Brother Augustine Hickens, O.S.A. (1915-1990)
Brother Augustine Hickens, O.S.A. entered eternal life on April 13, 1990.
He was born Raymond Thomas Hickens on September 28, 1915 in Detroit, Michigan to James and Mary (Roggenbuck) Hickens. He had three brothers and three sisters. He was baptized on October 10, 1915 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Detroit.
After completing his elementary education at St. Edward Catholic School, Detroit, he studied at Henry Ford Trade School, Dearborn, Michigan, earning his diploma in 1934. He then served in the U.S. Navy and worked for several years as a machinist in the tool and die trade.
He entered the Augustinian program of formation for Brothers in 1949, taking the religious name Brother Augustine. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on June 23, 1952. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine on June 24, 1953 and solemn (permanent) vows on June 24, 1956.
For 20 years (1949-69), Brother Augustine worked at Monican Press, based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Monican Press distributed Christmas cards for sale in several Midwestern U. S. states. During this time, he managed Monican Press operations in Illinois and in Michigan. He resided at Mendel Monastery and St. Rita Monastery, both in Chicago, Illinois, and at Austin Friary and at St. Augustine Parish, both in Detroit.
From 1969 to 1978, Brother Augustine served in various capacities at Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, including the supervision of the school's food service program.
He was transferred in 1978 to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he served as Treasurer. From January of 1980 to August of 1981, he worked with the Family Rosary program in Albany, New York.
Brother Augustine retired from full-time ministry in 1981 and was transferred to St. Augustine Parish, Detroit. He continued his work with the Family Rosary program on a part-time basis. Because of failing health, he was transferred in 1987 to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago.
As his health continued to decline, Brother Augustine was moved in 1990 to Bon Secours Nursing Home, St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He died there on April 13, 1990.
He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Detroit.
Memorial gifts may be made to: The Midwest Augustinians, 10161 S Longwood Dr, Chicago, IL 60643-2032 or via our Online Giving Page.
