As we welcome 2026 and look forward to all the joy the new year brings, the 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. | | Augustinians attend Focus SEEK 2026 Conference in Columbus, OH to promote vocations | | Several friars from the Midwest and Villanova Provinces atended the Focus SEEK 2026 Conference in Columbus, OH, from January 1-5. This is an annual event that hosts thousands of college students. Our friars passed out stickers, wristbands, and other materials while encouraging vocations to our Order and promoting our Augustinian charism and spirituality. | | Fr. Thomas McCarthy (Vocation Director-Midwest Province), Fr. Jack Tierney (Assistant Vocation Director-Midwest Province), Fr. Jeremy Hiers (Vocation Director-Villanova Province), Br. David Relstab (Midwest Province), Br. David Marshall (Midwest Province), Jim Burke (Director of Lay Augustinians-Villanova Province) | | As an added bonus, Pope Leo sent a video message to the participants of the conference! You can watch it by clicking below: | | Fr. Chris Steinle Visits Apurimac, Peru | | During December and January, Fr. Chris Steinle was in Apurimac, Peru. This has been a tradition for over 20 years. He serves at the parish of San Pedro Haquira and its surrounding villages. These areas have high altitudes and sometimes treacherous roads. He assists the Sisters (Missionaries of Jesus, Word and Victim) who work there permanently. Each year for Christmas they try to give gifts to the children and have parties with hot chocolate and sweetened bread. They also give food boxes to the poor. | | Sister Hildalita, a Missionary of Jesus, Word and Victim, distributes food to locals. | | Madre Gloria, MJVV, and the community of the missionary sisters who staff the parish of San Pedro de Haquira in Aprurimac, Peru, with Fr. Chris Steinle in the beautiful 17th century church. | | Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo in Peru for 35th Anniversary of Formation House | | From January 5-11, Provincial Anthony Pizzo visited the Peruvian Vicariate of Chulucanas. While there, he participated in the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the foundation of the formation house (Convento Santo Tomás de Villanueva) established by Fr. Robert Prevost (Pope Leo XIV) and Servant of God John McKniff. | | Fr. Pizzo also received the Leo XIV Medal for his contributions to the Convento Santo Tomás de Villanueva, along with Fr. Robert Hagan (Provincial of Villanova), Fr. Barnaby Johns (Provincial of California), Bishop Wilder Vasquez, OSA (Prelature of Chuquibambilla), Bishop Edinson Farfan, OSA (Bishop of Chiclayo), Bishop Lizardo Estrada, OSA (Auxiliary of Cuzco), Fr. John Lydon (Villanova Province), and Fr. Art Purcaro (Villanova Province). | | Three Peruvian Novices Profess First Vows | | On January 10th, Gabino Flores Garcia, Marlon Alberca Noriega, and Harry Dalton Berru Córdova made their first vows in the Peruvian Vicariate. Provincial Anthony Pizzo received their vows. | | Gabino Flores Garcia making his first vows. | | Marlon Alberca Noriega making his first vows. | | Harry Dalton Berru Córdova making his first vows. | | Fr. Tom McCarthy prepares for St. Patrick's Day Parade as Grand Marshall | | |
On Jan 29th, Fr. Tom went to a meeting in preparation for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Chicago.
He has been chosen to be the Grand Marshall of this event - one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the United States.
| | Fr. Jack Tierney Presents at Indiana Event | | On January 10th, Fr. Jack Tierney spoke about St. Augustine and Augustinian spirituality at a “Barstool Theology” event at St. Louis de Montfort Parish in Fishers, IN. | | Augustinian Community Joins in Prayer Service to Pray for Peace | | On January 30th, Fr. Pizzo presided at a special service to pray for peace & solidarity with the people of Minnesota. The event was organized by Southside Catholic Peace and Justice and was held at St. Barnabas Parish. | | St. Clare Friary Hosts Super Bowl Party | | On Feb 8, St. Clare Friary hosted a Super Bowl party. Over 20 friars, prenovices, and associate discerners attended! | | On January 4, Fr. John Ohner celebrated his 81st birthday! | | On January 25th, Bishop Daniel Turley celebrated his 83rd birthday! | | Zachary Lange (Pre-Novice, Villanova Province), Brian Kempiak (Pre-Novice, Midwest Province), Michael Bourke (Pre-Novice, Midwest Province), Bishop Daniel Turley, Álvaro Saldivar (Affiliate), (front) Concepción Saldivar, (back) Corey Fellabaum (Associate, Midwest Province), Alderman Raymond Lopez. | | | | |
