The Augustinian Community has been full of energy and activity over the past month! We are deeply grateful for your involvement, ongoing support, and prayers as we continue to grow together in faith.

The Midwest Augustinians

Since October, the St. Rita of Cascia Emergency Food Pantry has been delivering meals to the homes of people concerned about the possibility that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will capture and deport them. This ministry is just one of the ways that the Augustinian community is coming together to support those at the margins of society and those in need.

The short film below tells the story of the food pantry.

On December 7th, Bishop Dan Turley was formally installed at the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini as the Rector. The Shrine is in Lincoln Park, Chicago

During December and January, Fr. Chris Steinle (pictured above left) is visiting Apurimac, Peru - a tradition for over 20 years. Fr. Chris serves at the parish of San Pedro Haquira and its surrounding villages. 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.

On December 27th, the townspeople at Iglesia de San Juan de Llac-Hua hold a beautiful, colorful procession through the streets for the feast of St. John, pictured above.

This year, runners participated in "Carrera de las Rosas" at the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Des Plaines, IL. Parishioners from St. Rita of Cascia Parish journeyed to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 11th, the day before the race, to pray.

On December 12th, runners began their race at North Ave. and Western Ave. in the early morning and kept pace south along Western Ave. to 63rd Street. From there, they turned west to complete the run to St. Rita of Cascia Church, where they were welcomed at the start of the 6 AM Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th.

Christmas Blessing from Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A.

On Monday, December 22, the ballots for the Prior Provincial of the Midwest Province were counted. All solemnly professed members of the Province, as well as of the Peruvian Vicariate of Chulucuanas, participated in the election.

Provincial-elect Fr. McCarthy will take office next June during the Ordinary Provincial Chapter. In the meantime, Fr. Tony Pizzo will fulfill the remainder of his second term as the Prior Provincial. Please keep Fr. McCarthy in your prayers as he prepares for his new leadership responsibilities. And keep the Province in your prayers, as well, as we prepare for our Provincial Chapter in June.

Blessings to all of the extended members of the Augustinian Family. Thank you for accompanying us with your prayerful support.

On Friday, December 12, 2025, Austin Catholic High School STEAM students, as part of the global e-NABLE Project, collaborated to size, 3D print, thermoform, build, string, and deliver a fully working 3D printed prosthetic arm to third grader Kaysen Green, 9, of Rosy Mound Elementary, Grand Haven, Michigan. (All photos courtesy of Jill Cristoff). 

Our Prior General, Fr. Joseph Farrell, OSA, was on the TODAY Show on the morning of December 17th. He was interviewed by Savannah Guthrie about his friendship with Pope Leo. Click the video above to watch the segment.

Augustinian Community Celebrates Togetherness at Christmas Party

On Sunday December 7th, members of the Augustinian Community gathered together for a dinner to celebrate Christmas - and to reflect on an exceptional year.

During Advent, the St. Turibius Religious Education students prepared and re-enacted the Nativity for the parish's Advent prayer service.

On December 1st, Br. Angelo Sturn (bottom left) celebrated his 81st birthday. Br. Angelo passed away on January 5th.

On December 22nd, Fr. David Petraitis celebrated his 75th birthday!

On December 30th, Br. David Relstab celebrated his 30th 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.