Spring 2025 Midwest Augustinian Magazine by midwestaugustinians

Putting Community in Action

IN THIS ISSUE:

Priests for Justice for Immigrants Put Community in Action

Cardinal Prevost Elevated Within College of Cardinals

New Solemly Professed Augustinian in Peru

Students at Augustinian Schools Excel in Service, Academics

Letter from the Prior Provincial

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

Dear Friends of the Augustinian Community,

As the seasons change and we enter spring, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for your presence in our lives and mission as an Augustinian community.

This season, we reflect on a value that speaks to the heart of our shared journey: renewal. Just as spring ushers in new life and growth, so too are we called to embrace moments of spiritual and communal renewal. Whether it is through deepening our faith, fostering new connections, or recommitting ourselves to acts of service, renewal provides an opportunity to draw closer to one another and to God.

As we journey through this season together and appreciate the new life around us, let us take a moment to reflect on how we can embrace renewal in our own lives. May we find Christ’s presence in each new beginning and discover renewed purpose in serving one another with open hearts and hands.

I hope that you will consider joining us at one of our upcoming events: spend an evening in community with us at our 13th Annual Augustinian Gala on Friday, April 25th, at the Drake Hotel in Chicago (see page 16 for more details), or get involved with our Office of Lay Engagement by attending a retreat.

Thank you for your support and your dedication to our shared Catholic values. I am grateful to walk this path alongside you and pray for the blessings of peace, hope, and renewal to surround you and your loved ones this spring.

In the spirit of St. Augustine,

Very Rev. Anthony Benedetto Pizzo, O.S.A. Prior Provincial

Fr. Tony offers a blessing at the Solemn Vows of Fray Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., in Peru

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Around the Province

Cascia Hall Students Enter Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica

Students from Augustinian High Schools attend SAVI

St. Rita "Ritamen" Recognized with Straight "A" Heeney Award

Talent Thrives with Opportunity Groundbreaking Ceremony at Cascia Hall

Austin Catholic Forensic Workshop

Providence Catholic High School Wins: Dance & Wrestling

St. Rita Parish Designated as Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site

Fasting Forward: Aligning Our Spirits for Lent

Cover: Fr. Homero Sanchez, O.S.A., greets a migrant family at the parish offices of St. Rita of Cascia Parish.

Cardinal Prevost Elevated within the College of Cardinals

Thank You, Donors 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 23

Introducing the "Friends of Augustine" Initiative

The Midwest

Augustinian

THE MIDWEST AUGUSTINIAN Spring 2025

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 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60643

PHONE 872-265-1100

WEB www.midwestaugustinians.org

Fr. Joel Okojie, O.S.A., Appointed Spiritual Director for Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council, Toronto

Vocation Team attends Catholic youth conference in Utah

Christmas Celebration Filled with Warmth & Good Cheer

Annual Assembly, Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagún, Peru

St. Augustine Statue Installed in Chapel de San Nicolás de Tolentino, St. Rita Parish, Peru

Professions in Peru: The Solemn Profession of Fray Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., and First Vows

2025 Annual Gala Invitation and Honoree Introductions

MIDWEST AUGUSTINIANS

PRIOR PROVINCIAL

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

PROVINCE COUNSELORS

Rev. Raymond J. Flores O.S.A.

Rev. William E. Lego, O.S.A.

Rev. John D. Merkelis, O.S.A.

Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A.

Rev. Jack B. Tierney, O.S.A.

Rev. Richard Young, O.S.A.

PROVINCE SECRETARY

Br. Nicholas J. Mullarkey, O.S.A.

PROVINCE TREASURER

Rev. James R. Halstead, O.S.A.

Putting Community in Action: Priests for Justice for Immigrants

Camp Restless

En Español 30

Les presentamos la iniciativa "Amigos de Agustín" Conozca a los homenajeados y únase a nosotros para celebrar con ellos en nuestra Gala 2025 Poniendo acción en la comunidad: Reflexionando sobre la política de inmigración de los Estados Unidos a través del lente del Año Jubilar de la Esperanza

PROVINCIAL OFFICES

VOCATION MINISTRY OUTREACH

Rev. Thomas McCarthy, O.S.A.

Rev. Jack B. Tierney, O.S.A.

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER

Mr. Edward Barrett

MANAGER OF DONOR RELATIONS

Ms. JoAnn Altenbach

FINANCE OFFICE

Mr. Patrick Griffin

DIRECTOR OF LAY ENGAGEMENT

Mrs. Maryellen Harrington

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION

Mr. Rory Dayton

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.

AROUND THE PROVINCE

As we move into Spring of 2025, our parishes, schools, and ministries continue to be active. Our friars have been busy supporting our various ministries, and our communities have been celebrating their Augustinian heritage and traditions. The following sections include quick recaps of what’s been going on around the Province. To stay up to date with the most recent happenings, subscribe to our e-newsletters, daily reflections, and social media accounts by visiting our website at www.midwestaugustinians.org

Cascia Hall Students Enter Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica

Every January, Cascia Hall Upper School students participate in Minimester. Freshmen and sophomores take mini-courses in subjects like marine biology, crocheting, investing, and self-defense while juniors and seniors spend the month interning at a local company or serving at a non-profit. Alternatively, juniors and seniors can participate in a study abroad trip, giving them real-

life experiences outside the classroom and the opportunity to learn more about international cultures.

This January, a group of Upper School students and faculty traveled to Italy as part of the Minimester trip. This trip was one for the books as the group happened to be in Italy during Jubilee 2025, a time when the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica is open. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Rome

during this rare time to pass through the sacred portal in St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolizing a journey from sin to grace.

For many in our group, this was their first time to visit Italy. Cascia Hall English Department Chair Sarah Kennedy says she was deeply moved to see the groups of pilgrims from all over the world being led by priests through the door.

"Walking through the Holy Door at the Vatican was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This universal idea of reconciliation and forgiveness is one I hope to bring into my own life, remembering to always forgive others and also that God will forgive those who seek redemption.”

Students and faculty also took in other landmarks and sights, including the Sistine Chapel, Saint Mark's Square, and the Rialto Bridge. They were in awe of Michelangelo’s artwork and very grateful for the fellowship and time together abroad. These juniors and seniors completed their Minimester semester by writing travel journals, researching their favorite landmarks, and creating a slideshow presentation for their class.

Students from Augustinian High Schools attend SAVI

Last November, 65 students from Augustinian Catholic high schools around the United States gathered at St. Augustine High School for the annual SAVI (Student Augustinian Values Institute) retreat. In addition to these students, faculty chaperones and Augustinian friars joined together to learn about the shared values of truth, unity, and love, and how they can act in service to God to bring positive change to their communities.

Students from Providence Catholic High School, Cascia Hall Preparatory School, St. Rita of Cascia High

School, Villanova Preparatory School, and Austin Catholic High School represented the Midwest during the retreat. We applaud their faithful spirit.

St. Rita "Ritamen" Recognized with Straight "A" Heeney Award

In early January, St. Rita High School recognized the academic dedication of many “Ritamen” as Heeney Award recipients. These students were honored for earning straight A's in their coursework. Deacon John Donahue and Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., presented the awards to these students.

These inspiring young men were celebrated for their achievements during the January Family Mass & Breakfast. We are so proud of their accomplishments as they pursue academic excellence, service to their community, and their leadership as role models to younger students.

AROUND THE PROVINCE

Talent Thrives with Opportunity Groundbreaking Ceremony

Cascia Hall’s nearly 100-year-old campus is gearing up for a major expansion that promises to provide current and future students with an enhanced experience. The Talent Thrives with Opportunity capital campaign includes constructing a two-story STEM building, upgrading health and wellness facilities, renovating the dining hall and kitchen, and converting the gym lobby into a multi-functional student commons and cafe.

On December 10, 2024, Cascia hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate this $26.8 million capital campaign. Featured speakers included Governor Frank Keating ’62, Mayor GT Bynum ‘96, Campaign Chair John Hastings ‘01, and Headmaster Fr. Philip Cook, O.S.A.

Students, teachers, staff, donors, and members of the Augustinian community joined together for the ceremony, which included a blessing of the grounds where a new building will be added to the campus of the preparatory school. This investment will greatly benefit the many students who attend Cascia Hall in future years, and shows the community’s impressive commitment to supporting Catholic education. More information about the campaign and renovations can be found here: www.casciahall.com/ talent-thrives-with-opportunity or by scanning the QR code below.

AROUND THE PROVINCE

Austin Catholic Forensic Workshops

Every year since 2016, high school students from the Austin Catholic High School National Honor Society host Forensic Science Workshops for younger students. Middle schoolers from St. Lawrence Catholic School, local public schools, or homeschooled students attended to practice investigations like a crime scene investigator.

The two-hour workshop inspires students to be interested in the real-world application of science and math, through a series of experiments to solve a mystery. Over 100 students attended multiple sessions of the workshop and gained valuable experience while connecting with the older students. What a fun way to give back!

Providence Catholic High School Wins: Dance & Wrestling

In February, the Providence Catholic High School dance team, The Dancing Celtics, were named IHSA 1A State Champions. The team progressed through elimination rounds at Grossinger Arena in Bloomington, IL.

In January, the PCHS wrestling team took a 6th place finish at the Chicago Catholic League Championships.

Villanova Fourth Graders Celebrate Advent Season

Prior to Christmas Break, grade four students from Villanova College gathered in an Advent retreat. The retreat was focused on gratitude during the Advent season through a lens of relationships with themself, others, and God.

They were reminded to cherish life’s blessings during the season preparing for the coming of Jesus. The retreat was filled with a variety of group prayer, games, and art projects to grow the young students in their understanding of Christmas.

St. Rita Parish Designated as Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site AROUND THE PROVINCE

Pope Francis has dedicated this year as the Jubilee Year 2025, and the St. Rita parish is honored to be a designated pilgrimage site in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

The parish held a special procession from St. Clare of Montefalco Church to the St. Rita Church at the beginning of January to celebrate the Jubilee.

This Jubilee has been offered

by Pope Francis as a time to renew ourselves as “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Jubilee is typically celebrated every 25 years as the anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord. It has origins in the Book of Leviticus as a time for reconciliation, pilgrimage, and coming home.

St. Rita of Cascia parish plans to welcome many visitors during this year of celebration.

Fasting Forward: Aligning Our Spirits for Lent

by Maryellen Harrington, Director of Lay Engagement

Lent calls the faithful to be renewed and 40 women from the St. Jude Council of Catholic Women gathered for a day of reflection in the spirit of that renewal. The CCW invited our Office of Lay Engagement to direct their annual Lenten Retreat. The retreat theme, “Fasting Forward: Aligning Our Spirits for Lent” invited participants to reflect on fasting not as deprivation but as a means of returning to God and cultivating acts of compassion in the spirit of St. Augustine.

Fasting as a Return to God.

A central reflection of the retreat was St. Augustine’s words from Confessions (Book X, Chapter 27):

"Too late loved I Thee, O Thou Beauty of ancient days, yet ever new! Too late I loved Thee! And behold, Thou wert within, and I abroad, and there I searched for Thee; Thou wert with me, but I was not with Thee."

Augustine’s insight reminds us that fasting is not about external sacrifice alone but about removing the distractions that keep us from recognizing God within. The women

reflected on how fasting—whether from busyness, negativity, or impatience—can open the heart to deeper prayer and spiritual renewal.

Fasting and Compassion.

Fasting is incomplete without a corresponding increase in love. The women explored this connection through Isaiah’s words:

"Is this not, rather, the fast that I choose: releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking off every yoke?" (Isaiah 58:6)

Discussions centered on how fasting leads to action: replacing impatience with gentleness, prioritizing time for prayer, and

practicing intentional acts of kindness. The retreat underscored St. Augustine’s call to seek God through both contemplation and service.

Walking Together in Lent.

Lent is a journey that is best walked in community. The women shared how mutual encouragement—through prayer partners, small groups, or simple acts of accountability—can deepen the spiritual discipline of fasting.

The retreat closed with a communal prayer, sending the women forth with renewed hearts. As they entered Lent, they did so not with a sense of lack but with a greater awareness of God’s presence— knowing that true fasting makes space for grace and love.

Introducing the "Friends of Augustine" Initiative

Cardinal Prevost Elevated within the College of Cardinals

On February 6, 2025, it was announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A., Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, was elevated to the "Order of Bishops" within the College of Cardinals.

This means Cardinal Prevost goes from being a "cardinal deacon" to a "cardinal bishop" (the College of Cardinals has three orders or ranks and also includes "cardinal priests"). Cardinal bishop is the most senior rank within the College of Cardinals and is an honor usually given to those with the highest offices in the Roman Curia.

There are currently 13 members of the "Order of Bishops" within the College of Cardinals, including two Eastern Catholic Patriarchs. Traditionally, there have been six cardinal bishops from the Latin

Church, who are assigned the seven historical suburbicarian (suburban) dioceses around Rome (with the Dean of Cardinals taking two), but

Pope Francis has increased the number of cardinal bishops. Of the current 13 cardinal bishops, only five are under 80 and can vote in the next conclave to elect the next pope. The cardinal bishops elect the Dean of the College of Cardinals from among themselves for a fiveyear term.

As part of his new role, Cardinal Prevost was assigned the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano, which has been vacant since 2022 with the death of Cardinal Angelo Sodano.

Cardinal Prevost was ordained a bishop in 2014 and was elevated to cardinal in 2023. Besides being the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he is also the President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.

Fr. Joel Okojie, O.S.A., Appointed Spiritual Director for Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council, Toronto

On January 1, 2025, Fr. Joel Okojie, O.S.A., Prior of Marylake Monastery and Director of Our Lady of Grace Shrine in King City, Ontario, was appointed by Cardinal Frank Leo as the Spiritual Director for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council of the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Prompted by the Holy Spirit and faithful to the teachings of Catholic Church in harmony

with the local Pastoral programs, the CCRC offers a service that facilitates, educates, promotes with activities and resources the growth and development of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal throughout the Catholic Communities of Metropolitan Toronto.

Fr. Joel brings many wonderful gifts to this new role and will do a great job, just as he does as Shrine Director.

New Augustinian Education Leaders

Mr. Shawn Gammill (left), Upper School Principal at Cascia Hall, will be the Superintendent of Schools - Director of Augustinian Mission across our Province's high schools. In this new role, Mr. Gammill will promote, cultivate, and implement ways that our schools can integrate our values, charism, and spirituality.

Mr. Todd Goldsmith (right), Middle School Principal of Cascia Hall, was appointed as Chairperson of the Augustinian Secondary Education Association. Mr. Goldsmith will help the Augustinian high schools of the US and Canada to collaborate and promote our Augustinian values and charism.

Vocation Team attends Catholic youth conference in Utah

At the beginning of the year, Augustinian friars from across the country came together for SEEK, a catholic youth conference hosted by Focus, a national organization that fosters Catholic fellowship at universities, parishes, and through mission work.

This year, there were two SEEK locations, and Midwest Province friars visited Salt Lake City, UT, to spend time in community with young people, meeting fellow religious, and sharing our Augustinian charism with attendees.

This year's conference was attended by Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Fr. Jack Tierney, O.S.A., Br. David Relstab, O.S.A., and Br. David Marshall, O.S.A.

The friars distributed over 500 booklets about Augustinian spirituality and had hundreds of conversations with young people on fire for their faith. Friars give witness to Augustinian values, fraternity, community at

Christmas Celebration Filled with Warmth & Good Cheer

The Midwest Augustinian community gathered together to share in the cheer and warmth of the Christmas Season on December 15th, 2024, at Palermo's Restaurant in Oak Lawn, IL.

Mingling and greeting over cocktails and dinner, many of our Augustinian friars were in attendance, including our pre-

novices and the newly-professed who are in formational studies at Catholic Theological Union and living at the St. Augustine Friary in Hyde Park, IL.

Celebrating with our community during this special time of the year is a wonderful reminder of the strength of our friendships and our commitment to our shared Catholic

faith and Augustinian values. We look forward to celebrating with you through the rest of 2025.

Thank you for joining us to share a meal together - to have your name and address added to our mailing list, please contact the Province Office via JoAnn Foertsch Altenbach at joann@midwestaugustinians.org or at 773-614-5881.

Annual Assembly, Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagún, Peru

The Annual Assembly of the Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagún took place from January 6th to 10th in Trujillo, Peru. The event began with a two-day retreat, followed by three days of meetings. The assembly's primary purpose was to bring together all the friars of the Vicariate to plan for the 2025 pastoral year.

The Assembly was overseen by Regional Vicar Very Rev. Ramiro Castillo Castro, O.S.A., and his Counselors Rev. Reydín Rumy Alvarado More, O.S.A., and Rev. Isoe Dominguez Ramirez, O.S.A., as well as Secretary Rev. José Falú Benites Montero, O.S.A., and Treasurer Rev. Jorge Martinez Vizueta, O.S.A. The Assembly was also attended by Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

During the assembly, various reports were presented, covering important aspects of the Vicariate's

activities, including updates from parishes, schools, finances, vocations, youth ministry, and other apostolic ministries. The discussions centered on evaluating these reports and addressing the necessary actions for the year ahead.

Despite the packed agenda, the assembly was productive and efficient, as many responsibilities were already

being met and only minor updates to plans and ministries were required. During the Assembly, plans for the friars' assignments and whether any changes in assignments would take place were also confirmed.

As the assembly ended, Fr. Tony presided over the closing Mass.

To support the work of the Vicariate and our friars in Peru, please consider making a financial contribution to our Missions on our website, www.midwestaugustinians.org/donate

St. Augustine Statue Installed in Chapel de San Nicolás de Tolentino, St. Rita

Parish, Trujillo, Peru

On November 10th, 2024, the Parish of St. Rita in Trujillo, Peru, held a special Mass during which a new statue of St. Augustine was blessed prior to its installation in the Chapel of San Nicolás de Tolentino. Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., who was visiting Trujillo at that time, was invited to celebrate the Mass and perform the blessing.

The ceremony was a memorable occasion for all present, bringing together the community in a

meaningful celebration of faith and devotion. The statue was funded by donations from the Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

Professions in Peru: The Solemn Profession of Fray Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., and First Vows in Lima

On January 9th, 2025, Fray Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., made his Solemn Profession of Vows to the Augustinian Order in the Vicariate of San Juan De Sahagún, Peru.

Very Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel, received Br. Antonio’s vows, and friars from the Vicariate and the Federation of Peruvian Augustinians attended to celebrate Br. Antonio’s commitment.

On January 11th, 2025, at the Novitiate of the Federation of Augustinians in Peru, in Lima, seven novices made their first profession of vows to the Augustinian Order. The vows were attended by major superiors of the Augustinian circumscriptions in Peru, as well as the Prior Provincial.

Iquitos Soccer Tournament a Winning Success

On Saturday, January 18th, the Parish of Santo Cristo de Bagazan in Iquitos, Peru, hosted a thrilling soccer tournament, organized in collaboration with Fr. Walker Dávila Ríos, O.S.A. and Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., Prior Provincial. This twice-annual event brought together 12 men’s and

women’s teams who each competed for the championship title.

The tournament was a festive showcase of talent and sportsmanship, with teams vying for the top spot. As part of the festivities, Fr. Tony delivered a welcome speech and kicked the ceremonial first kick of the tournament.

This soccer championship is held twice a year and serves as a fantastic way to foster community spirit and engagement in the parish community. To support the tournament, please contact the Midwest Augustinian Advancement Office by visiting our website at

www.midwestaugustinians.org

Meet the Honorees

and Join Us to Celebrate With Them at our 2025 Gala

Br. Jack Hibbard, O.S.A.

The 2025 Augustinian Gala will honor Br. Jack Hibbard, O.S.A., for his decades of service to the Order as a Friar first and foremost, a family member, a friend to many, and through various ministry roles including as Dean of Students at both St. Rita High School and Cascia Hall Preparatory School and as Prior, Subprior, and Treasurer in Augustinian communities.

Br. Jack has long been associated with the Augustinians as he attended high school at Mendel Catholic (Class of 1969) and had an uncle who was an Augustinian friar for a time. His family’s love and support have been key to his Augustinian journey, whether from his mother Rita and father Eugene, or his siblings Mary, Bill, Jim, Phillip, and Jane, who he still remains close with to this day.

Br. Jack was involved in bringing the first Kairos Retreats to St. Rita and Cascia, and has impacted the lives of thousands of students over the years.

Chuck Engvall, Affiliate & Trustee

The 2025 Augustinian Gala will honor Chuck Engvall for his 38 years of stewardship and support of the Augustinian Order.

Chuck began his relationship with the Augustinians in 1987 when his daughter, Kim, entered high school at Providence Catholic. At that time, Chuck got involved with the Men's Club and, thanks to his business and accounting background, was instrumental in co-creating the school’s finance advisory committee.

Since then, Chuck has been an instrumental part of the leadership and advisory teams at Providence, and has also expanded his support to Province-wide initiatives as a Trustee and advisor and member of the Finance Commission.

Chuck was Affiliated to the Augustinian Order in 2015.

MaryBeth Carroll, Affiliate

The 2025 Augustinian Gala will honor MaryBeth Carroll for her 24 years of care and commitment to the Augustinian Order.

MaryBeth raised her four children in New Lenox and was involved at St. Jude Parish and School before she began working at Providence Catholic High School as a Staff Accountant in 2001. Over the years, in recognition of her talents and dedication, she was promoted to Controller at Providence and then expanded her scope of work to include spending one day per week working on projects at the Midwest Province headquarters.

MaryBeth’s work to support the Order goes beyond her work on financial projects. She is a close friend and trusted advisor to the Order, and counts many friars, sisters, and staff members as family. In acknowledgement of her countless hours of service and friendship to the Order, she was Affiliated in 2019.

Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A. (1917-1986)

The 2025 Augustinian Gala will honor the late Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A., for his dedicated service to the Augustinian Order and his remarkable ministry, particularly in Peru.

Father Chapman was born on April 23, 1917, in Centralia, Pennsylvania. He entered the Augustinian Order in 1935 and was ordained a priest in 1943. After serving in various educational and pastoral roles in the U.S., including at St. Rita High School in Chicago and Austin Catholic High School in Detroit, Father Chapman volunteered for missionary work in northern Peru in 1964.

In the Peruvian village of Morropón, he ministered tirelessly to local communities for 20 years, founding Colegio Santa Rita, a school offering free education to poor children, particularly girls.

Father Chapman passed away on July 2, 1986, and is buried at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

For tickets and sponsorship information, visit www.augustiniangala.org

Putting Community in Action.

Reflecting on United States Immigration Policy through the lens of the Jubilee Year of Hope

St. Rita of Cascia Parish offered a Sunday mass in “solidarity with our immigrant brothers and sisters” on January 19. This mass, celebrated by Fr. Homero Sánchez, O.S.A., was in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s organization, Priests for Justice for Immigrants.

Priests for Justice for Immigrants is a Chicago-based coalition of priests and ministers who are committed to justice and peace for international migrants living in the United States. They support immigration reform, support undocumented immigrants, and uplift the contributions of immigrants to society and the church.

In addition to Fr. Homero, several concelebrants from the Archdiocese of Chicago joined in prayer for this vulnerable population. The recognition took place during a regularly scheduled 12 p.m. mass.

Fr. Homero oversees the St. Rita of Cascia Parish, which counts around 2,700 parishioners, 90% of whom are immigrants.

Since the inauguration of the new presidential administration on January 20, newly enacted policies have impacted the lives of immigrants throughout the United States. While some argue that the policies are for the sake of national security,

these immigrants find their sense of normalcy and security disrupted.

One major concern is the authorization of immigration authorities to arrest people in schools, hospitals, and churches. This includes both undocumented immigrants and over a million legal immigrants who were admitted to the United States under the Biden administration, according to a recent NPR article.

Pope Francis has declared 2025 as the Jubilee Year of Hope, but how do we reconcile our Catholic faith with the jeopardization of human dignity and social justice?

In response to the executive

Fr. Homero Receives the Gifts of Bread and Wine during a Mass in Solidarity with our Immigrant Brothers and Sisters. Photo Courtesy of Chicago Catholic by Karen Callaway.

“You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

Deuteronomy 10:19

orders from the new administration, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement with the hope that the leadership will “reconsider those action which disregard not only the human dignity of a few, but of us all.”

The Catholic Church does not align with any political party in the United States, because the longstanding teachings of the church do not change between administrations. Christ teaches us to advocate for human dignity, a universal principle that transcends politics.

In Broglio’s statement, he asserts that the orders surrounding immigration “are deeply troubling and

will have negative consequences, many of which will harm the most vulnerable among us.” The challenge lies in how to show our care for our Augustinian and Catholic community.

Efforts like the mass at St. Rita of Cascia are important to reflect together in prayer on the current events which impact us all. We can also use our voices as Catholics and Augustinians to speak up for the voiceless.

Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Migration, issued a statement in addition to Broglio’s, using his voice in service of this at-risk community. Seitz expressed the Catholic Church’s commitment to defending human dignity “regardless of nationality

or immigration status,” further stating that “preventing any access to asylum and other protections will only endanger those who are most vulnerable and deserving of relief.”

Seita urges us to “accompany our immigrant brothers and sisters in accordance with the Gospel of Life.” We must show in our actions the love of Christ for all of God’s children.

God created each of us in His own image, and our namesake, St. Augustine, teaches this as the base of human dignity. It is our responsibility as followers of Christ to carry out this principle in our daily lives.

As Broglio says, “the just Judge expects nothing less.”

To learn more about Priests for Justice for Immigrants, please visit their website: https://pvm.archchicago.org/human-dignity-solidarity/immigration-ministry/about-us

St. Rita of Cascia Church

Camp Restless Summer Camp

Midwest Augustinian Office of Lay Engagement launches new initiative for our Youth.

by Maryellen Harrington, Director of Lay Engagement

We are thrilled to introduce Camp Restless, an exciting new initiative by the Midwest Augustinians to engage and inspire young people this summer. Rooted in the spirit of St. Augustine, Camp Restless is more than just a camp—it’s a transformative experience where young people can grow in faith, community, confidence, and leadership.

For over 75 years, the Augustinians have joyfully served the Midwest, sharing Christ's love through parishes, schools, and ministries. Inspired by St. Augustine’s vision of truth (veritas), unity (Unitas), and love (Caritas), we are committed to helping young people discover God’s presence, embrace their gifts, and grow into the leaders God calls them to be.

Camp Restless draws its name from St. Augustine’s famous words:

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.”

Through engaging activities, meaningful discussions, and opportunities for prayer, campers will explore their “restlessness” and how it can lead them closer to God. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, develop leadership skills, and form lasting friendships in a supportive community.

As friends of the Augustinian family, we invite you to help us spread the word about Camp Restless. Your support, whether through your local parishes, schools, ministries, or personal networks, can help young people experience this life-changing experience.

Additionally, please consider supporting our Camp Restless Scholarship Fund prayerfully. Your generosity can enable more young people to participate and ensure that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from growing in faith and leadership.

To learn more about Camp Restless, visit www.midwestaugustinians.org/camp-restless.

Thank you for being part of our Augustinian family and helping us make Camp Restless a powerful opportunity for young people to encounter Christ, community, and their God-given purpose.

To learn more about Camp Restless, to request flyers in English, Spanish, or Polish, or with more questions, please contact Maryellen Harrington at maryellen@midwestaugustinians.org.

Augustinians Attend Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) in Washington, D.C.

by Fr. Jack Tierney, O.S.A.

Politics is enough to cast an awkward shadow over any conversation. Discussing public affairs creates so much animosity, disagreement, and conflict that most people would rather avoid the topic altogether. From family gatherings to professional relationships, it seems that politics (and even the news itself) is just better left out of it.

Indeed, the symptoms of woundedness and strife are often expressed through political debate. Sin and division are powerful forces that alienate human communities. It seems that selfishness infects every domain of human activity – from the culture to the economy. How could politics possibly be about love?

In January 2025, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) hosted a policy conference to enhance the Church’s social ministry. Our Catholic faith offers a consistent intellectual tradition of Catholic Social Teaching to the world. However, this heritage is not just for books in a library – the faithful are also to be activated to witness human goodwill and the hope of faith. The Augustinians participated because our calling as Christians is to embrace political tension as an opportunity – politics is another space that desperately needs the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The timing was impeccable. The conference immediately follows the annual March for Life in Washington, DC. It also happens the week after the Presidential inauguration and the new Congress is sworn in. The 2025 legislative cycle begins with serious business –Executive Orders, budget reconciliation in Congress, and the first 100 days of Trump’s second Administration.

The politics of the world will always be “urgent”. Faith, hope, and love are desperately needed in every human

age. However, the Church operates on a different timeline. Heralds of the Gospel work for timeless truths, not temporary posts on social media. We celebrate the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope that promises freedom and peace that emanate from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Augustinians participated through our prophetic role as consecrated religious…. We also went to DC to do some politics. I was joined by Br. Nicholas Stone OSA, Fr. Jeremy Hiers OSA, and John Green, the Executive Director of Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor (ADROP). We attended legislative briefings sponsored by Catholic ministries and then attended meetings on Capitol Hill with Senators and Representatives. Agenda topics were succinct: all legislation

should promote the dignity of human life, serve the common good, and protect the family. In a practical way, topics ranged from funding concerns to policy questions such as the Child Tax Credit, Medicaid, poverty reduction programs, and immigration policy.

The Apostolic Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, spoke about ecclesial organizations that do the Gospel’s work of reconciliation and building human community. The Church invests in these areas because it is how we increase the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. Catholics are called to be good citizens – participating in democracy in the world. We are also called to be agents of the Gospel, both in season and out of season (cf. 2 Timothy 4:2).

“Politics is a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity” Fratelli Tutti #180

LEGACY

Dear Friends,

The following letter is from one of our Augustinian pre-novices, Kurt Bragg. The letter was mailed to the supporters of the recent Legacy Capital Campaign. I thought it wise to share it with the entire Augustinian community. Please enjoy!

Ed Barrett Advancement Director

A Letter of Gratitude to our Augustinian benefactors;

Afford me a small moment to share my deep gratitude for your kind generosity in making this portion of my journey with Our Lord and the Augustinians possible.

Because of the work of your hands, I’ve been able to step into formation with the Augustinians and direct my attention towards the call Our Lord placed in my heart; and, to serve Him more directly.

As a pre-novice, I’ve been able to deepen my spirituality through greater prayer, time spent in community- expressed through a rich Augustinian Charism of “One Mind and Heart” journeying towards God, and through service of God’s people.

I’m humbled and honored to be serving the body of Christ directly. Since entering formation, I’ve served alongside the Missionaries of Charity caring for the poorest of the poor, I’ve been able to care for and be at the service of our elderly brothers and priests at Crown Point, and the most humbling and enriching of all has been to serve at Mass, with our wonderful priests.

Due to your philanthropy, I’m able to invest this time with God and His people. As Our Lord shared in the Gospel of Matthew, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” I’m profoundly grateful to be with the Augustinians, in formation, so that I can be equipped to go out into the harvest and serve Christ, Our Lord, and His people.

I couldn’t be more moved by your support, and joyful during this season. Please be assured of my daily prayers for you. I too would ask that you continue to pray for me and the other men in formation who benefit immensely because you have said “yes” to God in the ways He has called you.

In Christ,

Kurt Bragg, Pre-Novice

“Love is the beauty of the soul”- St. Augustine

Thank You to Our Province Donors

Gifts received since July 1, 2024

We are grateful for those who join us in our mission to serve the church through their charitable support! In this issue, we thank those donors who have already given during the current Fiscal Year (July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2025). Their gifts are vital and help us continue our ministries including care for our retired and infirm friars, men in formation and vocations outreach program, and our missions in Peru. If you haven’t made your annual gift for the fiscal year, it’s not too late to donate! For questions about gifts please notify the Advancement Office at 773-614-5881.

Anonymous Donors (28)

Mrs. Suzanne Abeln

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew D. Abraham

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald M. Abramowicz

Mr. and Mrs. Pierre M. Adams

Mrs. Antonia Adducci

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Adduci

Mr. Mike Ahrendt

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Airdo

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis W. Alexander

Mr. and Mrs. Donald S. Allelujka

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Allen

Mr. Mark Allen

Dr. and Mrs. H. W. Allred, Jr.

Mrs. Rose M. Amorose

Dcn. and Mrs. Mark V. Armamentos

Mrs. Marcia T. Assad

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Atwood

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond N. Augsburger

Mr. and Mrs. Yong Y. Auh

Dr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Ayer

Mr. Joseph F. Bamberger

Ms. Mary Ann Bamberger

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur N. Barkman

Ms. Barbara Barnings

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Barrett

Mr. and Mrs. Donald R. Barrs

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Barry

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Beier

Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Benak

Mr. and Mrs. David Bendel

Mrs. Kathleen M. Benedetto

Mr. Michael Bentley

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Berggren

Mrs. Anne Berry

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Berschback

Mrs. Anne Berschback

Mr. and Mrs. Conrad J. Bertz

Ms. Barbara A. Bevan

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Billich

Mrs. Rosie M. Binge

Mrs. Frances L. Biolchini

Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Blaha

Dr. Michael J. Bland & Dr. Otto Aldana

Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Blue, Sr.

Ms. Christine J. Bobek

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Boline

Dr. and Dr. Ronald J. Bonaguro

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Borowsky

Mr. John E. Bourbon

Mr. and Mrs. Benito L. Bozzetti, Jr.

Ms. Dorothy Brann

Mrs. Joycelyn Grolla Brasini

Dr. and Mrs. Theodore E. Brasky

Mr. Daniel J. Brasky

Mrs. Geraldine Brecht

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Brennan, Jr.

Mrs. Rosemary J. Bresnahan

Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Bridgman

Mr. Robert M. Brown

Ms. Theresa M. Brown

Mr. Kenneth L. Brune, P.C.

Mrs. Mary Ann Brynda

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Buchler

Ms. Floriana Budrik

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Byrne

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Calhoun

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis A. Campbell

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Campbell

Mr. Thomas Cantwell and Ms. Barbara Bevan

Mr. and Mrs. James Carberry

Ms. Debra Carrola

Ms. MaryBeth Carroll

Mr. Frank Casto

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond R. Ceja

Mr. and Mrs. John Cencig

Mr. Ronald P. Centanni

Mr. Anthony Chapman

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Chuchla

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ciannella

Mr. and Mrs. Randall Clark

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Clarke

Mr. and Mrs. Martin R. Cole

Mrs. Mary Fran Collier

Mr. and Mrs. Barry G. Collins

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis R. Collins

Mr. Patrick Condon

Mr. and Mrs. Martin T. Conroy

Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Conway

Ms. Thomasine C. Conwell

Mr. and Mrs. John Coogan

Mrs. Mary J. Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene M. Coppola

Ms. Mary K. Corse

Mr. Ronaldo Cortez

Ms. Bridget Corum

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Cosgrove

Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Cosgrove

The Coughlin Foundation

Mrs. Margaret Coughlin

Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Cowan

Mr. Steven A. Cozzi

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Crawford

Rev. John J. Crepeau

Ms. Anna Cukrowski

Mr. and Mrs. Brian R. Cusack

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Czelusniak

Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Dalka

Mr. Vito M. D'Ambrosio

Ms. Josephine Davies

Ms. Sandra De La Garza

Ms. Barbara L. Dean

Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. DeFilippis

Mr. and Mrs. Jack DeMars

Mr. and Mrs. Steven Denihan

Mr. Joseph Desutter

Dr. and Mrs. Geoffrey R. DeTolve

Mr. and Mrs. David L. Devine

Ms. Victoria DeYoung

Mr. Gregory J. Dillon

Mr. James H. Dimmitt

Diocese of Lansing

Mrs. Marilyn J. Dock

Mr. Gregory G. Dodge

Mr. and Mrs. John J. Doherty

Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Dombrowski

Mr. and Mrs. David K. Doorneweerd

Mr. William † and Mrs. Margaret Dore

Mrs. Margaret Dore

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Dornblaser

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Doyle

Mr. Frank J. Drabik

Mr. and Mrs. Emmett F. Driscoll

Mr. David Duginski

Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Dulle

Mr. and Mrs. William A. Duss, Jr.

Ms. Carol A. Earley

Mr. and Mrs. Craig M. Eckert

Mrs. Barbara R. Eckley

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Egan

Mr. Mark Eichenlaub

Mrs. Margaret Ellison

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Engelberg

Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Engvall

Mr. and Mrs, Ron Esposito

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel E. Evans

Mr. Kenneth S. Falat

Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Fallon

Mr. and Mrs. Phil Faro

Mr. and Mrs. Edmond F. Fee

Mr. John M. Finnegan

Dcn. and Mrs. Howard Fischer

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Fisher

Dr. and Mrs. William F. Fitter

Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Fitzgibbon

Mr. Robert Flach and Mrs. Dawn Zimmerman-Flach

Mr. Martin Flaherty

Mrs. Helen Fleck

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory J. Fleming

Mr. Edward Flynn

Ms. Patricia A. Flynn

Ms. JoAnn Foertsch

Mr. Michael G. Foley

Mrs. Nancy Foody

Mrs. Kathleen Ford

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Fox

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Frankovich

Mr. Anne R. Franz

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Fredrickson

Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Frego

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Gaberino, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Gaier

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Gallen

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Galvan

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald E. Gamble

Mrs. Aracely Garcia & Mr. Saul Corona

Dr. and Mrs. John J. Gardner, O.D.

Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Garrett

Mr. and Mrs. August Garritano

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Garvey

Mr. and Mrs. Louis V. Gaspardo

Dr. and Mrs. Guy H. Gattone

Mr. Stanley M. Gavlick

Mr. Robert J. Gentile †

Ms. Lisa Gentile

Ms. Sharon Gentzle

Mr. and Mrs. Jaspare J. Giardina

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Giemzik

Ms. Gierens and Mr. Johnson

Mrs. and Mr. Michael J. Gleason

Dr. Thomas Goberville

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Goes

Ms. Sheila Goosherst

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph S. Goraj

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Gordon

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore A. Graf

Mrs. Alice J. Graff

Mr. and Mrs. Glen Gray

Ms. Carol Greer

Mr. and Mrs. Russell J. Grieshaber

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Griffin

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. Griffin

Mr. Patrick Griffin and Ms. Sharon Ostrowski

Mr. Robert Grimm

Mr. Michael Grosch

Mr. Brian C. Gunn

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Gustafson

Mrs. Winifred M. Guthikonda

Ms. Karen Guzan

Ms. Andrea L. Hacker

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hackett

Mrs. Mary Hackett

Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Hagedorn

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Hajek

Mr. and Mrs. John Hannon

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hargens, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Harris

Mr. Howard E. Hart

Mr. and Mrs. George Hasseltine

Mr. Bruce J. Hattemer

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Hayes

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Hayes

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel K. Heenan

Mr. Michael † and Mrs. Denice Heeney

Mr. and Mrs. Mark W. Heinrich

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Heintz

Mrs. Christine Helmin

Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Hennessy

Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Henry

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Herman

Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph S. Hernandez

Mrs. Sylvia Hicks

Ms. Dolores A. Hilden

Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Hillebrand

Mrs. Therese M. Hiller

Ms. Carol J. Hopkins

Dr. and Mrs. Dean A. Hoppenrath

Mrs. Margaret A. Horak

Mr. James Horvath

Mr. and Mrs. David J. Hougan

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Husa, Sr.

Mr. Anton Iberle

Mr. and Mrs. William S. Jablonski

The Jacobs Living and Family Trust

Mrs. Irene R. Jacobs

Ms. Cecilia L. Jacobs

Mr. and Mrs. John Jarboe

Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace

Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Jimenez

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jones

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Joutras

Ms. Kristina Kaczmark

Mr. and Mrs. Shawn Kane

Mr. Michael A. Karth

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Kavalunas

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Keane

Ms. Mary R. Keeling

Dr. and Mrs. Ernest L. Kelly

Mr. and Mrs. James S. Kelly

Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Kelly

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick R. Kilcoyne, Sr.

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. King, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. John E. King

Mrs. Elizabeth Kleinheinz

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Klos

Mr. David Knight

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Kniola

Ms. Phyllis Knobbe

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knop

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Koenig

Ms. Janet Relstab Kolimas

Mrs. Frances P. Kollman

Mrs. Loretta Koniarz

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Konstanty

Mr. Richard D. Kornowski

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Kos

Ms. Barbara A. Koss

Dr. and Mrs. Francis J. Kostel

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kot

Mr. and Mrs. Lance N. Krajacic

Mr.DavidKratowiczandMs.SarahBurkholder

Mrs. Regina P. Kristopaitis

Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Kroes

Mrs. Bernice G. Krolak

Mr. and Mrs. Michael G. Krukones

Mr. Thomas Krusenoski

Ms. Roseanne E. Kubalanza

Dr. Ronald R. Kubiak, D.D.S.

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Kucera

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas V. Kudzia

Mrs. Jeanne Kuffel

Mr. Randy Kunish

Fr. Kenneth E. Kuntz

Dr. Cynthia Kurtz & Dr. Peter Cornell

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Labanauskas

Mr. and Mrs. Frank M. Lacny

Mr. and Mrs. John Ladowicz

Mr. Robert J. LaFortune †

Mrs. Ann LaGere

Mrs. Therese E. Lahart

LaMancha, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. Dominic LaRosa

Mr. Anthony Lauinger & Dr. Phyllis Lauinger

Mr. Vincent J. Leahy, Jr.

Ms. Pamela A. Lego

Mr. and Mrs. William Leighty

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Lenahan

Ms. Anne Marie Leofanti

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Leos, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. LePretre

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Lesnicki

Ms. Jacqueline J. Levandoski

Mr. Kenneth F. Lewis

Mr. and Mrs. John Leyden

Mrs. Barbara Jean L. Lichtfuss

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey M. Lilley

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Linane

Mr. John P. Linane

Mr. and Mrs. Carwin B. Lindenbusch

Ms. Patricia A. Liskovec

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Littlefield, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Loftus

Mr. Bernard M. Loftus

Mr. and Mrs. Juan J. Lopez

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Lowry

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Lucas

Ms. Janet J. Lucas & Mr. John Puskar III

Mr. and Mrs. Dane A. Lupo

Ms. Patricia M. Lydon

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. Lynch

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Lynch

Mr. Robert L. Mabarak

Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Mackey

Mr. Ray A. Macri

Ms. Carol M. Madeja

Madrigrano, Aiello & Santarelli LLC

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Madrigrano, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. John S. Maggio

Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Mahoney

Mr. William G. Maibusch

Ms. Marilyn Maikisch

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Maio

Mr. and Mrs. John Majcher

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen J. Manders

Mr. and Mrs. William Mangold

Mr. and Mrs. Todd R. Mangun

Ms. Donna Manheim

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel P. Maracich

Mr. and Mrs. George Marino

Mr. and Mrs. John Markovich

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Martin, Jr.

Mr. Miguel Martinez

Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Martinovich

Mr. Kenneth Matic

Mr. John W. Matkey

Ms. Judith Maumus

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin T. Mavity

Mr. Timothy McArdle & Ms. Sharon McDermott

Mr. and Mrs. James P. McCarthy

Mr. John T. McCarthy

Mr. Patrick J. McCarthy, Sr.

The Raymond and Mildred McCarthy Fund

The Family of Ray and Millie McCarthyMcCarthy, Scopelliti, Kipp, and Walsh Families

Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. McCormack

Fr. Joseph E. McCormick, O.S.A.

Ms. Kathleen McCrimlisk

Mrs. Kathy McCutcheon

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel T. McGinnis

Mr. Michael E. McGinnis, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. McGivern

Mr. Dennis P. McGoldrick

Mr. and Mrs. William J. McGrane, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. James R. McInerney

Mr. Patrick G. McKeever, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. McNichols

Mr. and Mrs. Donald T. McSherry, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Mearna

Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Meehan

Ms. Jennifer A. Meehan

Mr. Alexander A. Melki

Mrs. Antoinette Mercier

Mr. and Mrs. John W. Meyer

Mr. James Michals

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Migliorese, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Miller

Mrs. Luanne D. Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Missant

Ms. Anne C. Mohan

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moisan

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Molina

Mrs. and Mrs. John Moloney

Mr. and Mrs. Lonald D. Monfils

Mr. and Mrs. C. Patrick Monterosso

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moody

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Moore

Mr. and Mrs. John T. Moore

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick G. Moriarty

Mrs. Caryl Morris

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen G. Morrissette

Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Mrozek

Mr. and Mrs. Ernest J. Mrozek

Mr. and Mrs. James L. Mudrock

Br. Nicholas J. Mullarkey, O.S.A.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph V. Mullarkey

Mr. and Mrs. John Mulligan

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Mundo

Mr. Richard Munster

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Murin

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Murphy

Mrs. Constance V. Murphy

Mrs. Kathleen Meersman Murphy

Ms. Jacqueline A. Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Bernard J. Murray

Mr. Michael E. Murtaugh

Ms. Laura J. Nalepka

Mr. George T. Neary, II

Dcn. and Mrs. Kevin C. Neis

Mrs. Sue Nelson

Mrs. Susan J. Nelson

Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Nendza

Mr. Kenneth W. Newton

Mr. Daniel J. Niemiec

Mr. Robert E. Nolan

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Norman, II

Mr. and Mrs. Dale D. Novak

Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord R. Novak

Mr. and Mrs. Michael A. Nowakowski

Mr. Donald O'Barski

Mrs. Renate M. O'Connor

Mr. James J. O'Hagan

Ms. Catherine O'Hara

Mr. and Mrs. Roman R. Okrei

Mr. Norbert E. Olaska

Mr. and Mrs. Eric A. Olesen

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Oliaro

Mrs. Letitia Olinger

Mr. and Mrs. Donald J. Olsen

Ms. Margaret A. Olson

Mr. Peter O'Malley

Mr. Michael J. O'Rourke

Mrs. Betty O'Toole

Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Ourso, III

Mr. Donald W. Pacer

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis C. Palgen, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. James S. Pall

Mr. Avelino Palma Maranan

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Palmasani

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Panozzo

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Panozzo

Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Paradiso

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Paruszkiewicz

Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Pastir

Mrs. Maureen Pavletic

Mr. and Mrs. Jerome E. Pawelak

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory R. Pawell

Mr. and Mrs. Manuel F. Perez

Ms. Rachel Perkowski

Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Perry

Mr. and Mrs. Mark C. Peskor

Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Petkus

Ms. Paula Petruzzelli

Mr. and Mrs. Antoine A. Phillips

Mr. and Mrs. John Pienta

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip P. Pilon

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald F. Pilon

Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Pintar

Mr. Terrence V. Pintar

Mr. and Mrs. Rocco T. Pisano

Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Pisarski, Sr.

Fr. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A. and Family

Ms. Eleanor A. Pollock

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Pomykala, Sr.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Poppish

Mr. Jerry Pospisil

Mr. Stanley J. Potempa

Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Pozzi

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Preuss

Dr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Prieboy

Ms. Anna Prieboy

Providence Catholic High School

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry J. Przybyla

Mr. and Mrs. Alois R. Pustejovsky

Mr. and Mrs. Emil J. Pustejovsky

Mr. and Mrs. Terrence J. Quandt

Mrs. Lois A. Raine

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy M. Ramsay

Mr. Francis J. Randall

Mr. Jose R. Randall

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Randolph

Mrs. Catherine A. Randolph

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Rannochio

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph I. Raphael

Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Rapinchuk

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Rastovac

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Ratkovich

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. Ratuszny

Ms. Ginamarie Reckard

Mr. and Mrs. William Reilley, Sr.

Mrs. Wilma Reilly

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Reinhardt

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reins

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Relstab

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Relstab

Mr. Nicholas Relstab

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne T. Renderman

Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Rieger

Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Righton

Mrs. Mary Ellen Rippert

Mr. and Mrs. Francisco Rivero

Mr. Charles J. Roarty, Jr.

Dcn. and Mrs. Joseph Roccasalva

Ms. Dolores Roeder-Palmer

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Rojek

Mr. and Mrs. Modestino F. Romeo

Mr. and Mrs. Larry F. Rooney, IV

Mr. and Mrs. David J. Rosenow

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Rumishek

Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ryan

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ryan

Mr. James J. Ryan

Mrs. Donna J. Ryan

Mrs. Nancy Ryan and Dr. Bernard Ryan

Mr. Steven and Mrs. Patricia Ryan-Fouts

Mr. and Mrs. Hector Salazar

Ms. Maria Sanchez

Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Santucci

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Sattler

Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Saunders

Mrs. Verona M. Sawyer

Ms. Margaret M. Schauer

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Scheuerell

Mr. and Mrs. William L. Schloss, III

Mrs. Debra Schmit

Mr. Robert J. Schmitz

Ms. Mary K. Schneider

Mrs. Barbara A. Schon

Dr. and Mrs. Lawrence J. Schouten

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Schouten

Mr. Joseph C. Schouten

Dcn. William J. Schultz

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Schultz

Ms. Marg Schultz

Mr. Todd E. Schumann

The Scianna Family - Michael, Jean, Fr. Bernie, Joe, Dina, Trent, Chris, Daryl, Trevor, Michela, and John and Lori Paris

Mr. Frank G. Scopelliti

Ms. Mary L. Seeley

Mr. John Seper

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Serafini

Serra Club of Dupage County

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Shamblin

Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Shanle

Mr. Michael J. Shannon

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Sheridan

Mr. Brian Sheridan

Ms. Mary Sheridan

Ms. Noreen Sheridan & Mr. Glenn Fink

Ms. Sheila Sheridan

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Shields

Mr. Robert Shouldis

Mrs. Marie C. Shroba

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Sieracki

Mr. and Mrs. Walter D. Sierocki

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Simikoski

Mr. and Mrs. James J. Simnick

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Sipes

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Sipple

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Sise

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Skiano

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce J. Skryd

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Slattery

Mrs. Marie Slattery

Dr. William H. Slavin, III, D.D.S.

Dr. and Mrs. William W. Small

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald A. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith

Mr. Michael E. Smith

Mr. Reeves E. Smith

Ms. Paula A. Smith

Mr. Zachary J. Smolinski, Sr.

Mr. Peter Smyth

Ms. Bonnie Spalla

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Spatz, Jr.

Mr. Gerald T. Spatz

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Spicer

Mr. S. G. Spicer, Sr.

St. Bernard Catholic Church

St. Jude Parish

St. John the Evangelist Church

Mr. and Mrs. Alan Staab

Mr. and Mrs. Jay J. Standring, Jr.

Mr. Ryan M. Stapinski

Mr. and Mrs. David O. Stark

Ms. Mary Beth Stark

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Starkey

Mr. and Mrs. John Steinmetz

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Stevenson

Mr. and Mrs. Nick A. Stiso

Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Stobba

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Stoltz

Mr. and Mrs. Louis V. Storino

Mr. and Mrs. Derek J. Stratelak

Mr. and Mrs. John B. Stuart

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Sturdy

Mr. and Mrs. Gregory P. Sujack

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Sullivan, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Roger R. Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Sullivan

Mr. John E. Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. David L. Suranovic

Ms. Susan Swider

Mr. and Mrs. Earl T. Szymanski

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony A. Tadin

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Tanghe

Teddy Bear Nursery Schools, Inc.

Mr. and Mrs. John H. Tennery

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Thetford

Mr. and Mrs. James B. Tierney

The Tierney Family

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Tolish

Mr. Robert Topor & Ms. Rachel Rone

Mr. and Mrs. John C. Trainor

Mrs. Dorothy Tramontana

Mrs. Lorraine J. Turcich

Mr. and Mrs. Henry J. Turek

Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Turner

Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth J. Valentas

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Valentino

Mr. and Mrs. Donald Valiska

Ms. Loral A. Valley

Mrs. Joann F. Van Antwerp

Mr. and Mrs. Jerome W. Van Treeck

Mr. and Mrs. David L. Vaughan

Mr. and Mrs. David A. Veneziano

Ms. Mary C. Verduin

Ms. Sondra K. Vignali

Mr. and Mrs. David Vincent

Mr. and Mrs. Jack Vlazny

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Vogel

Mr. Earl J. Vogel

Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Voss

Ms. Jamie Voss

Mr. William C. Waddell

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard M. Waguespack, III

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Walker

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick K. Walls

Mr. Frank J. Ward

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Watson

Estate of Rose M. Weber

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Weigel

Mr. and Mrs. Edward T. Weingartner

Mrs. Christine Weis

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Werner

Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Whealen

Ms. Kathie White

Ms. Oneida M. White

Ms. Josephine Wilczak

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Willenborg

Mr. and Mrs. Ward T. Williams

Mr. Michael M. Willoughby

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald J. Wirth

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Witek

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Witte

Mr. Martin H. Wojcik

Mrs. Trudi Woodlock

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Wortman

Mr. Wendell and Dr. Hollye Wright

The Harold D. and Hazel C. Wright Foundation

Dr. Thomas A. Wroblewski

Mrs. Susan C. Yant

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew G. Youpel

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald A. Zanin

Dr. and Mrs. Richard J. Zaranek

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley V. Zawila

Mrs. Marianne C. Zito

Ms. Deborah J. Zwolinski

Dr. and Mrs. Michael P. Zygmunt

In Memoriam

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Our prayers are with the family, friends, and community of our dearly deceased.

Fr. Thomas Paul Dwyer, O.S.A., born on October 23, 1932, in Bryn Mawr, PA, was ordained on December 20, 1958, and dedicated 51 years to mission work in Japan, serving as pastor, prior, and regional superior in various parishes. Known for his compassion, faith, and joy, he deeply connected with the Japanese community, often saying he felt more at home there than in the U.S. After returning to the U.S. in 2010, he remained a devoted advocate for the Augustinian mission in Japan until his peaceful passing on December 9, 2024, at St. Thomas Monastery.

Honorable Daniel J. Lynch, 81, served as a Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County for 25 years and was a longtime resident of Beverly and Long Beach. He was the beloved husband of Madelyn for 55 years, a devoted father to three children, and a proud grandfather of eight. He was an active member of several community groups, including the Golden Grainers and Men of Tolentine.

Edward Flynn, brother of the late Rev. John Flynn, O.S.A., passed away yesterday, February 1, 2025 in San Diego, CA. He was 93 years old. Beloved husband of the late Helen Marie Flynn. Dear Father of Anne Marie (Francis) Brady, Nancy Helen (Douglas) Ferrini, the late Donald Edward (Chimene) Flynn and the late John Francis (Carol) Flynn. Cherished grandfather of 11 grandchildren, great grandfather of 7.

Michael J. McArdle Jr, Affiliate of the Augustinian Order, 88, Veteran of United States Marine Corps, passed away January 14, 2025. Beloved husband of the late Geraldine (nee Duffy). Loving father of Timothy (Sharon) McArdle, Colleen (Judy) Arnier, and Katie (Paul) Schmidt. Beloved papa of Michael (Kathleen), Meaghan McArdle, Caleigh (Declan) Harty, Jeffery (Hillary) and Allison Arnier, Reegan, Mitchell, and Molly Schmidt. Great grandpapa of Maureen, Tim, Erin, Maeve, James, Jack and Teddy. Brother of the late Donna Griffin. Uncle of many nieces and nephews. Retired attorney, past President of the Society of Trial Lawyers, Former Special Agent of the F.B.I.

Robert James “Bob” Gentile, Affiliate of the Augustinian Order, 93, of Kenosha, WI, passed away on December 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving daughters. A lifelong Kenosha resident, Bob served in the U.S. Army, enjoyed a career at American Motors and Outboard Marine, and later worked at Guaranty Bank in retirement. He was a devoted husband to the late Rosalie, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage, and a faithful member of Holy Rosary Parish, where he volunteered tirelessly and co-authored

The Mas and the Pas to preserve his family’s history. Bob is survived by his four daughters, two grandsons, two greatgrandsons, and many cherished relatives and friends, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and love for his community.

Maria Basler, Affiliate of the Augustinian Order and mother of Rev. Robert Basler, O.S.A., passed away, February 1, 2025. Maria was known for her faith and her capacity to love and her dedication to her family. She knew the Lord and His Love, and shared it with everyone in her life.

Mark Denver Emken was born on September 4, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, and pursued a religious life, becoming an Augustinian Brother and taking the name Brother Boniface. He served in various roles, including at Mendel Catholic High School, St. Monica Monastery, and Cascia Hall Preparatory School, while earning degrees in Philosophy and Religious Education. Over the years, he held administrative and educational positions, supported contemplative practices, and cared for elderly friars, retiring in 2019. Brother Emken passed away on December 7, 2024, remembered for his humor, dedication, and compassionate service to his community.

Michael Paul Heeney, Affiliate of the Augustinian Order, age 71, passed away on January 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and service. He was the beloved husband of Denice (nee Del Priore) for 46 years, a loving father to Michael and Matthew, and a dear brother to Joseph (Judy) Heeney. Mike was a proud lifelong resident of Beverly, a dedicated parishioner of Christ the King, and a respected funeral director who served families with compassion for over 50 years, continuing the legacy of Heeney Funeral Home. A devoted Chicago sports fan, he cherished time with family and friends, enjoyed James Taylor concerts, and was an active supporter of his community and alma maters, Christ the King and St. Rita of Cascia H.S. He will be remembered for his ongoing generosity and kind spirit.

Lord, I Want to See You

Tell me that you are on my side.

Lord my God, in your mercy say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” Speak to me, I want to listen to you. Open the ears of my heart.

Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” I need this message.

I want to grasp you. No, do not hide your face; Whether I die or not matters little.

I want to see you.

Confessions 1, 5, 5-6

Carta del prior provincial

El Muy Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A.

Queridos amigos de la comunidad agustiniana, A medida que cambian las estaciones y entramos a la primavera, me gustaría ofrecerles mi más sincero agradecimiento por su presencia en nuestras vidas y misión como comunidad agustiniana.

Esta temporada, reflexionamos sobre un valor que habla del corazón de nuestro viaje compartido: la renovación. Así como la primavera marca el comienzo de una nueva vida y crecimiento, también estamos llamados a acoger momentos de renovación espiritual y comunitaria. Ya sea profundizando nuestra fe, fomentando nuevas conexiones o comprometiéndonos nuevamente con actos de servicio, la renovación brinda la oportunidad de acercarnos más los unos a otros y a Dios.

Mientras recorremos juntos esta estación y apreciamos la nueva vida que nos rodea, tomemos un momento para reflexionar sobre cómo podemos aprovechar la renovación en nuestras propias vidas. Que encontremos la presencia de Cristo en cada nuevo comienzo y descubramos un propósito renovado al servirnos unos a otros con corazones abiertos y manos abiertas.

Espero que consideren unirse a nosotros en uno de nuestros próximos eventos: pase una noche en comunidad con nosotros en nuestra 13.ª Gala Anual Agustiniana el viernes 25 de abril en el Hotel Drake en Chicago (consulte la página 33 para obtener más detalles), o participe en nuestra Oficina de Participación Laica asistiendo a un retiro.

Gracias por su apoyo y su dedicación a nuestros valores católicos compartidos. Estoy agradecido de recorrer este camino junto a ustedes y orar para que las bendiciones de paz, esperanza y renovación los rodeen a ustedes y a sus seres queridos esta primavera.

En el espíritu de San Agustín,

Muy Rev. Anthony Benedetto Pizzo, O.S.A. Prior Provincial

P. Tony bendice a Fray Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., en Perú

Les presentamos la iniciativa "Amigos de Agustín"

Patrocinado por la Provincia de Nuestra Madre del Buen Consejo, Agustinos del Medio Oeste

Los Agustinos del Medio Oeste están encantados de presentar la iniciativa Amigos de Agustín, una oportunidad nueva para que los laicos profundicen su vida espiritual y abracen la rica tradición de la espiritualidad agustiniana. Este programa invita a los participantes a viajar junto a la familia agustiniana, explorando las enseñanzas de San Agustín a través de la fe, el compañerismo y la formación.

¿Qué es la Iniciativa Amigos de Agustín?

Arraigados en Unitas (unidad), Veritas (verdad) y Caritas (amor), los “Amigos de Agustín” ofrecen una manera accesible de conectarse con los carismas agustinos sin requerir compromisos formales. Durante seis meses, los participantes participarán en:

Reuniones mensuales: Reúnase para aprender, compartir y crecer en la fe.

Estudio de La Regla: Descubra la sabiduría práctica y espiritual para una vida centrada en Cristo.

Oración y reflexión: Experimente la riqueza de las prácticas de oración

personales y comunitarias.

Oportunidades de retiro: renueva tu espíritu a través de momentos dedicados a la oración y el compañerismo.

Esta iniciativa enfatiza la inclusión, haciéndola abierta a cualquier persona atraída por las enseñanzas de San Agustín, independientemente de su afiliación previa con los agustinos o incluso de su ubicación.

¿Por qué unirse?

La iniciativa Amigos de Agustín fomenta un sentido de unidad en un mundo dividido, proporcionando un espacio para acercarse a Dios y a los demás. Inspirado en las palabras de San Agustín: «Nos has hecho para ti, oh Señor, y nuestro corazón está inquieto hasta que descanse en ti», el programa invita a todos a caminar hacia una fe y una comunión más profundas con Dios.

Cómo involucrarse

Los “Amigos de Agustín” del Medio Oeste son administrados por la Oficina de Participación Laica de la Provincia de Nuestra Madre del Buen Consejo. Para

obtener más información o registrarse, comuníquese con nuestro equipo o visite nuestro sitio web.

Únase a nosotros en esta experiencia transformadora de fe, comunidad y amor. ¡Esperamos darle la bienvenida como amigo de Agustín!

Utilizando su teléfono, escanee el código QR o envíe un correo electrónico a maryellen@midwestaugustinians.org si tiene alguna pregunta.

Campamento de verano para estudiantes "Camp Restless"

Estamos emocionados de presentarles

Camp Restless, una nueva y emocionante iniciativa de los Agustinos del Medio Oeste para involucrar e inspirar a los jóvenes este verano. Con raíces inspiradas en el espíritu de San Agustín, Camp Restless

es más que un simple campamento—es una experiencia transformadora donde los jóvenes pueden crecer en la fe, la comunidad, la confianza y el liderazgo.

Durante más de 75 años, los agustinos han servido al medio oeste alegremente, compartiendo el amor de Cristo mediante sus parroquias, escuelas y ministerios. Inspirados por la visión de verdad (veritas), unidad (unitas), y el amor (caritas) de San Agustín, estamos comprometidos a ayudar a los jóvenes a descubrir la presencia de Dios, aprovechar sus dones, y convertirse en los lideres que Dios los ha llamado a ser.

El nombre del campamento Restless viene de las famosas palabras de San Agustín: «Nos has hecho, Señor, para ti y nuestro corazón está inquieto hasta que descanse en ti».

A través de actividades interesantes, debates significativos, y oportunidades

para la oración, los campistas explorarán su inquietud (“restlessness”) y como ésta puede acercarlos más a Dios. En el camino, generarán confianza, desarrollarán aptitudes de liderazgo, y formarán amistades duraderas en una comunidad solidaria. Para aprender más sobre Camp Restless, visite www.midwestaugustinians. org/camp-restless.

Gracias por ser parte de nuestra familia agustiniana y ayudarnos a hacer de Camp Restless una poderosa oportunidad para que los jóvenes encuentren a Cristo, comunidad y el propósito que Dios les ha dado.

Para saber más sobre el campamento Camp Restless, o para obtener folletos, y más, póngase en contacto con Maryellen Harrington en maryellen@midwestaugustinians.org.

Poniendo acción en la comunidad

Reflexionando sobre la política de inmigración de los Estados Unidos a través del lente del Año Jubilar de la Esperanza

La parroquia Santa Rita de Casia ofreció una misa dominical en “solidaridad con nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes” el 19 de enero. Esta misa, celebrada por el P. Homero Sánchez, O.S.A., estuvo en colaboración con la organización de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago, Sacerdotes por la Justicia para los Inmigrantes.

Sacerdotes por la Justicia para los Inmigrantes es una coalición de sacerdotes y ministros con sede en Chicago que están comprometidos con la justicia y la paz para los inmigrantes internacionales que viven en los Estados Unidos. Apoyan la reforma migratoria, apoyan a los inmigrantes indocumentados y elevan las contribuciones de los inmigrantes a la sociedad y la iglesia.

Además del P. Homero, varios co-celebrantes de la Arquidiócesis de Chicago se unieron en oración por esta población vulnerable. El reconocimiento tuvo lugar durante el horario habitual de la misa de las 12 p.m.

El P. Homero supervisa la parroquia Santa Rita de Casia, que cuenta con alrededor de 2,700 feligreses, el 90% de los cuales son inmigrantes.

Desde la inauguración de la nueva administración presidencial el 20 de enero, las políticas recientemente promulgadas han impactado las vidas de los inmigrantes en todo los Estados Unidos. Si bien algunos argumentan que las políticas son por el bien de la seguridad nacional, estos inmigrantes ven alterada su sensación de normalidad y seguridad.

Una preocupación importante es la autorización de las autoridades de inmigración para arrestar personas en escuelas, hospitales e iglesias. Esto incluye tanto a inmigrantes indocumentados como a más de un millón de inmigrantes legales que fueron admitidos en Estados Unidos bajo la administración de Biden, según un artículo reciente del Radio Ambulante NPR(National Public Radio).

El Papa Francisco ha declarado 2025 como el Año Jubilar de la Esperanza, pero ¿cómo reconciliamos nuestra fe católica con la puesta en peligro de la dignidad humana y la justicia social?

En respuesta a las órdenes ejecutivas de la nueva administración, el arzobispo Timothy P. Broglio, presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Estados Unidos (USCCB por sus siglas en inglés), emitió una declaración con la esperanza de que los líderes «reconsideren aquellas acciones que ignoran no sólo la dignidad humana de unos pocos, sino la de todos nosotros».

La Iglesia Católica no se alinea con ningún partido político en los Estados Unidos, porque las enseñanzas de larga data de la iglesia no cambian entre administraciones. Cristo nos enseña a defender la dignidad humana, un principio universal que trasciende la política.

En la declaración de Broglio, afirma que las órdenes en torno a la inmigración «son profundamente preocupantes y tendrán consecuencias negativas, muchas de las cuales dañarán a los más

vulnerables entre nosotros». El reto radica en cómo mostrar nuestro cuidado por nuestra comunidad agustina y católica.

Esfuerzos como la misa en Santa Rita de Casia son importantes para reflexionar juntos en oración sobre los acontecimientos actuales que nos impactan a todos. También podemos usar nuestras voces como católicos y agustinos para defender a los que no tienen voz.

El obispo Mark J. Seitz de El Paso, presidente del Comité de Migración de la USCCB, emitió una declaración además de la de Broglio, poniendo su voz al servicio de esta comunidad en riesgo. Seitz expresó el compromiso de la Iglesia Católica de defender la dignidad humana «independientemente de la nacionalidad o el estatus migratorio”, afirmando además que «impedir cualquier acceso al asilo y otras protecciones sólo pondrá en peligro a aquellos que son más vulnerables y merecen ayuda».

Seitz nos insta a «acompañar a nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes de acuerdo con el Evangelio de la Vida». Debemos mostrar en nuestras acciones el amor de Cristo por todos los hijos de Dios.

Dios nos creó a cada uno de nosotros a su propia imagen, y nuestro tocayo, San Agustín, nos enseña esto como la base de la dignidad humana. Es nuestra responsabilidad como seguidores de Cristo llevar a cabo este principio en nuestra vida diaria.

Como dice Broglio, «el juez justo no espera menos».

El padre Homero recibe los regalos del pan y el vino durante una misa en solidaridad con nuestros hermanos y hermanas inmigrantes. Foto cortesía de Chicago Catholic por Karen Callaway.

Conozca a los homenajeados

y únase a nosotros para celebrar con ellos en nuestra Gala 2025

El Hno. Jack Hibbard, O.S.A.

La Gala Agustiniana de 2025 honrará al Hno. Jack Hibbard, O.S.A., por sus décadas de servicio a la Orden como fraile antes que nada, miembro de la familia, amigo de muchos y a través de varios roles ministeriales, incluyendo el de Decano de Estudiantes en ambas escuelas secundarias Sta. Rita High School y Cascia Hall Preparatory School y como prior, subprior y tesorero en comunidades agustinas.

El Hno. Jack ha estado asociado durante mucho tiempo con los agustinos, ya que asistió a la escuela secundaria en Mendel Catholic (Clase de 1969) y tuvo un tío que fue fraile agustino durante un tiempo. El amor y el apoyo de su familia han sido clave en su camino agustiniano, ya sea de su madre Rita y su padre Eugene, o de sus hermanos Mary, Bill, Jim, Phillip y Jane, con quienes sigue estando muy unidos hasta el día de hoy. El Hno. Jack participó en la realización de los primeros retiros de Kairos en Santa Rita y Casia, y ha influido en la vida de miles de estudiantes a lo largo de los años.

Chuck Engvall, Afiliado y Fiduciario

La Gala Agustiniana de 2025 honrará a Chuck Engvall por sus 38 años de administración y apoyo a la Orden Agustiniana.

Chuck comenzó su relación con los Agustinos en 1978 cuando su hija, Kim, ingresó a la escuela secundaria en Providence Catholic. En ese momento, Chuck se involucró en el Club de Padres y, gracias a su experiencia en negocios y contabilidad, se involucró con el comité asesor financiero de la escuela.

Desde entonces, Chuck ha sido una parte fundamental de los equipos de liderazgo y asesoramiento en Providence, y también ha ampliado su apoyo a las iniciativas de toda la provincia como fiduciario y asesor.

Chuck se afilió a la Orden Agustiniana en 2015.

MaryBeth Carroll, Afiliado

La Gala Agustiniana de 2025 honrará a MaryBeth Carroll por sus 24 años de atención y compromiso con la Orden Agustiniana.

MaryBeth crió a sus cuatro hijos en New Lenox y estuvo involucrada en la parroquia de St. Jude antes de comenzar a trabajar en la escuela secundaria católica Providence como contadora en 2001. A medida que se reconocieron sus talentos a lo largo de los años, ascendió a ser la controladora en Providence y luego amplió su alcance de trabajo para incluir pasar un día por semana trabajando en proyectos en la sede de la provincia del Medio Oeste.

El trabajo de MaryBeth para apoyar a la Orden va más allá de su trabajo en proyectos financieros. Es una amiga cercana y asesora de confianza de la Orden, y cuenta con muchos frailes, hermanas y miembros del personal como familia.

En reconocimiento a sus innumerables horas de servicio y amistad con la Orden, fue afiliada en 2019.

Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A. (1917-1986)

La Gala Agustiniana de 2025 honrará al difunto reverendo Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A., por su dedicado servicio a la Orden Agustiniana y su notable ministerio, particularmente en Perú.

El Padre Chapman nació el 23 de abril de 1917 en Centralia, Pensilvania. Ingresó a la Orden Agustiniana en 1935 y fue ordenado sacerdote en 1943. Después de desempeñarse en varios roles educativos y pastorales en los EE. UU., incluso en la escuela secundaria Sta. Rita en Chicago y la escuela secundaria Austin Catholic en Detroit, el padre Chapman se ofreció como voluntario para el trabajo misionero en el norte de Perú en 1964.

En el pueblo peruano de Morropón, ejerció su ministerio incansablemente en las comunidades locales durante 20 años, fundando el Colegio Santa Rita, una escuela que ofrece educación gratuita a niños pobres, particularmente niñas. El padre Chapman falleció el 2 de julio de 1986 y está enterrado en el cementerio Calvary de West Conshohocken, Pensilvania.

Para boletos e información sobre patrocinio, visite www.augustiniangala.org

ACTUALIZACIONES

Asamblea Anual, Vicariato de San Juan de Sahagún, Perú

La Asamblea Anual del Vicariato de San Juan de Sahagún se llevó a cabo del 6 al 10 de enero en Trujillo, Perú. El evento comenzó con un retiro de dos días, seguido de tres días de reuniones. El objetivo principal de la asamblea fue reunir a todos los frailes del Vicariato para planificar el año pastoral 2025.

La Asamblea fue presidida por el Vicario Regional Muy Rev. Ramiro Castillo Castro, O.S.A., y sus consejeros el Rev. Reydín Rumy Alvarado More, O.S.A., y el Rev. Isoe Domínguez Ramírez, O.S.A., así como el secretario el Rev. José Falú Benites Montero, O.S.A., y el tesorero el Rev. Jorge Martínez Vizueta, O.S.A. A la asamblea también asistió el Muy Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., prior provincial de la Provincia de Nuestra Madre del Buen Consejo.

Durante la asamblea se presentaron varios informes que cubren aspectos importantes de las actividades del Vicariato, incluyendo actualizaciones

de las parroquias, escuelas, finanzas, vocaciones, el ministerio juvenil y otros ministerios apostólicos. Las charlas se centraron en evaluar estos informes y abordar las acciones necesarias para el próximo año.

A pesar de la agenda repleta, la asamblea fue productiva y eficiente, ya que muchas responsabilidades

ya se estaban cumpliendo y sólo se requirieron actualizaciones menores de los planes y ministerios. Durante la samblea también se confirmaron los planes para las asignaciones de los frailes y si se producirían cambios en las asignaciones.

Al finalizar la asamblea, el P. Tony presidió la misa de clausura.

Para apoyar el trabajo del Vicariato y nuestros frailes en Perú, considere hacer una contribución financiera a nuestras Misiones en nuestro sitio web, www.midwestaugustinians.org/donate

La estatua de San Agustín instalada en la capilla de San Nicolás de Tolentino, parroquia Santa Rita, Trujillo, Perú

El 10 de noviembre de 2024, la parroquia de Santa Rita en Trujillo, Perú, celebró una Misa especial durante la cual se bendijo una nueva estatua de San Agustín antes de su instalación en la capilla de San Nicolás de Tolentino. El Muy Rev. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., quien en ese momento se encontraba de visita en Trujillo, fue invitado a celebrar la Misa y realizar la bendición.

La ceremonia fue una ocasión memorable para todos los presentes, ya que reunió a la comunidad en

una significativa celebración de fe y devoción. La estatua fue financiada con donaciones de la Provincia Agustina del Medio Oeste de Nuestra Madre del Buen Consejo.

Profesiones en Perú: La Profesión Solemne de Fray

Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., y Primeros Votos en Lima

El 9 de enero de 2025, Fray Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., hizo su Profesión Solemne de Votos en la Orden Agustina en el Vicariato de San Juan de Sahagún, Perú.

El Muy Reverendo Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., prior provincial de la Provincia de Nuestra Señora del Buen Consejo, recibió los votos de Fray Antonio, y los frailes del Vicariato y de la Federación de Agustinos del Perú, asistieron para celebrar el compromiso de Fray Antonio.

El 11 de enero de 2025, en el noviciado de la Federación de Agustinos del Perú, en Lima, siete novicios hicieron su primera profesión de votos en la Orden Agustina. A los votos asistieron los superiores mayores de las circunscripciones agustinas del Perú, así como el prior provincial.

El torneo de fútbol de Iquitos fue un éxito rotundo

El sábado 18 de enero, la Parroquia del Santo Cristo de Bagazan en Iquitos, Perú, organizó un emocionante torneo de fútbol, organizado en colaboración con el P. Walker Dávila Ríos, O.S.A. y el P. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., prior provincial. Este evento bianual reunió a 12 equipos masculinos y femeninos, cada uno de

los cuales compitieron por el título del campeonato. El torneo fue una muestra festiva de talento y espíritu deportivo, con equipos compitiendo por el primer puesto. Como parte de las festividades, el P. Tony pronunció un discurso de bienvenida y dio el primer puntapié ceremonial del torneo.

Este campeonato de fútbol se lleva a cabo dos veces al año y sirve como una manera fantástica de fomentar el espíritu comunitario y la participación en la comunidad parroquial. Para apoyar el torneo, comuníquese con la Oficina de Avance de los Agustinos del Medio Oeste visitando nuestro sitio web en www.midwestaugustinians.org

Augustinian

Province of

Spring 2025 Midwest Augustinian Magazine

Putting Community in Action

Letter from the Prior Provincial

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

Augustinian

Mission Statement of the Midwest Augustinians

AROUND THE PROVINCE

Cascia Hall Students Enter Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica

Students from Augustinian High Schools attend SAVI

St. Rita "Ritamen" Recognized with Straight "A" Heeney Award

AROUND THE PROVINCE

Talent Thrives with Opportunity Groundbreaking Ceremony

AROUND THE PROVINCE

Austin Catholic Forensic Workshops

Providence Catholic High School Wins: Dance & Wrestling

Villanova Fourth Graders Celebrate Advent Season

St. Rita Parish Designated as Jubilee Year Pilgrimage Site AROUND THE PROVINCE

Fasting Forward: Aligning Our Spirits for Lent

Introducing the "Friends of Augustine" Initiative

Sponsored by the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Midwest Augustinians

Why Join?

How to Get Involved

Cardinal Prevost Elevated within the College of Cardinals

Fr. Joel Okojie, O.S.A., Appointed Spiritual Director for Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council, Toronto

New Augustinian Education Leaders

Vocation Team attends Catholic youth conference in Utah

Christmas Celebration Filled with Warmth & Good Cheer

Annual Assembly, Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagún, Peru

Parish, Trujillo, Peru

Professions in Peru: The Solemn Profession of Fray Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., and First Vows in Lima

Iquitos Soccer Tournament a Winning Success

Meet the Honorees

and Join Us to Celebrate With Them at our 2025 Gala

Br. Jack Hibbard, O.S.A.

Chuck Engvall, Affiliate & Trustee

MaryBeth Carroll, Affiliate

Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A. (1917-1986)

Putting Community in Action.

Reflecting on United States Immigration Policy through the lens of the Jubilee Year of Hope

Deuteronomy 10:19

Camp Restless Summer Camp

Midwest Augustinian Office of Lay Engagement launches new initiative for our Youth.

Augustinians Attend Catholic Social Ministry Gathering (CSMG) in Washington, D.C.

LEGACY

A Letter of Gratitude to our Augustinian benefactors;

Thank You to Our Province Donors

In Memoriam

Lord, I Want to See You

Confessions 1, 5, 5-6

Carta del prior provincial

Les presentamos la iniciativa "Amigos de Agustín"

Patrocinado por la Provincia de Nuestra Madre del Buen Consejo, Agustinos del Medio Oeste

Campamento de verano para estudiantes "Camp Restless"

Poniendo acción en la comunidad

Conozca a los homenajeados

y únase a nosotros para celebrar con ellos en nuestra Gala 2025

El Hno. Jack Hibbard, O.S.A.

Chuck Engvall, Afiliado y Fiduciario

MaryBeth Carroll, Afiliado

Rev. Edward J. Chapman, O.S.A. (1917-1986)

ACTUALIZACIONES

Asamblea Anual, Vicariato de San Juan de Sahagún, Perú

La estatua de San Agustín instalada en la capilla de San Nicolás de Tolentino, parroquia Santa Rita, Trujillo, Perú

Profesiones en Perú: La Profesión Solemne de Fray

Antonio Carrasco, O.S.A., y Primeros Votos en Lima

El torneo de fútbol de Iquitos fue un éxito rotundo

Augustinian