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. | | Friends of Augustine Meeting | | |
Friends of Augustine is an Augustinian group for laypeople that meets virtually every month. They met on October 5 and their topic this month was chapters 6-7 of the Rule of St. Augustine.
To learn more about Friends of Augustine and get involved, contact Maryellen Harrington, Province Director of Lay Engagement, at maryellen@midwestaugustinians.org. You can also visit our website and register today by clicking here: Friends of Augustine — Midwest Augustinians
| | Institute on Immigration Hosts Summit in Rome | | Conference members outside the Augustinianum. | | From October 1–3, Villanova University’s Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration hosted “Refugees & Migrants in Our Common Home: Roles and Responsibilities of Universities”, the first in-person global gathering of a three-year initiative uniting higher education institutions, NGOs, and community partners to address the urgent realities of migration and displacement. The event was held at the Augustinianum in Rome. | | Large group session at the Augustinianum. | | Small group session at the Augustinianum. | | The summit in Rome convened over 225 participants from 40+ countries as the beginning of a sustained, collaborative effort to transform how higher education responds to migration. Participants created multiple university-focused action plans to strengthen coordinated, compassionate, and long-term academic responses for the future. The event was inspired by the words of Pope Francis, who called on the academic community to take concrete action to address the global challenges of migration, and by Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, whose Augustinian identity and call for shared responsibility guide the project’s vision. | They were able to have an audience with Pope Leo too! He gave an inspiring talk on migrants and the need for the universities to increase research, service outreach, and policy recommendations regarding the migrant crisis. | | Audience with Pope Leo and conference members. | | Pope Leo with Fr. John Abubakar, OSA (Nigerian Province, Professor and Chief Sustainability Officer at Villanova University), Fr. Arthur Purcaro, OSA (Professor and Assistant Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Villanova University), and Christine Quinsenberry (Assistant Vice President of Presidential Events and University Initiatives at Villanova University) | | The conference members had a special celebration on the terrace of the Augustinianum with the dome of St. Peter’s in view. | | A new statue of Mother Cabrini was introduced by sculptor Timothy Schmalz. | | Fr. John Lydon (Villanova Province), Director of Formation at St. Augustine Friary in Chicago, participated in a conference and was also a member of the steering committee that planned it. He said that the conference was very enriching and started plans to develop common projects among different universities around the world with regards to migrants. | | Father Lydon and conference members with Timothy Schmalz, sculptor of the famous “Angels Unawares” sculpture of migrants in St. Peter’s Square. | Several members of the Villanova Province attended, including: Prior General Fr. Joseph Farrell, O.S.A., Fr. Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A., Fr. Paul Galetto, O.S.A., and Fr. Joseph Genito, O.S.A. Also in attendance was Fr. John Abubakar, O.S.A., member of the Nigerian Province and professor at Villanova University. | | Fr. John Lydon Rides in the Popemobile | | |
Fr. John Lydon (Villanova Province), Director of Formation at St. Augustine Friary in Chicago, not only attended the conference on migrants described above, but he was able to meet the Pope one-on-one! Fr. Lydon lived with Pope Leo in Peru for 10 years. The Pope signed his book on Catholic Social Teaching (which included a prologue written by then-Cardinal Prevost). Fr. Lydon also gave him a rosary that was made for the recent reinterment of Servant of God John McKniff in Peru. Pope Leo, Fr. Juan McKniff, and Fr. Gerry Theis formed the first formation community in Trujillo in 1988.
On October 5, the Pope invited Fr. Lydon to participate in the Mass for the Jubilee for Migrants and Missionaries, after which he was invited to ride in the Popemobile! Fr. Lydon said this was a very emotional and unforgettable experience.
Afterwards, Fr. Lydon joined Pope Leo for lunch with the Augustinian community of the Papal Sacristy at the Vatican.
| | Fr. John Lydon holding the book he wrote, which Pope Leo signed. Pope Leo wrote the prologue as then-Cardinal Prevost. | | Pope Leo and Fr. John Lydon with the Augustinian community of the Papal Sacristy. | | Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago Honors Pope Leo XIV at Votive Red Mass of the Holy Spirit | | Bishop Daniel Turney celebrates Mass. | | Fr. William Lego accepting the 2025 Catholic Lawyer of the Year award on behalf of the Pope. | | On October 8, the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago hosted their 91st Votive Red Mass of the Holy Spirit. This annual event brings the Chicago legal community together for Mass and fellowship. Bishop Daniel Turley was the main celebrant. Pope Leo was awarded the 2025 Catholic Lawyer of the Year Award for his work in canon law and his commitment to justice and compassion. The award was accepted on his behalf by Fr. William Lego, OSA. Pre-Novice Brian Kempiak and Br. Nicholas Mullarkey were altar servers. After the Mass, there was a reception at Loyola University’s Corboy Law Center. Fr. Robert Cook, OFM Conv., Chaplain of the Guild, led a discussion where Bishop Dan answered questions and shared stories about Pope Leo’s background and formation. | | Several judges attended and were part of the procession. | | | Fr. Robert Cook, OFM Conv, Chaplain of the Catholic Lawyers Guild, and Bishop Daniel Turley leading a discussion at the reception. Bishop Turley answered questions about Pope Leo’s vision and his own experiences with the Pope. | | Bishop Daniel Turley Presents to Catholic Citizens of Illinois at The Carlisle | | On October 10, Bishop Daniel Turley was the keynote speaker at the Catholic Citizens of Illinois Luncheon, offering reflections on St. Augustine’s influence on Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate. | | Chicago Federation of Labor Pilgrimage to Rome | | |
On October 4-11, Fr. Thomas McCarthy was the guest of the Plumbers Union for the Chicago Federation of Labor on pilgrimage in Rome. They met with Italian labor leaders and with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. They were also able to do some sightseeing and on Thursday, October 9, they had an audience with Pope Leo courtesy of Cardinal Cupich. Fr. McCarthy was also able to meet with the Pope for a private audience!
Read an article from OSV News about the visit here.
| | Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias presented the Pope with a special Illinois White Sox license plate. | | Fr. McCarthy was able to spend an hour with Pope Leo in his apartment! The Pope signed and presented Fr. McCarthy with a copy of his first Apostolic Letter, Dilexi Te. | | Fr. McCarthy presented dozens of letters written by attendees of the St. Rita Novena held monthly at St. Rita Shrine. He also presented a shirt from St. Rita of Cascia High School. | | Among his many roles, Fr. McCarthy also serves as Chaplain of Mother McAuley High School in Chicago. He presented the Pope with a shirt from Mother McAuley as well as a book of letters from the Theology classes. The book also had pictures of Pope Leo’s aunt, Sr. Sulpice, RSM, who taught French at Mother McAuley. | | Fr. McCarthy with Fr. Clete Kiley, Chaplain to the Federation of Labor and a Chicago priest who served the spiritual director of the pilgrimage, and Fr. Manny Durantes, Chicago priest and Director of Castel Gandolfo. This is the Altar where Pope Leo said the Mass for All God’s creation. | | Augustinian Leadership in Business Program Makes Pilgrimage to Italy | | On Oct 10-18, the Augustinian Leadership in Business Program at Villanova University made a pilgrimage to Italy. They were joined by Fr. Bernard Scianna, Senior Associate Dean for Student Support. The group visited Milan (where Augustine was baptized), Pavia (where St. Augustine’s remains are kept), Florence (where the Augustinians serve at the Church of The Holy Spirit), San Gimignano (where the famous frescos of the life of St Augustine are found), Lecceto (convent of Augustinian contemplative nuns), Rome, and Ostia (where St. Monica died). The group had the wonderful opportunity to visit with our Holy Father and Villanova Grad, Pope Leo! They also met with the new Prior General, Joseph Farrell, and he celebrated Mass with them. A wonderful experience of faith, Augustinian community and hospitality, and Italian culture—Abbondanza! | | Augustinian Leadership students with Pope Leo XIV. | | Mass in crypt chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica. | | The group with Prior General Joseph Farrell in Florence. | | | | Fr. Bernie Scianna with Pope Leo | | Fr. Anthony B. Pizzo Appointed Spiritual Guide for Augurusa Foundation | | On Oct 26, Provincial Anthony B. Pizzo, was appointed as Quinquennium Spiritual Guide for the Augurusa Foundation at Our Lady of Pompeii in Chicago. He will hold this position for five years as he accompanies the foundation with discernment and planning. The Augursa Foundation is an Italian non-profit that aims to combat poverty and inequality through education, social inclusion, culture, and sustainability. It was founded in memory of Antonio Emanuele Augurusa, a young boy who died in 1998. Learn more about the foundation: https://www.fondazioneaugurusa.org/en/ | | St. Augustine Friary Makes Jubilee Pilgrimage | | On October 12, the community of St. Augustine Friary made a pilgrimage from the chapel of Mundelein Seminary to the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, which was designated as an official site for the 2025 Jubilee by the Archdiocese of Chicago. | | Clockwise, starting left: Fr. John Lydon (Director of Formation), Br. Nicholas Anderson (Villanova), Br. Gary Hresil (Midwest), Br. Jeremy Welch (Midwest), Br. Justin Ma (California), Br. Javier Medina (California), Fr. James Keating (Villanova) | | Fr. Thomas McCarthy on Relevant Radio | | On Oct 14, Fr. Thomas McCarthy joined Patrick Conley for an episode of The Inner Life on Relevant Radio. The topic of discussion was humility. | | Fr. Raymond Flores Leads Italian Pilgrimage | On Oct 8-20, Fr. Raymond Flores led a pilgrimage to Italy. They visited Venice, Rome, and many more wonderful places. The group included many parishioners from St. Jude in New Lenox, including John Prevost, the Pope’s brother. | | The pilgrimage group in Lanciano, Italy | The Holy Office in Rome (current residence of the Pope). | | Pope Leo with Fr. Raymond Flores and John Prevost. The Pope had a special lunch with several family members and classmates. | | Augustinian Schools Meet for ASEA and AVI/BCoG | On October 22-24, the ASEA (Augustinian Secondary Education Association) met at St. Rita High School in Chicago. The ASEA is made up of the leaders of the Augustinian schools of North America. Their annual meeting allows them to have fellowship and to collaborate on ways to promote the Augustinians mission and charism in our schools. | School leaders who participated in the ASEA Conference | The members of the Midwest Province's Education Commission also met to discuss the 5 schools in our province. | Members of the Midwest Province Education Commission | |
On October 24-26, St. Rita High School also hosted the AVI (Augustinian Values Institute). This is a wonderful annual conference where faculty and staff members of our North American Augustinian schools are able to learn more about the Augustinian philosophy of education and how our schools can better exhibit our charism. Part of AVI every year is Building the City of God, which is a conference for those who already attended AVI and want to go deeper in their understanding of the Augustinian charism.
Here are the groups who attended AVI and Building the City of God from the Augustinian schools of North America (please note: Villanova College in King City, Ontario, wasn't able to attend this year):
| | Malvern Preparatory School (Malvern, PA) | | St. Rita High School (Chicago, IL) | | Providence Catholic High School (New Lenox, IL) | | Villanova Preparatory School (Ojai, CA) | | |
Cascia Hall Preparatory School (Tulsa, OK)
| | Monsignor Bonner and Archbishop Prendergast (Drexil Hill, PA) *Newly added to ASEA! | | St. Augustine Preparatory School (Richland, NJ) | | Austin Preparatory School (Reading, MA) | | St. Augustine High School (San Diego, CA) | | Austin Catholic High School (Chesterfield, MI) | |
Fr. Francis Galvan Supports Community After Vancouver Festival Tragedy
| | On Oct 26, Fr. Francis Galvan, Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Delta, British Columbia, was featured in an article marking the six month anniversary of the tragic attack during a Filipino festival in Vancouver on April 26. He has been a spiritual support for the Filipino community during this difficult time. In the article, he reflects on the impact the event had on the community and himself personally.
No closure for Filipino community six months after Vancouver festival tragedy | CBC News | | Bishop Turley Presents at Aquinas College | | On October 30, Bishop Daniel Turley gave a presentation at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. The presentation was titled “Pope Leo XIV and the Invitation to Missionary Discipleship.” The event was sponsored by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Aquinas College. To watch a recording of Bishop Turley's presentation, click here. | | On October 20th, Fr. Roland Follmann celebrated his 92nd birthday! | | On Oct 23rd, Fr. Francis Galvan celebrated his 58th birthday! The parishioners of Sacred Heart in Delta, British Columbia, hosted a special celebration in his honor. | | On October 25th, Pre-Novice Brian Kempiak celebrated his 32nd birthday! | | | | |
