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

On the Feast of All Saints, Saturday Nov 1, a group of more than 700 people gathered together to celebrate Mass in front of the ICE detention Center in Broadview, a town in metropolitan Chicago. This “People’s Mass” was presided by Bishop Jose Maria Garcia one of Chicago’s auxiliary bishops. Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A., and Br. Javier Medina, O.S.A., represented the theologate community at the Mass.

Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A. (wearing black hat) at the "People's Mass"

The mass began with a procession of music with dancing by people dressed in typical Mexican indigenous clothing and then followed by two dozen concelebrants and the bishop. The Mass was bilingual and had many songs were sung throughout. As time for Communion approached, the bishop and five other Eucharistic ministers started a short procession towards the facility's main entrance to bring Communion to those who were detained. However, despite having completed all the protocols, entrance to the facility was barred, and those inside could not receive the Body of Christ. The bishop then spoke words of solidarity over the loudspeaker with the hope that those detained inside could at least hear the prayer of hope and solidarity for their situation.

Bishop Jose Maria Garcia at the "People's Mass".

Since it was a Mass, most of the participants were Catholics, although some representatives of other faiths were present. The organizing group, The Coalition for Spiritual and Public Leadership, involves many faith traditions.

The organizers of the Mass hoped to be able to help in a small way to raise consciousness of the extreme abuse that the detained members of different immigrant communities are suffering and also serve as a reminder to the detainees that they are not alone is their struggle.

On All Souls Day, November 2nd, a prayer service was held to bless a new monument at the Augustinian plot in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Chicago. The prayer service also remembered the Midwest friars who have passed away. 

On November 3rd, Br. Nathan Fernandes graduated from St. Augustine Seminary in Toronto, Ontario! He received an Ecclesiastical Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology and a Master of Divinity. 

Br. Nathan with his diploma.

Br. Nathan with Cardinal Francis Leo, Archbishop of Toronto

From left to right: Fr. James Keating (Villanova, Prior of St. Augustine Friary, Chicago); Br. Nicholas Mullarkey; Br. Nathan Fernandes; Fr. Joel Okojie (Prior and Shrine Director at Marylake, King City, Ontario)

Br. Nathan with his family after the graduation ceremony.

On November 12-14, Maurizio Misitano and Simona Cipriani visited the Midwest Province. They represent the Fondazione Augustiniana nel Mundo (Augustinians across the World Foundation), based in Rome, which is the official NGO of the worldwide Augustinian Order.

The Fondazione was founded in 2014 and is based out of the Augustinian Curia in Rome. It has humanitarian projects in over 50 countries. They gave a presentation on Nov 13 at St. Rita High School about the Foundation.

Click Here to view the Presentation Slides

Click Here to view slides about Foundation Projects

To learn more about their mission and projects, click here: osafund.org

The below video is a feature story recorded by WGN News about the Foundation and Pope Leo.

Every month, the community of St. Augustine Friary has a special monthly outing amidst their busy and divergent schedules. On November 22, they went to play Whirlyball! (It involves bumper cars and lacrosse sticks.)

The 2025 Men's Retreat was a joyful experience, filled with faith, friendship, and the quiet work of Grace. Hosted by the Office of Lay Engagement from November 14th to the 16th at St. Mary of the Lake Retreat Center in Mundelein, IL, the retreat was well-attended and participants enjoyed reflections led by peers and by Augustinians.

On Thursday, November 13, the Midwest Augustinians gathered at St. Jude Parish in New Lenox for a Mass of Thanksgiving honoring Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A., and for the Affiliation Ceremony welcoming sixteen new members into the extended Augustinian family.

During the celebration, the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel formally affiliated the group of men and women whose long relationship with the Augustinians has reflected that same spirit of unity and service in the spirit of St. Augustine: Michael A. Airdo; Luis and Miriam (Espinosa) Arredondo; Sr. Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.; Angioletta DiMonte; Frank Gatto; Margaret C. Gleason; Patrick J. Griffin; Robert and Laura Martin; John Prevost; Concepción and Álvaro Saldivar; Dr. Rick and Christine Singh; and Martin H. Wojcik.

On Sunday, November 9, the Midwest Augustinian community gathered for a day-long celebration of faith, friends, family, and Augustinian tradition.

The day started with Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A., celebrating Mass at Cascia Hall Preparatory School's St. Rita Chapel and ended with a reception and dinner at one of Tulsa's top restaurants, the Polo Grill, which is owned by longtime Augustinian supporters and event sponsors Chef Robert Merrifield and Donna Merrifield.

Maryellen Harrington (Director of Lay Engagement)

Fr. Bernie Scianna with Tony and Phyllis Lauinger (Affiliates and 2018 Gala Honorees)

Br. Jack Hibbard, Terrell Siegfried, and Fr. Joe Roccasalva

The evening's selections of fine wines were sponsored by Ambassador to the Holy See, Francis Rooney, and the event's hosts were Tony and Phyllis Lauinger, Margaret and Brian Reimann, and David and Lisa Vaughan.

We were honored to spend this time celebrating our Augustinian heritage in community.

Brian and Margaret (Province Finance Commission) Reimann, Peggy Coughlin (2024 Gala Honoree), and Robert Reins

Fr. Philip Cook (Headmaster of Cascia Hall) with Zachary (Province Board of Trustees) and Stephanie Harris

Edward Hennessy (Affiliate and 2022 Gala Honoree), Br. Jack Hibbard, and Milann Siegfried (Affiliate)

On Nov 26, Br. David Marshall joined members of St. Jude for the parish’s first 5K Turkey Trot. Afterwards, they celebrated with a full breakfast that was prepared during the run.  

Fr. Jim Keating, O.S.A. (Villanova Province) and Sr. Amaya Hernandez-Muniz.

On Nov. 22, St. Rita Parish hosted its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. Almost 1,000 turkeys and food baskets were distributed to families in need. Several Augustinian friars and sisters also helped out. To see photos, click the link below:

Full Photo Album Link

Sr. Monica Alonso-Garcia and Sr. Elisabeth Doerflinger.

(Left to right) Sr. Elisabeth Doerflinger, Sr. Amaya Hernandez-Muniz, Sr. Andrea Rollings-Sanchez, and Fr. Homero Sanchez,O.S.A. Pastor of St. Rita Parish.

On November 9th, Providence Catholic High School held a special Mass to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Fr. John Merkelis’s ordination. Fr. Merk has served at Providence Catholic for 32 years and has attended over 200 Kairos retreat. He is currently the President of the school. In honor of his anniversary, Providence Catholic has established the Helen J. Merkelis Financial Aid Fund. If you would like to contribute to this fund to thank Fr. Merk for his dedication, click here to make a donation. Select “Father Merk’s 40th Anniversary/Helen Merkelis Fund” as your designation.

On November 4th, Br. Gary Hresil celebrated his 58th birthday!

On November 12, Br. Thomas Wallace celebrated his 90th birthday at Marylake (Ontario, Canada)!

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.