This spring, our Augustinian Community has been full of activity. We are deeply grateful for your involvement, ongoing support, and prayers as we continue to grow together in faith.

The Midwest Augustinians

The three province councils of the Federation of Augustinians of North America (FANA) met in San Diego on March 5-6 to discuss strategic planning with Dr. Larry Sykoff. Prior General Joseph Farrell and Assistant General Kevin DePrinzio, both from the Villanova Province, also participated. It was a fruitful meeting that discussed ways the three provinces can collaborate and plan for the future. 

On March 6, the community of St. Augustine Friary had a special Lenten day of service at the soup kitchen run by the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s Order).  

Br. Javier Medina (California), Fr. James Keating (Prior), Br. Nicholas Anderson (Villanova), Br. Justin Ma (California), Br. Jeremy Welch (Midwest), Br. Gary Hresil (Midwest), Fr. John Lydon (Director of Formation). 

On March 3, Director of Lay Engagement Maryellen Harrington presented on the Augustinian Lay Fraternity during a Spirituality course at Catholic Theological Union. She introduced Theology students to the life and mission of the Friends of Augustine and the Augustinian Third Order.  

On March 8, three friars attended Bernadette: The Musical. 

Left to Right: Br. David Marshall, Br. Nicholas Mullarkey, Fr. Stephen Isley

Chicago had the privilege of being the twin city of Cascia in Italy for this year's special St. Rita celebrations.

On March 14th, Augustinian friars and the community of St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago welcomed Italian Consul General Mario Alberto Bartoli, delegations of Cascia and Chicago city officials, and pilgrims from the Basilica of St. Rita of Cascia in Italy to light the torch of Forgiveness & Peace during a special Mass.

The delegation from Italy visited several sites across Chicago, including the National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (herself an Italian and the first US saint), Holy Name Cathedral, Catholic Theological Union (where Pope Leo was a student), and Dolton (the suburb where Pope Leo XIV was born).




Visit our website for a full photo gallery: https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/photos


On March 11th, Cascia Hall hosted their annual Social Justice Concert titled: “How Indigenous and Immigrant Cultures Have Shaped America.” The concert was free and open to the public. Attendees were encouraged to brings donation items for the Women’s Health and Pregnancy Clinic at Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma. 

On March 14, Provincial-Elect Thomas McCarthy was the Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Chicago!

Celebrations included Mass at Old St. Patrick's Church --attended by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and other city and state officials, a tour on a Chicago riverboat for the Green River dyeing, and the parade itself.

On March 21, Fr. Pizzo was the special guest speaker at St. Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, PA for the feast of the Passing of St. Benedict. 

On March 22, Fr. Christopher Steinle, O.S.A., met Bishop Lizardo Herrera, O.S.A., Auxiliary Bishop of Cuzco, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Bogota, Columbia. The Shrine overlooks the city at about 10,000 feet about sea level!  

On March 1st, Fr. Bob Dueweke celebrated his 74th birthday!

On March 12th, Fr. Joseph Stobba celebrated his 93rd birthday!

On March 21st, Br. Jerome Sysko celebrated his 83rd birthday!

On March 25th, Novice Jun Maranan celebrated his 50th birthday!

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.