, which states that we “seek to discern new paths of service to which God calls us.” This is not a question of what we will maintain, but rather where we are called to serve and where we will be most effective in our pastoral service through our fraternity. Trust and communication are essential components of a healthy relationship. This is essential for all of us in our discussions. How can we improve communication on all levels, in order
Our Augustinian life by its very nature is transitional. As part of living our vow of poverty, I believe we should be open in exploring where we are best needed and avoid individual long-term service at the same apostolate, unless it is necessary.
that we are transparent, open, attentive, and responsive, rather than judgmental of what we see lacking?
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n Wednesday, June 8th, Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. was installed for his second fouryear term as Prior Provincial during an Evening Prayer service at St. Rita Shrine Chapel. Presided by Vicar General Fr. Joseph Farrell, O.S.A., the installation served as the centerpiece of the 2022 Provincial Chapter, opened on June 6th on the campus of St. Rita High School in Chicago’s southwest side.
Province Chapter Installs Fr. Tony to Second Term
Prior to his first election, Fr. Tony served for over a decade as Pastor of St. Rita Parish in Chicago (and Dean of Vicariate V-A), a predominantly Spanish-speaking parish, where he gained recognition for his commitment to comprehensive immigration reform with organizations such as Priests for Justice for Immigrants and the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Pastoral Migratoria ministry. In collaboration with Southwest Organizing Project and its member institutions, he also participated in affordable housing efforts, neighborhood safety issues and health care for low income families.
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As Prior Provincial, Fr. Pizzo will continue to oversee all the activities of the Augustinians in the Midwestern United States, Canada, and Northern Peru, while maintaining his primary offices at the Province headquarters in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side.
A native of Chicago’s Southwest Side, Fr. Pizzo was educated at St. Rene Goupil Parish elementary school and continued to JFK High School, before discerning a vocation with the Augustinians and attaining his undergraduate degree at Villanova University. He professed his vows to the Order in 1979 and received his Master of Divinity from the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago. In 1984, he was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Joseph Bernadin, receiving his first assignment as Parochial Vicar for St. Clare of Montefalco Parish in Michigan. A grandson of Italian immigrants, Fr. Pizzo also serves as Chaplain for the Italian America Executives of Transportation.
as Prior Provincial
The Midwest friars were joined by an audience of friends, family, and benefactors as Fr. Tony delivered his opening address and introduced the members of his newly appointed Provincial Council. Tasked by the Augustinian Constitution with assisting and advising the Prior Provincial in his governance, the Provincial Council consists of Fr. Bill Lego, O.S.A.; Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A.; Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A.; Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A.; Fr. Rich Young, O.S.A.; Fr. Jack Tierney, O.S.A.; Secretary Br. Nick Mullarkey, O.S.A., and Treasurer Fr. Jim Halstead, O.S.A. Provincial Chapter delegates — comprised of 30 friars—had appointed this team through a private vote held the day prior.
The voting body of priests and solemnly professed brothers of the Midwest Augustinian Province, including their Vicariate in Northern Peru, re-appointed Fr. Tony through a mail-in election held in December 2021. According to the Canons of the Augustinian Order, Prior Provincials are chosen by a simple majority through a democratic election in which each solemnly professed friar has an equal vote, with the option to abstain.
LEFT TO JOETIERNEY,O.S.A.;NICKSCIANNA,(BACK)RAYYOUNG,LEGO,PIZZO,O.S.A.;FR.HALSTEAD,(FRONT):RIGHTFR.JIMO.S.A.;JOHNMERKELIS,FR.TONYO.S.A.;FR.BILLO.S.A.;FR.RICHO.S.A.;FR.FLORES,O.S.A.;FR.BERNIEO.S.A.;BR.MULLARKEY,FR.JACKO.S.A.;FR.FARRELL,O.S.A.
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PHOTOINSTALLATIONCEREMONYGALLERY
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“I was drawn to the Augustinians because of their common life and their heritageeducation.apostolates,varioussuchasIwasalsodrawnbytheirrichandhistory.”
Br. Mullarkey,NicholasO.S.A.
For the past 6 years I have been stationed at Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, OK. I taught freshmen Theology, which included Old Testament and New Testament. I also taught 7th grade Theology for a few years and assisted in the Dining Hall during my first year there. I enjoyed my time as a faculty sponsor for the Bowling Team too.
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I discovered the Augustinians online. Vision Vocation and the Order’s website connected me to Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. I had previously been in the diocesan minor seminary. I was drawn to the Augustinians because of their common life and their various apostolates, such as education. I was also drawn by their rich heritage and history.
he Midwest Augustinian Province Chapter elected Br. Nicholas Mullarkey, O.S.A. as their next Provincial Secretary, beginning a four-year term of service at the Provincial installation ceremony on June 8th, 2020. We asked Br. Nick a few questions to introduce him to our reader.
MEET OUR NEW PROVINCE SECRETARY
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Where are you from originally and what can you share about your family?
How did you find out about the Augustinians and what drew you to discern with the Order?
I am looking forward to serving the Province behind the scenes. I think it will be rewarding to be a support for the priests and brothers who work across the Province in so many different ways. I think I will also learn a lot about our Province and its history and organization.
What are you looking forward to most about serving as the Secretary?
What will you be doing to get oriented in your new role?
I come from Des Moines, Iowa. My parents are now both retired. I have two older sisters, who are both married, as well as 3 nephews and 2 nieces.
Can you tell us about your prior service as an Augustinian?
I will be trained by Fr. Richie Mercado and Br. Tom Taylor to help me get acclimated to everything that goes with this new position. I am currently moving into Crown Point, where I will be working part-time with our elder friars in different levels of care. I’ve had a lot of big changes recently, and it will take time to get into a new routine. Thankfully, I have my fellow Augustinians to support and mentor me.
he process of becoming an Augustinian takes several years of discernment and prayer in order to hear what the Lord may be asking of an individual. Men in formation do not profess any vows until they have completed their Pre-Novitiate and Novitiate, a two-year period during which they are introduced to the Augustinian way of life and undergo a process of inner searching. At the close of the Novitiate, novices are asked to make their first step in professing vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience. What makes these vows unique, however, is that their span is only for one year. At the close of this year, each friar has the decision to either renew his vows for another year or let them expire and pursue another path in life. According the Constitution of our Order, temporary vows are to renewed at least three times and no more than nine before a friar make his “solemn” lifelong vows to the Order.
By Br. David Relstab, O.S.A.
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Even though he has not made a solemn commitment to the Order, a friar under temporary vows is still considered an Augustinian and is entitled to many of the components that comprise the Augustinian life. A friar in temporary vows is limited in his ability to vote on matters regarding the Province or their house community, but, in some cases, he can still contribute to the conversation. This unique period of initial formation demonstrates the wisdom with which our Order was designed and the importance it places on ensuring each friar makes his vows with the full freedom of his will.
The beauty of this structure is its allowance for greater freedom for each man to reflect interiorly on his call to Augustinian life. During these initial years of temporary vows, friars typically take graduate-level coursework in Theology and Pastoral Studies. Alongside their studies, they begin ministerial work and ask themselves if a future in ministry is right for them.
In the Spring Semester of each year, men in formation begin seriously considering whether they will renew their vows for another year. They must be renewed before the anniversary date of their initial profession, typically in July.
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Once a friar decides to renew his vows, a request is brought forward to the Prior Provincial and his Council to be voted upon. If approved, the renewal can be carried out during the celebration of a Mass or at Evening Prayer within the local community. The vows themselves are repeated vocally and are usually accepted by the Prior Provincial, in the name of the Prior General of the Order. This is important to note: all Augustinians profess their vows to the greater Order and not locally to the Province. This demonstrates the universality of the Order of St. Augustine and how all its members are joined together.
During Evening Prayer on the first day of the Province Chapter, Br. David Relstab, O.S.A. renewed his temporary vows to Vicar General Fr. Joe Farrell, O.S.A. In anticipation of this occasion we asked Br. David to explain to our readers the significance of temporary vows.
As part to the “Plan of Formation” produced by the Order, there is an annual questionnaire of self-reflection designed help friars see where they have grown over the past year and whether they are ready for the lifelong commitment. The questions draw the individual to prayerfully examine how the life of an Augustinian is fulfilling their baptismal consecration and vocation. Such an examination is additionally carried out in a yearly personal retreat.
Why Do We Make Temporary Vows?
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“I remember saying, Well, I’m technical.”
“I enjoy talking to students about design and engineering. I try to get them to think about everything we come in contact with through our lives. Just to open a car door—the manufacturing, the materials, the design, the ergonomics of it all—we can bring an awareness to how interconnected we all are.”
These God-given talents for building were apparent from very early in Br. David’s life. “I have always liked just tinkering around, and as a kid I always was drawn to Legos and Erector sets and other building toys.” FROM ALTAR SERVER TO ALTAR BUILDER
True enough. After all, he had just graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from Ferris State University. Prior to that, he made a living as a mechanic for Mercedes and Chevrolet. He had even been named “Applied Technology Student of the Year” at Stagg High School in Palos Hills. These experiences set David apart as a Pre-Novice and were integral to his sense of self.
“In our society, we like to title people by what they do,” reflected Br. David. “It was important for me to realize how much we all have to give that lies outside of those employable skills we can offer a business. What identifies us is how God has made us to share life with one another.”
Ministry at Providence Catholic has also afforded him access to woodworking equipment and a small workspace in a garage just behind the tennis courts. Through self-instruction, he has made rapid progress as a carpenter and is using his skills for the benefit of his Augustinian brothers. When the Midwest Province decided to establish a new Pre-Novitiate in the summer of 2021, they quickly had to furnish a new residence. Br. David took on the formidable task of building an altar, the tabernacle, and other liturgical furniture for the friary’s chapel.
The response he received from his Director made a lasting change in his perspective.
“He told me, ‘Well, yes, you are technical. But there’s more than that label. You are ultimately a child of God’”
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After Br. David presented his work to the community, he was deeply moved to witness the altar be formally consecrated by Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A. “It was rewarding to know I put my own energy and hands into it. But it was not about me—it was a moment of gratitude for the gifts we get from God and realizing how we can share them with others.”
The Technical Vocation Of Br. David Relstab, O.S.A.
Already Br. David has found opportunities to integrate his technical training into his religious vocation. Currently a member of the Augustinian community at Providence Catholic H.S., Br. David is fresh off the completion of his master’s degree in Pastoral Studies and in the midst of a second master’s in STEM Education from Illinois State University. His year of pastoral ministry at Providence has opened him to the possibility of a career in teaching.
hen he entered his first year of discernment with the Augustinians, David was asked by his formation director to describe himself in one word.
These days he only has spare moments to spend with his woodworking machinery. Yet, these brief windows have become for Br. David an opportunity for prayer and reflection in the midst of a busy life.
By way of the internet, Br. David made contact with the Midwest Augustinians and he was invited by Vocation Director Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. to experience Augustinian life as a temporary resident with the community of friars at St. Rita High School.
While a student at Stagg High School, he took every applied technology class he could and focused in on automotives as a possible career path. After graduation, he enrolled in automotive technology courses at nearby Moraine Valley Community College and found employment as a car mechanic.
Looking back Br. David is able to see how God had been forming him and calling him through his gifts as a craftsman and “tinkerer.” Woodworking offers him tangible analogies to articulate the experience:
Only after moving to Michigan to study at Ferris State did Br. David seriously contemplate a call to religious life. He had grown up in a Catholic family, and his mother was even an Associate with the Sisters of the Holy Cross at Notre Dame, whom they often visited together. He had loved serving as an altar boy for daily mass, but the question of a religious vocation did not occur to him.
At the Ferris State Newman Center he began praying about his vocation. God’s grace led him to the Confessions of St. Augustine, and he was struck by the saint’s relatable story.
“I began looking around the internet for different religious communities. But it was really St. Augustine, his life and his example, that drew me to religious life. His profound simplicity and his profound awareness of who he was: a sinner who has been made by God.”
“We always have to remain open to changing our plans to follow the will of God. Before a carpenter cuts into a piece of wood, he measures and marks, ensuring every line is straight and square. But when we cut, we may open a split in the grain or go off the mark for any number of reasons. How can we adjust? That is how God sometimes speaks to us too. We have our own plans, but then God introduces a little bit of a detour. And for me, it is very spiritual now how I go about crafts and design.”
“It is an act of prayer to just sit and focus on what I’m doing and what the product is going to be used for. This piece of wood will not have its end purpose to be a table, or a stand, or a candlestick, but it’s for something greater in a fraternity of friars sharing God’s love.”
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Our 2022 Gala was held on Friday, April 22 at the Drake Hotel in Downtown Chicago. Whether you joined us in person, took out an ad, or made a donation, you helped us raise over $251,000. This represents 20% of the Province’s annual fundraising needs.
2022 Augustinian Gala Reunites the Family!
It had been three years since the Midwest Augustin ian family was last able to gather in Drake’s lakefront ballroom. The Province Advancement staff approached this year’s date with our trust placed firmly in God’s will, open to accept any change or outcome. When the day finally arrived, and the doors of the ballroom were opened, we were amazed with the love we saw, not only for our exceptional honorees, but for all the friars who have given their heart to serving generations of stu dents and parishioners. We are once again grateful to Augustinian Affiliate Don Berschback who led the eve ning’s fundraising appeal from the dais with the help of Fr. Jack Tierney, O.S.A. All gifts went to support Augus tinian vocations and men in formation, the retired and infirm friars, and our missions in Peru.
Thank you for making our 2022 Augustinian Gala an extraordinary blessing and success!
A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors Gala Overall Sponsor Ardith Goodroe, in honor of Fr. Fred Taggart, O.S.A. Reception Sponsor Pat O’Connor, in honor of Fr. Mike O’Connor, O.S.A. Program Book Sponsor Dr. Michael Bland Flowers Sponsor Wendy & Greg Jania Music Sponsor Steve Werenski Video Tribute to Fr. Gaffney Sponsor Tony and Phyllis Lauinger Men of Heart Cards Sponsor Rob & Denise Utter THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS! 12 The Midwest Augustinian | SUMMER 2022
Congratulations again to our 2022 Honorees: Ed and Catharine Hennessy; Fr. Fred Taggart, O.S.A.; and post humously Fr. John Gaffney, O.S.A.
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Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A. with PreNovices (L-R) David Marshall, Nathan Fernandes, and Connor Fitzmaurice.
Three Men Move on to Novitiate
he Midwest Augustinians are delighted to share that all three of our Pre-Novices will be moving forward to our year-long Novitiate program. These three exceptional young men—Nathan Fernandes, of Ontario, Connor Fitzmaurcie, of Missouri, and David Marshall, of Ohio—have spent the last year participating in community life at the newly-opened St. Clare of Montefalco Friary on Chicago’s southwest side. Under Pre-Novitiate Director Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A., the men focused on interior discernment and learning the daily rhythms Augustinian life. Each decided to apply for the next level of commitment—the Novitiate Year— and each were formally approved by the Provincial formation team.They will now move to the Novitiate House near the Villanova University campus in Pennsylvania. Adopting a white Augustinian habit, novices dedicate a year to prayer and contemplation, seldom leaving their community and greatly limiting their time on computers or phones. We ask that our supporters include the names of these three in their prayers.
In addition to his chaplain ministry, Fr. Terry has begun teaching sections of Introduction to Theology—a new vocation, but one for which he can rely on his 40 years of experience leading spiritual retreats.
Overleaders.theyears, though, the clientele for spiritual retreats dried up—a trend seen across the U.S. Catholic Church. Following the closure of Tolentine in 2014, Fr. Terry took his retreats on the road to many parishes and retreat centers. It became clear to him, however, that he would need to transition on from his career, and he pondered what could be next.“I met with the Prior Provincial at the time,” recalls Fr. Terry. “I mentioned that a college campus might be the next logical step for me.”
Looking back at 40 years of teen ministry and 10 years of chaplaincy, Fr. Terry acknowledges the care his superiors took in choosing his assignments. “Following my ordination in 1975, the Prior Provincial at that time, Fr. Ray Ryan, O.S.A. told me how he recognized my passion for retreat ministry with teens, and I am grateful for his discernment,” said Fr. Terry.“Ialso told him that if I was going to do youth ministry, I better start it right away because it takes a lot of energy!”
Fr. Terry Brings Caritas and a Listening
Thankfully Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A, then Personnel Director, was able to arrange a meeting for Fr. Terry with Sr.
Ear to University Community
“I do not wear clerical attire, so people may not realize that I am a priest, but everyone knows me as the friendly face who is asking them ‘How are you doing?’” says, Fr. Terry.
Before coming to USF, Fr. Terry spent the entirety of his priesthood crafting popular, life-changing retreats for teens. For the majority of those years, his retreats were led out of the Province’s Tolentine Center in Olympia Fields, IL, where Fr. Terry was part of a team of friars who worked full-time as retreat
ntering into his tenth year as a chaplain at the University of St. Francis (USF), Fr. Terry Deffenbaugh, O.S.A. is a well-known presence around the Joliet campus.
No less that once a week, the 75-year-old priest makes the rounds on campus, stopping by every office on campus and checking in on the well-being of faculty, staff, and students. When not making visits, Fr. Terry keeps an open door at his office by St. Joseph Chapel, where he celebrates daily noon mass for the USF community.
Mary Elizabeth Imler, O.S.F., a Vice President at the SFU, who welcomed him to the ministry team.
As a teacher, Fr. Terry has found that a university classroom can become a retreat-like space as long as students remain centered on open dialogue and discussion. “Each of my classes has 30 people, many of whom are in the health care field. I find that this is a great number and demographic to create student-led discussions about spiritual life and the teachings of Christ.”
For course material, Fr. Terry prefers to discuss St. Augustine and St. Francis due to their relatability to young students. “I tell the class that these are two very different men who both had a very strained relationship with their parents. This opens the saints up for us.”
Creating down-to-earth and relatable entryways to Christ’s message has been an abiding concern for Fr. Terry, one that inspired him to author six books of popular spirituality. His most popular book, No Longer a Stray: The Gospel According to PupPup, is narrated by a stray dog who is taken in by the child Jesus and accompanies him on his ministry.Inthe
After 47 years, Fr. Terry still has not lost the energy to bring Christ to young people, and our Province is blessed with his example.
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preface to the book, Fr. Terry writes: “I am not a Scripture scholar, nor a theologian with a doctoral degree. I am an Augustinian priest, a youth minister, and a storyteller[…] I’ve written No Longer a Stray so that the reader might experience what it might have been like to be right there with Jesus.”
OFPROFILEAFRIAR
by Fr. Joe McCormick, O.S.A., Pastor, St. Bernard Parish, Homer Glen, IL
Throughcatechesis.the
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e Augustinians who value community life—that, is communion and unity—have long spent our energies in cultivating such communion and unity within our various ministries. Flowing from this charism of ours, we have fostered collaborative leadership with the laity and methods of listening…similar to the current synodal process. We also recognize the importance of a vital community life within any apostolate as the necessary context for evangelization and well-rooted faith formation and
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St. Bernard’s Parish in Homer Glen, IL has embarked on a capital campaign to fund the building of a $2.5 million addition to its church and pastoral center along with some modest renovations and upgrades of the current space. Since the church and its social space and portable classrooms were built in 1987, the parish offices have remained in a house one mile to the west of the church campus. The capital project will allow the move of the parish offices to the church campus. This move will cultivate a greater presence and cooperation between and among the pastoral staff and parish members.
years, I have also come to recognize the importance of structural space in service of communion and unity. The pre-Conciliar theatre-style of seating in churches has yielded to a fan-shaped, or even circular, arrangement of the worship space. The latter modification allows the gathered community to see the faces of others and experience themselves as a gathered community. Most newer churches also have a large and gracious gathering space outside of the worship space in order to foster socializing before and after the liturgy. And with the explosion of parish councils, committees and programs in recent decades, the preconciliar churches have needed to create more space for such community-building activity. Needless to say, additional offices and work space have also been added to accommodate the expanding lay ministers and staff.
The new addition will also include a new multi-purpose space that will accommodate larger social gatherings. Because it will be able to be divided into two or three separate spaces, it will also allow a greater variety of activities to occur—even simultaneously. Finally, there will be some upgrades to the church kitchen and restrooms and some dividers to separate more clearly the worship space from the social space.
Such structural modifications and additions take a great deal of reflection, consultation, dreaming, and planning at the front end to make sure that the finished product will serve the principal goal of the parish. This is because the finished product will be around a long time and it will shape and form the parish life. In St. Bernard’s case, that goal is to serve and cultivate communion and unity. We form the space, then the space forms us.
WE FORM THE SPACE, THEN THE SPACE FORMS US
MENDEL ALUMNI UNITE FOR ALL-CLASS REUNION WEEKEND
Mike Sheahan was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side and graduated from Mendel in 1961. With the guidance of the Augustinian priests and teachers, his academic and athletic prowess excelled. He served as a Student Council Class Representative and was named to the honor roll. He earned his varsity letters in both football and basketball and was named an All-Catholic League Football Player of the Year. He returned to serve as a teacher and coach at Mendel from 1967 to 1971. Mike’s personal football and basketball experience, together with his coaching skills, led his team to success. In recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the Mendel Hall of Fame and the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame.
Welcoming its first students in 1951, Mendel’s first graduating class was that of 1955. Mendel soon established itself as a premier educational and athletic institution with a firm dedication to the Roman Catholic faith. While its superb physical and athletic facilities rivaled those of a small college, the educational and spiritual dimensions were preeminent. Numerous championships were balanced by the development of scholars and vocations to the Augustinian Order. Mendel had a very diverse student population and was widely recognized as providing outstanding educational opportunities. All students were firmly guided by the motto, “Mendel Men are
The last reunion activity was a Mass and Reception hosted by the Class of 1972 on Saturday evening. Bishop Dan Turley, O.S.A. (Class of ’60) and Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A concelebrated the Mass.
TheGentlemen.”Augustinians closed Mendel in 1988, when it was transferred to the Archdiocese of Chicago and re-opened as St. Martin de Porres. It is now the premier Chicago public school, Gwendolyn Brooks Academy.
The planning process has already started for the 1973 and 1974 Classes 50th Anniversary Reunions in 2024. More information about this event and all events hosted by the Mendel Alumni Association can be found at www.mendelchs.org.
Mendel Catholic Prep High School was founded in 1951 by Very Rev. John Seary O.S.A. The Midwest Augustinian school occupied the facilities originally established by George Pullman, then known as Pullman Free School or Pullman Tech. Our Mother of Good Counsel, having a long tradition of educational ministry, seized the opportunity to establish an all-boys college preparatory high school in the Roseland area of Chicago when Pullman Tech closed its doors.
By Kathleen Lynch
The Mendel All-Class Reunion continued their celebration on Saturday, April 9 with tours of their former campus, now Gwendolyn Brooks Academy. After the tour, the Mendel alumni traveled to Hales Franciscan High School, where the Mendel All-Stars took on the Catholic League All-Stars in a Basketball Extravaganza. The first event was a skills competition, which Mendel won handily. The second event was a threepoint shooting challenge, which came down to a final shot by Mike Hampton. If he made it, Mendel won. If he missed it, the game went to overtime. Just like he did 40 years ago on the Mendel Basketball court, Mike Hampton buried the three-point shot. The final event was a 4-on-4 half court game, which Mendel won as well.
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On April 8, 2022, The Mendel Alumni Association held an All-Class Reunion Weekend which included a formal dinner and auction at Gaelic Park in Oak Forest, IL. The event was attended by more than 375 Mendel graduates and staff members. The driving mission of the Mendel Alumni Association is to preserve the memory of their alma mater and to advance the ties of friendship uniting the Mendel Monarchs, faculty, family, and friends. The group supports related charitable endeavors, including but not limited to, the Midwest Augustinian Province, Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep, and individual Mendel alumni for purposes of scholarships and medical hardships. The event on April 8, 2022 featured an open bar, plated dinner, live auction items, and honored many Mendel community members, including the 1982 Basketball team and Mendel Man of the Year, Mike Sheahan ‘61.
Into this scenario stepped the Midwest Augustinians who opened a new high school in 1951 to address the unmet need for college preparatory education on the far South Side of Chicago.
Besides driving academic aspirations, the Augustinian friars kept us on our toes relative to behavior. As a freshman, I had the good fortune of learning from Fr. Erwin Dodge, O.S.A. His approach to biology was both thorough and earnest; it was clear he was committed to his subject. Discipline and attention were allimportant in his classroom. One memorable incident occurred early on, when one of
By Marty Wojcik
Under the leadership of Fr. John L. Seary, O.S.A., they took ownership of the former Pullman Tech in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago. They named the new high school to honor Gregor Mendel and his legacy. At that time, the future for Mendel Catholic High School and Augustinians in education was bright, indeed.
When the time came for my family like thousands in the early 1960s to determine my secondary education future, the clear choice was Mendel. I had encountered
the Augustinian friars at my local parish and was impressed by their wisdom and awareness of the world. Among those friars I got to know was Fr. Bernard McConville, O.S.A. As an elementary school student, I was unaware of his fearsome reputation at Mendel: head disciplinarian and arbiter of student body behavior.
The Enduring Spirit of Mendel High School
The prospect of my attending Chicago Public Schools for secondary education was unimaginable to my parents. College-bound to them meant college prep. The prospect of a high-performance, disciplined education environment was logical. So, I entered Mendel in 1962 in what was by far the largest class ever, over 500 young men. A monastery with 30-some friars in partnership with a equal number of lay faculty ran the show.
The prospect of wearing a jacket and tie every day to class seemed rigorous and adult. Sharing the Mendel corridors and other public spaces with nearly 1800 other jacket-clad men felt like “serious“ education. The breadth of activities available every day was impressive, as announced by the inimitable Fr. Ron Turcich, O.S.A. in his daily public address pronouncements. “We know who you are!!”
WE BROTHERSARE ALL!
Introduction: the early 1950s was a period of transition and adjustment in the United States. The “baby boomer” generation, children of World War II veterans and of new families, was working its way toward elementary and secondary education. The largest entering education cohort in American history needed more infrastructure to accommodate this growth. Existing education systems needed to adapt . . . quickly.Atthe
same time, extraordinary and promising knowledge of the human gene structure was emerging. Biomedical sciences and engineering education were in demand as international competition emerged after World War II. Biological researchers active at that time would win Nobel prizes for their pioneering work. Many in the field credited the 19th-century Augustinian friar-scientist Gregor Johann Mendel for his work on in defining heredity.
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Through the advocacy of former Prior Provincial Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. (a St. Rita Alum!) and others, a large base of friends, families, and alumni has coalesced over ten years to financially support the Province and its mission. This impactful and “Advancement” program has made investments in dignified care for our retired and infirm friars (many of whom served at Mendel); and in vocations among a new generation of men. The Midwest Augustinians’ decades-long spiritual and educational leadership in Peru (starting with Mendel Principal Fr. John McNabb, O.S.A.) has increased vocations that minister to the Province’s constituents.
The “high school with the college campus” closed in 1988 and the Mendel property left Augustinian control for other educational uses.
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I am honored to serve as a volunteer leader in this effort, which has given me the opportunity to speak with many grateful Mendel Men whose recollections and gratitude are strong. It is clear that the “Gentleman” Spirit of Mendel Alumni endures. I encourage you to follow their example and participate, in the words of Saint Augustine “Tolle Lege”— pick up and read!
In later years, two unlikely education experiences proved valuable to me: four years of Latin (two with Fr. Labadie!!) and a course of “personal” typing. In later years I developed an interest in and affinity for languages whose roots were in Latin, as well as an eventual appreciation for our native tongue. (Caesar’s Gallic Wars mattered!) My learned ability to navigate a keyboard was critical to functioning in the digital environment, (Thank you, Miss Donna RaeEventually,Rocks!).
higher education and career took me away from the South Side and Chicago. So, when I learned in the 1980s that Mendel was not the robust institution it once was, I was dismayed. Contemporary social, demographic, and educational changes not to mention the decline of religious vocations had taken their toll.
My enduring regret has been that the Augustinians were slow to embrace the value of maintaining links with Mendel alumni, many of them highly successful. I mused to other Mendel Men over the years about the lost camaraderie of class reunions that never occurred. Later, I was pleased to learn that a “Mendel Alumni Association” had formed through diligent efforts of loyal Men in the Chicago area. It functions actively beyond the southern region of Chicago and serves as a point of contact for farflung Mendel High School alums. “We are Brothers all!”
My four years at Mendel were filled with memorable educational and social experiences. I could not have imagined anything like that at “X” public high school. Sporting events, musical performances, “sock hop” dances and of course student assemblies/“pep rallies” were formative. Academically, we benefited from dedicated faculty and friarly guidance. It was a complete package!
my classmates failed to observe the required self-discipline. Without warning, Fr. Dodge set aside his lecture and requested this individual accompany him to the hallway. The classroom fell silent as we waited for the Sounds of Discipline. If a picture is worth 1000 words, sounds of discipline have their own special vocabulary.
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“Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece.”
Podemos señalar muchos hechos destacados como prueba de que la gracia de Dios ha sido operativa durante estos últimos cuatro años, a pesar de varias fuerzas externas que nos han impactado como Provincia y como sociedad civil: una pandemia de salud y sus efectos residuales; relaciones raciales tensas a nivel nacional y local; amenazas de violencia; polarización política en todo el país y dentro de nuestra Iglesia; guerra Mundial; y tantos otros desafíos propios de nuestras respectivas comunidades y apostolados. Nuestro paisaje interior colectivo está herido y vulnerable. La pandemia, por ejemplo, se convirtió en parte (y sigue siendo residual) de nuestra experiencia colectiva compartida. ¿Cómo afectó el “vivir nuestra mejor vida con el COVID” a nuestra forma de pensar y relacionarnos?
Estoy especialmente agradecido a los miembros salientes de nuestro Consejo Provincial por su liderazgo durante los últimos cuatro años: el P. Robert Basler, O.S.A.; el P. Homero Sánchez, O.S.A.; y el Hno. Joe Ruiz, O.S.A.
Sabemos que para algunos, quizás para muchos, fue muy traumático. La muerte llamó a nuestra propia puerta, a las puertas de nuestras familias, amigos y miembros de nuestras respectivas comunidades. En un contexto cada vez más comercializado y secularizado, los religiosos estamos atrapados en varias capas de una realidad fracturada. Sí, a veces es una lucha vivir la auténtica justicia y el genuino amor cristocéntrico. Cada vez que me siento perdido, o que he alcanzado
stoy muy agradecido a esta noche. Porque la gracia me ha sostenido junto con el apoyo fraterno de tantos de mis hermanos y hermanas, incluido el Prior General, el P. Alejandro Moral Antón, O.S.A. y nuestro Vicario General el P. Joe Farrell, O.S.A. Este apoyo incluye a toda la familia agustiniana: nuestros afiliados, nuestro personal provincial, nuestros colaboradores, nuestros generosos donantes y todos aquellos asociados con nosotros como Provincia.
Agradezco profundamente a nuestro tesorero provincial, el P. Jim Halstead, O.S.A., quien continuará en este cargo durante el próximo período, y nuestro secretario saliente, el P. Richie Mercado, O.S.A.—quien continuará sirviendo como asistente especial del provincial mientras completa sus estudios en Derecho Canónico. Estos dos hombres han caminado conmigo diariamente, aconsejándome durante los momentos felices y los momentos más desafiantes. Comienzo mi segundo mandato como Prior Provincial mirando hacia el futuro con esperanza y ánimo celebrando los diferentes acontecimientos de la vida de nuestra Provincia, en especial la recepción de Votos y Ordenaciones Sacerdotales que vendrán en los próximos cuatro años.
El discurso del Muy Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. tras su instalación a un segundo mandato como Prior Provincial. Pronunciado en la Capilla del Santuario de Santa Rita el 8 de junio de 2022.
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mis limitaciones, digo las mismas palabras. Suena más poético en español: —Lo que me falta, Dios provee—. Las palabras de San Pablo en su carta a los Filipenses también me consuelan en esos momentos: “Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece”.
Puede ser abrumador considerar tantos movimientos críticos en nuestra Provincia y sociedad, que se superponen unos sobre otros. Con mayor razón nuestra oración diaria y la Eucaristía son esenciales. Nuestras vidas tienen que ser sistemáticamente de oración. Como agustinos, compartimos los problemas comunes que enfrentan la Iglesia, la Orden y la sociedad.
Todas estas expresiones proverbiales nos desafían a avanzar juntos como Provincia e Iglesia en 2022 y más allá. Nuestra Declaración de Misión, la que acabo de recibir como símbolo de nuestro compromiso, nos define como Provincia de la Orden de San Agustín. Más recientemente, lo que me llama la atención de esta declaración es nuestra última línea, que dice que: “buscamos discernir nuevos caminos de servicio a los que Dios nos llama”. No se trata de lo que mantendremos, sino de dónde estamos llamados a servir y dónde seremos más eficaces en nuestro servicio pastoral a través de nuestra fraternidad. La confianza y la comunicación son componentes esenciales de una relación sana. Esto es esencial para todos nosotros en nuestras discusiones. ¿Cómo podemos mejorar la comunicación en todos los niveles, para que seamos transparentes, abiertos, atentos y receptivos, en lugar de juzgar lo que vemos que falta?
El proceso sinodal más reciente nos brinda la oportunidad de escuchar atentamente y responder colectivamente. Esto implica una mayor colaboración entre nosotros, no sólo como hermanos y hermanas religiosos, sino también con los laicos. Nuestra Orden tiene el don de la Afiliación. Me gustaría explorar cómo incluir más a nuestros Afiliados a través de consultas y participación en nuestra vida.
Actualmente nuestra Provincia comparte una relación federada con otras dos provincias aquí en América del Norte, la Provincia de Villanova y la Provincia de California. Desde su formación inicial, la Federación tenía la intención de explorar más oportunidades de colaboración.
Tomando en consideración muchos factores en la toma de decisiones colectivas, ¿estamos dispuestos a dejar de lado una mentalidad corporativa de apostolados y enfocarnos en nuestro testimonio corporativo dentro del contexto de nuestra vida comunitaria y servicio apostólico? Espero que estemos dispuestos a considerar esto seriamente.
La comunidad más amplia de laicos son parte de esta identidad, todos los que nos han apoyado y han estado dispuestos a caminar con nosotros en este camino de “una mente y un corazón”. En la encíclica del Papa Francisco “Fratelli Tutti”, dice que nuestras relaciones se basan en un sentido de desarrollo de la fraternidad dentro de una misión y un propósito común, y es llevar a Cristo unos a otros.
Esto requerirá la voluntad de entablarnos unos con otros y con nuestros colaboradores laicos en conversaciones difíciles, a veces. Nuestro carisma agustiniano es el corazón de la vida comunitaria que anima nuestro servicio dentro de nuestros apostolados. No se trata de una vida cómoda de complacencia. Más bien, es un viaje juntos en el que hacemos un esfuerzo adicional, dispuestos a salir de nuestras zonas de confort y dispuestos a abrir la mente.
Nuestra vida agustiniana por su propia naturaleza es transitoria. Como parte de vivir nuestro voto de pobreza, creo que debemos estar abiertos a explorar dónde se nos necesita más y evitar el servicio individual a largo plazo en el mismo apostolado, a menos que sea necesario.
¿Estamos dispuestos a continuar las discusiones sobre una posible unificación, que sea representativa de los diversos matices culturales regionales? Tal tarea puede parecer abrumadora, considerando todos los componentes que nos conforman como Provincia y los muchos matices capturados en el mosaico de nuestras respectivas identidades, a saber: nuestras comunidades profesas, nuestras vocaciones y formación, nuestras actividades apostólicas, nuestra extensión a los pobres y marginados, nuestros equipos de salud y promoción, y muchas otras oportunidades de colaboración con los laicos en nuestra amplia familia agustiniana.
Familia y amigos, hay mucho más que decir; sin embargo, las palabras no siempre captan la esencia de lo que somos. Mientras tratamos de definirnos, mientras intentamos reflejar una realidad que el mundo a menudo está ciego, recordamos las palabras atribuidas a San Francisco de Asís: “Predica el Evangelio en todo momento, y usa palabras si es necesario”. Nuestras acciones reflejan quiénes somos como personas consagradas que viven en libertad bajo la gracia. Nos acompañamos en este camino, que tiene muchos puntos de partida, pero conduce a una misma meta: El Reino de Dios. Que el Señor continúe caminando con nosotros mientras caminamos unos con otros. Amén
Nuestro voto de Pobreza debe ser más que simplemente compartir cosas en común, hay un valor esencial en vivir nuestras vidas de manera sencilla, dando testimonio de este valor y confiando en la Providencia de Dios. Varios de ustedes me han escuchado decir que “menos es más”, tanto en lo externo como en nuestra vida interior. ¡Yo lo creo!
De monaguillo a constructor de altares, la vocación mecánica del Hno. David Relstab, O.S.A.
Mientras estudiaba en la Escuela Secundaria Stagg, tomó todas las clases de tecnología aplicada que pudo y se centró en la industria automotriz como una posible carrera profesional. Después de graduarse, comenzó a tomar cursos de tecnología automotriz en el cercano Colegio Comunitario Moraine Valley y trabajó como mecánico de automóviles.
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Ciertamente. Después de todo, acababa de graduarse con su licenciatura en Tecnología de Ingeniería Automotriz en el 2017 de la Universidad Estatal de Ferris. Se había ganado la vida como mecánico de Mercedes y Chevrolet. Incluso había sido nombrado Estudiante de Tecnología Aplicada del Año en la Escuela Secundaria Stagg en Palos Hills. Su conjunto de habilidades seguramente serían diferente de la mayoría de los que ingresan a la vida religiosa.
“En nuestra sociedad, nos gusta titular a las personas por lo que hacen”, explica el Hno. David. “Era importante para mí darme cuenta de lo mucho que todos tenemos para dar que se encuentra fuera de las habilidades empleables que podemos ofrecer a una empresa. Lo que nos identifica es cómo Dios nos ha hecho para compartir la vida unos con otros”.Elhermano
Cuando la Provincia del Medio Oeste decidió establecer un nuevo Prenoviciado en el verano de 2021, rápidamente tuvieron que amueblar un convento completamente nuevo. El hermano David asumió la formidable tarea de construir un altar, el tabernáculo y otros muebles litúrgicos para la capilla del
David ya ha encontrado muchas oportunidades para integrar su formación técnica en su vocación religiosa. Actualmente miembro de la comunidad agustina en la Escuela Secundaria Providence Catholic, el Hno. David acaba de terminar su maestría en Estudios Pastorales y está en medio de una segunda maestría en Educación STEM de la Universidad Estatal de Illinois. Su año de ministerio pastoral en Providence lo ha abierto a la posibilidad de una carrera en la enseñanza.
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“Disfruto conversando con los estudiantes sobre diseño e ingeniería. Intento que piensen en todo aquello con lo que entramos en contacto a lo largo de nuestra vida. Solo con abrir la puerta de un automóvil,
la fabricación, los materiales, el diseño, la ergonomía de todo, podemos generar conciencia de cuán interconectados estamos todos”.
La respuesta que recibió de su Director se ha quedado con él. “Me dijo: “Pues sí, eres técnico. Pero hay más que esa etiqueta. En última instancia, eres un hijo de Dios””.
“Recuerdo haber dicho, bueno, soy técnico”.
El ministerio en Providence Catholic también le ha brindado acceso a equipos de carpintería y un humilde espacio de trabajo, ubicado en un garaje justo detrás de las canchas de tenis. A través de la mayor parte de la autoinstrucción, ha hecho un rápido progreso como carpintero y está utilizando sus habilidades en beneficio de sus hermanos agustinos.
el Hno. David pudo presentar su trabajo a la comunidad, quedó impresionado por el momento de presenciar la consagración formal de su altar por parte del obispo Daniel Turley, O.S.A. “Fue gratificante saber que puse mi propia energía y manos en ello. Pero no se trataba de mí, fue un momento de gratitud por los dones que recibimos de Dios y darnos cuenta de cómo podemos compartirlos con losEstosdemás”.talentos dados por Dios para la construcción fueron evidentes desde muy temprano en la vida del hermano David “Siempre me ha gustado experimentar, y cuando era niño siempre me atraían los juegos de Legos y Erector y otros juguetes de construcción”.
uando entró en su primer año de discernimiento con los agustinos, su director de formación le pidió a David que se describiera a sí mismo en una palabra.
Unaconvento.vezque
“Comencé a buscar en Internet diferentes comunidades religiosas. Pero fue realmente San Agustín, su vida y su
No fue hasta después de su mudanza a Michigan para obtener su licenciatura que el Hno. David comenzó a contemplar seriamente un llamado a la vida religiosa. Había crecido en una familia católica, y su madre incluso era asociada de las Hermanas de la Santa Cruz en Notre Dame, a quienes visitaban juntos con frecuencia. Le encantaba servir como monaguillo en la misa diaria, pero la cuestión de la vocación religiosa no se le había ocurrido.
Mirando hacia atrás el Hno. David es capaz de ver cómo Dios lo había estado formando y llamando a través de sus dotes técnicos como artesano y “retocador”. La carpintería le ofrece analogías tangibles para articular la experiencia:
ejemplo, lo que me atrajo a la vida religiosa. Su profunda sencillez y su profunda conciencia de quién era: un pecador hecho por Dios”.
“Es un acto de oración simplemente sentarme y concentrarme en lo que estoy haciendo y en para qué se utilizará el producto. Este trozo de madera no tendrá como propósito final ser una mesa, ni un candelero, ni un candelabro, sino algo más grande en una fraternidad de frailes compartiendo el amor de Dios”.
Mientras era estudiante universitario, comenzó a orar por su vocación en el Centro Newman de la universidad. La gracia de Dios lo llevó a las Confesiones de San Agustín, y quedó impresionado por la historia identificable del santo.
Entre sus estudios de posgrado y su trabajo ministerial en Providence, solo tiene algunos momentos libres con su maquinaria para trabajar la madera. Sin embargo, estas breves ventanas se han convertido para el Hno. David una oportunidad de oración y reflexión en medio de una vida ajetreada.
A través del internet, el hermano David se puso en contacto con los Agustinos del Medio Oeste y fue invitado por el director de vocaciones, el padre Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., a experimentar la vida agustiniana como residente temporal en la comunidad de frailes en la Escuela Secundaria de Santa Rita.
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“Siempre tenemos que permanecer abiertos a cambiar nuestros planes para seguir la voluntad de Dios. Antes de que un carpintero corte un trozo de madera, primero la mide y la marca, asegurándose de que cada línea sea recta y cuadrada. Pero cuando la cortamos, puede que abramos una hendidura en el grano o nos salgamos de la marca por varias razones. ¿Cómo podemos ajustarnos? Así es como Dios a veces nos habla también. Tenemos nuestros propios planes, pero luego Dios introduce un pequeño desvío. Y para mí, ahora es muy espiritual cómo me dedico a la artesanía y el diseño”.
del Medio Oeste se unió una audiencia de amigos, familiares y benefactores para presenciar al P. Tony abrir su segundo mandato y presentar a los miembros de su recién nombrado Consejo Provincial. Como lo encarga en la Constitución Agustiniana de asistir y asesorar al prior provincial en su gobierno, el Consejo Provincial está compuesto por el P. Bill Lego, O.S.A.; el P. John Merkelis, O.S.A.; el P. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A.; el P. Ray Flores, O.S.A.; el P. Rich Young, O.S.A.; el P. Jack Tierney, O.S.A.; secretario Hno. Nick Mullarkey, O.S.A., y el tesorero el P. Jim Halstead, O.S.A. Los delegados al Capítulo Provincial -compuesto por 30 frailes- habían designado este equipo mediante una votación privada realizada el día anterior.
Como Prior Provincial, el P. Pizzo continuará supervisando todas las actividades de los Agustinos en el Medio Oeste de los Estados Unidos, Canadá y el norte de Perú, mientras mantiene sus oficinas principales en la sede de la Provincia en el vecindario de Beverly en el suroeste de Chicago.
El cuerpo electoral de sacerdotes y hermanos profesos solemnes de la Provincia Agustiniana del Medio Oeste, incluyendo a su Vicariato en el norte de Perú, volvieron a
Antes de su primera elección, el P. Tony se desempeñó durante más de una década como párroco en la Parroquia Santa Rita en Chicago (y Decano de Vicariato V-A), una parroquia predominantemente de habla hispana, donde obtuvo reconocimiento por su compromiso en la reforma migratoria integral con organizaciones como Priests for Justice for Immigrants y el Ministerio Pastoral Migratoria de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago. En colaboración con Southwest Organizing Project y sus instituciones miembros, también participó en iniciativas de vivienda asequible, problemas de seguridad en vecindarios y atención médica para familias de bajos ingresos.
“Estoy extremadamente agradecido con mis hermanos y hermanas profesos que están aquí y con todos ustedes que se han tomado el tiempo para estar con nosotros esta noche”, dijo el P. Tony en el discurso de apertura de su segundo mandato. “La gracia me ha sostenido junto con el apoyo fraterno de tantos hermanos y hermanas, incluidos el Prior General y el Vicario General. Este apoyo incluye a toda la familia agustiniana, las hermanas, los afiliados, el personal provincial, nuestros numerosos y generosos donantes, y todos aquellos asociados con nosotros como provincia y más allá”.
l miércoles 8 de junio, el Muy Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. fue instalado para su segundo mandato de cuatro años como Prior Provincial durante un servicio de Oración Vespertina en la Capilla del Santuario de Santa Rita. Presidida por el Vicario General el padre Joseph Farrell, O.S.A., la instalación sirvió como pieza central del Capítulo Provincial de 2022 que comenzó el 6 de junio en el campus de la Escuela Secundaria Sta. Rita en el suroeste de Chicago.Alosfrailes
nombrar al P. Tony a través de una elección por correo celebrada en diciembre de 2021. De acuerdo con los Cánones de la Orden Agustiniana, los Priores Provinciales son elegidos por mayoría simple a través de una elección democrática en la que cada fraile profeso solemne tiene el mismo voto, con la opción de abstenerse.
E
El instalaProvincialCapítuloalP.
Tony a un segundo mandato como Prior Provincial
La AgustinianaRevista 24 The Midwest Augustinian | SUMMER 2022
Nativo del suroeste de Chicago, el P. Pizzo se educó en la escuela primaria de la parroquia de San René Goupil y continuó en la Escuela Secundaria JFK, antes de discernir una vocación con los agustinos y obtener su título universitario en la Universidad de Villanova. El padre profesó sus votos a la Orden en 1979 y recibió su Maestría en Divinidad de la Unión Teológica Católica de Chicago. En 1984, fue ordenado sacerdote por el Cardenal Joseph Bernadin, recibiendo su primera asignación como Vicario Parroquial de la parroquia Santa Clara de Montefalco en Michigan. Nieto de inmigrantes italianos, el P. Pizzo también se desempeña como Capellán de los Ejecutivos de Transporte de Italia en América.
Mr.AnonymousJackM. Hull
Mrs. Irene Nowak
Ms. Alison Brown
Mr. Lawrence J. Labanauskas
Ms. Maricela Lubash Mr. Miguel Martinez
Mr. Scott Lewandowski
Mr. and Mrs. Ted C. Berman
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick K. Syrcle
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Knezovich
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick T. Stanton
Mr. Timothy Pastern
Ms. Jane B. DiGirolamo
Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Pelayo Ms. Gilda Ratkovich
Ms. Josephine Davies
Mr. Matthew McCarthy
We
Mr. and Mrs. David K. Trumpy Ms. Madalyn A. Underwood
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Hennessy
Ms. Cara M. Moore
Ms. Diane Danzy-O’Dell, P.C.
Ms. Betty J. Weidenbener
Please note this is not a list of all donors from this period, but only those making their first donation to the Midwest Augustinians. If you feel your contribution is not properly reflected in this report, please contact the Advancement Office at advancement@midwestaugustinians.org or at 773-614-5881.
Ms. Lillian Jeanneau
Ms. Marion A. McCarthy
Mr. Adam Karrasch
Ms. Johanna R. Lombardo Mr. Marco Lopez
Mr. and Mrs. John Hennessy
Mr. Robert W. Bucher
Mr. Kent Paul
Mrs. Monica Dignan and Mr. Andrew W. Mr.DignanMichael Dreznes
Mr. and Mrs. Paul A. Krutulis
Ms. Bernice I. Wikstrom
Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Soto
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Werenski Stephen Werenski
Mrs. Angelina M. Jodie Johnson Charitable Gift Fund
Mr. and Mrs. John Bucher
Mr. Jeff Geha
Mr. Jim J. Coogan
Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Lacny
Mr. Robert T. Sibilsky
Mrs. Mary Jo Sullivan
Ms. Laura P. Trejo
Ms. Paige E. Shanahan
Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus D. Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Jimenez
Ms. Patricia J. Bernard
Mr. Alejandro Saldivar Rev. Paul D. Seil
Mrs. Gerri DeCicco
Mr. David A. Sterken
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Stassi
Mr. John C. Griffin
Ms. Jenny J. Robinson
Ms. Loretta J. Baker
Ms. Jo Marie R. Montalbano
Ms. Amy Shanle
Thank You to Our Newest Donors!
Mr. Timothy McGrath, P.C. Ms. Margaret M. McGready
Mr. Dean Dalaly
Ms. Mary Hahn
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Kelly
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barbinoi
Dcn. Oscar Gonzalez
Ms. Denise Halupka
Mr. Peter Smyth
Ms. Susan M. Blair
Mr. Michael Mullen Ms. Mary Ann Newbill
Mr. Edward A. Kunkler
Mr. and Mrs. Luke Senffer
are so grateful for those that join us in our mission to serve the Church through their charitable support! In each issue, we thank those newest donors that have given their first donation to support our Province. Thank you to the following donors that began donating between March 1 2021 to June 29 2022. We ask all our readers to keep these newest supporters in your prayers.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. O’Leary Mrs. Karen Pastern
Ms. Theresa Holbus
25VISIT US ONLINE! | www.midwestaugustinians.org
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Ms. Jennifer A. Meehan
Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Saunders
Ms. Betty J. Weidenbener
Ms. Theresa Holbus
Rev. Bernard R. Danber, O.S.A.
Dr. and Mrs. David C. Zablotney
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
In Honor and In Memory Of...
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Dore
Rev. John J. Lydon, O.S.A.
Mr. Joseph J. Adduci, Jr. Rev. Gerald A. Nicholas, O.S.A. Ms. Margaret M. Schauer Rev. Michael J. O'Connor, O.S.A. Schwab Charitable Fund Mr. Reid Martin
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Ms. Jennifer A. Meehan
Mr. and Mrs. James F. Relstab
each issue, we recognize the Augustinians, parishes, schools, and individuals that have been honored with a tribute or memorial gift. The following gifts were received between March 01 2022 to June 29 2022. List a friar in the enclosed envelope with a donation, and he will be recognized in the next issue of The Midwest Augustinian!
Saint Rita of Cascia Parish - Chicago, IL Dr. and Mrs. H. W. Allred, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Butterworth
Rev. Fr. Karl A. Gersbach, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. Brett Coppens
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Br. Jack M. Hibbard, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
Ms. Sandra De La Garza
Mr. and Mrs. David J. Hougan
Mr. Edward A. Kunkler
Dr. and Mrs. William W. Small Rev. John J. X. Glynn, O.S.A.†
Most Rev. Edinson Farfan, O.S.A.
Mr. Reid Martin
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
Sr. Jana A. Akan, O.S.A. Sisters of St. Rita
Rev. LaVern J. Flach, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Schloss, III Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Sullivan, Jr. Rev. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A.
Most Rev. Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. John T. Barry Rev. Jeffrey D. Raths, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Hoch Br. David Relstab, O.S.A.
Rev. Richie P. Mercado, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knop Rev. John J. Molnar, O.S.A.† Mr. and Mrs. Gregory R. Pawell Br. Nicholas J. Mullarkey, O.S.A. Mrs. Dorothy G. Mullarkey Rev. Patrick E. Murphy, O.S.A.† Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Rev. Thomas E. Nash, O.S.A.†
Rev. Philip C. Cook, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Roger P. Furey Rev. Henry W. McArdle, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Rev. Lawrence P. Dore, O.S.A. †
Rev. David L. Brecht, O.S.A.
Rev. Joseph R. Roccasalva, O.S.A.
Rev. Erwin J. Dodge, O.S.A.†
Rev. Francis J. Crawford, O.S.A.†
Mrs. Mary Jo Sullivan
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Rev. Samuel L. Joutras, O.S.A.
Mr. Andrew Relstab
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Rev. Andrew W. Matijevic Mrs. Renate M. O'Connor
Dr. and Mrs. William W. Small Rev. Joseph F. Hartman, O.S.A.†
Anonymous
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Rev. John J. McKniff, O.S.A.† Anonymous Rev. Walter F. McNicholas, O.S.A.† Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony A. Tadin Rev. William E. Lego, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald P. Abbott
Mr. and Mrs. James R. McInerney Rev. Jerome M. Heyman, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Joutras Br. Fred R. Kaiser, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
Dr. and Mrs. William W. Small Rev. Fr. Ronald E. Scheible, O.S.A. †
Rev. Robert F. Dueweke, O.S.A.
Br. Joe L. Ruiz, O.S.A.
26 The Midwest Augustinian | SUMMER 2022
Rev. Roland F. Follmann, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sallade
Rev. Lizardo Estrada Herrera, O.S.A. Saint Jude Parish
Rev. John H. Gaffney, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy Rev. Thomas A. McGowan, O.S.A.†
Rev. Raymond R. Ryan, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. and Mrs. Frank G. Scopelliti Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Walsh Rev. Joseph E. McCormick, O.S.A. Vanguard Charitable
Ms. Bernice I. Wikstrom
In
Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee H. Bayley
27VISIT US ONLINE! | www.midwestaugustinians.org
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Abrams
Catharine Hennessy Ed WayneMannyHennessyJimenezKlasing, Emeritus
Mr. Patrick G. McKeever, Sr. Ms. Cara M. Moore
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Harman
Rev. Gerald J. Van Overbeek, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Mueller
Ms. Mary R. Keeling
Saint Rita of Cascia Parish - Chicago, IL Mr. and Mrs. Michael B. Abrams
William
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Rev.
Ms. Patricia M. Grant
Br. Jerome A. Sysko, O.S.A.
O.S.A.,
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Scianna
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Ms. Marilyn A. Burch
Dr. and Dr. David Applegate
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kniola
Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Hillebrand Rev. Miguel Sedán Vélez, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. and Mrs. George A. Jaksa
Mr. Peter A. Mueller
Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo Prior Provincial “Bill” Reilley, Sr. Bernard Scianna, O.S.A. Provincial Councilor for Advancement Utter Vaughn MartinWalshWojcik, CFRE Chairman
Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Scianna
Mr. and Mrs. George C. Beckwith
Mr. and Mrs. Harlan R. Vance
Rev. John A. Tyma, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Houbeck, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Burns
Anonymous
Ms. Christine M. Starkey Rev. John J. Sotak, O.S.A.
Ms. Judith Wells Rev. Jack B. Tierney, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Murawski Rev. Daniel B. Trusch, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Dr. and Mrs. William W. Small
Mr. Daniel M. Offner
Mr. and Mrs. Thaddeus D. Smith
Rev. Henry A. Wierman, O.S.A.†
Rev. Michael J. Slattery, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dent
Mrs. Sylvia Hicks
Ms. Mary Ann Newbill
Rev. Thomas W. van Thienen, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. John S. Kavalunas
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. LaPorte Mr. R. J. McMillan
Mr. and Mrs. James W. Scheuerell Rev. R. W. Sullivan, O.S.A.
Mr. John Seper
Rev. Frederick H. Taggart, O.S.A.
Mr. and Mrs. James Carberry
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Alling
Most Rev. Bp. Daniel T. Turley, O.S.A.
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Mrs. Nancy E. Ryan, M.Ed. and Dr. Bernard E. Ryan, D.D.S.
Robert
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Kennedy
Peggy
Mrs. Patricia Dailey
Mr. and Mrs. Michael W. Gerrity Ms. Mary Hahn
Br. Lawrence R. Sparacino, O.S.A.
Roarty
PROVINCE ADVANCEMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Anthony J. Lauinger
Mr. Michael McNamara
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Rev. Reinhard J. Sternemann, O.S.A.
David
Mr. Chris Drnaso
Mr. and Mrs. James P. Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Kelly
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Arcidi
Mr. Robert T. Sibilsky
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger Rev. Christopher C. Steinle, O.S.A.†
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kniola Mrs. Agnes Lund
Norma Berman Anne DonaldBerschbackBerschback, ViceChairman Joseph MichaelBrennanGerrity, Chief Advancement Officer
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Pastir
Sisters of St. Rita
Rev. Andrew W. Matijevic
Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Deenihan
Mr. and Mrs. John P. O'Leary
Rev. John L. Seary, O.S.A. †
Ms. L. H. Dr.AnonymousOstrowskiandMrs.JohnD.
Mr. and Mrs. Francis L. Olinger
Mr. Gregory P. Jenkins
Mr. and Mrs. Bruno F. Domzalski
The MIDWEST AUGUSTINIAN Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel 5401 South Cornell Avenue Chicago, IL 60615-6200 NORPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID AURORA, IL PERMIT 437 The Restless Journey: A Men’s Weekend Retreat Inspired by St. Augustine October 21-23, 2022 Your Retreat Leaders: Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A., Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., & Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois Friday Evening to Sunday Afternoon Private Room & Bath ~ All Meals Included Suggested Donation of $250 (Financial assistance is available for any interested midwestaugustinians.org/retreatretreatant)
