Summer is here, and members of the schools, parishes, and ministries of the Augustinian community are enjoying time together in the warmth. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing support and prayers as we continue to grow together in faith.

The Midwest Augustinians

From June 9-13, Augustinians from all three North American Augustinian Provinces gathered at Villanova for Convocation, a time for communal reflection, discussion, and fraternity. The friars engaged in synodal conversation and fellowship.

In early June, Fr. Jack Tierney, O.S.A., served as a camp chaplain at LifeTeen's Hidden Lake summer camp in Georgia. Pink-shirted college student missionaries led the middle-school students campers through outdoor adventures like rock climbing and hiking, and facilitated spiritual discussions about faith and friendship.

The Archdiocese of Chicago with the Chicago White Sox Rate Field and other community organizations, including the Midwest Augustinians, celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV on June 14. The event was attended by thousands of people.

Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A., shared stories about his relationship with Pope Leo. He was joined by Sr. Dianne Bergant, CSA, who taught Pope Leo at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.

Fr. Tony Pizzo, Fr. John Merkelis, and Fr. Sam Joutras served as concelebrants at the Mass. Br. Nathan Fernandes also served in the Mass.

The Province had a booth in the concourse to distribute materials to attendees, encourage photo opportunities, to celebrate our Augustinian community, and to promote religious life.

On June 21, alumni from St. Augustine's Seminary gathered at St. Bernard's Church for a Mass and reception. It was a wonderful celebration of the election of Pope Leo, to give thanks for the Augustinian community, and to share memories and laughs. Attendees joined from across the country, coming from places as far away as Washington, Colorado, Tennessee, and Georgia.

From June 23 to 27, a group of students joined Augustinian friars, sisters, and lay collaborators for Camp Restless, our first-ever youth summer camp led and organized by Maryellen Harrington, Director of Lay Engagement. During the week-long overnight camp, campers unlocked their leadership potentials, grew in confidence, and discovered how their faith empowers them to serve others and make a difference. Friendships were built and fun was had by all.

Fr. Roland Follmann's 65 Years of Priesthood

On June 8, Fr. Roland Follmann celebrated his 65th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood!

On June 9, Fr. Edward Andrews celebrated his 92nd birthday!

On June 15th, Fr. Samuel Joutras celebrated his 33rd birthday! The members of St. Clare of Montefalco Friary celebrated along with Sr. Immacula Wendt and Sr. Elizabeth Anne Yocius of the Sisters of St. Casimir and a discerner.

Iconography Retreat – "Beauty Ever Ancient, Ever New: Iconography Retreat"

Join us for a sacred weekend of prayer and painting as we host our first Iconography Retreat, led by Br. Blair Nuyda, A.A. Return to your heart through the sacred practice of iconography—an ancient, prayerful art rooted in Augustinian spirituality. Guided by Brother Blair, who is an Assumptionist and a graphic designer, illustrator, and iconographer with training from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This retreat invites you to create an icon of Jesus the Teacher while deepening your relationship with Christ through silence, reflection, and the art of sacred creation.

The deadline to sign up is Tuesday, July 8th. Click here to learn more or register.

If you have pictures of any celebrations or events involving the Augustinians and/or the places they serve, please send them to secretary@midwestaugustinians.org.