Formation Day at Mayslake Village with Fr. Rich Young

/ Mayslake Village Chapel + Frigo Hall/

Join us at the Mayslake Village Senior Living: 1801 35th St. Oak Brook IL, 60523 from 9am to 3:30pm for Mass and Presentation.

Marked for Life, Marked for Love

Presenter: Fr. Richard Young, O.S.A., D.Min.

This Formation Day is a journey of spiritual reflection and transformation centered on the mystery of the Cross and the Stigmata, drawing deeply from the life and spirituality of S.t Francis of Assisi. Participants, you will explore your personal relationship with Christ’s Passion, your own life wounds, and the call to live out these marks in love and solidarity with others. The sessions will offer a profound opportunity for you to engage with the core mysteries of Christian faith, to recognize the marks they bear as signs of Christ’s love, and to commit yourselves to living these marks in service to others. As Brother Francis said at this Transitus:

“I have done what was mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours to do.”

For more information, contact Rosalie Leitelt at rose.leitelt@gmail.com or 815-668-9876

Annual Men's Retreat

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Join us as we explore the art of nurturing an authentic Christian community wherever you find yourself.

Leave the hustle and bustle behind to rediscover yourself and forge connections amidst the tranquil beauty of the Mount Assisi Retreat Center in Lemont, IL.  Mount Assisi offers over 60 acres of outdoor space for leisurely strolls and more. Now is the ideal moment to:

  • Recharge and Reflect: Step away from your daily routine to concentrate on what truly holds significance.

  • Build Brotherhood: Engage with like-minded individuals and cultivate enduring relationships.

  • Uncover Fresh Perspectives: Acquire insights and abilities that can enrich your personal and professional life.

We are excited to be joined by our Augustinian Facilitators, Bishop Dan Turley, Br. Joe Ruiz, Fr. Bernie Scianna, and Fr. Samuel Joutras. To register for the retreat, please complete the form below:

If you would like the Lay Engagement Office to reach out to you about the upcoming retreat and opportunities email maryellen@midwestaugustinians.org

Augustinian Vicariate of Chulucanas in Peru Inaugurates Philanthropic Office of Development

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On March 7, 2024, Prior Provincial Fr. Anthony B. Pizzo, O.S.A., and Fr. Richie Mercado, O.S.A., attended the inauguration of the new John McKniff Philanthropic Office of Development at the Augustinian Vicariate of Chulucanas in Peru.

This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the history of the Vicariate, and for the Midwest Province, and will enable the Vicariate to advance into the future.

The creation of this Philanthropic Office of Development was a joint project between the Vicariate, the Midwest Augustinian Province, and the international development group Spring Rain Global, Inc. The new Office will support the Vicariate’s growing advancement efforts as it becomes financially self-sustaining, an effort that has been underway since the Augustinians first engagement in Peru, in 1963.

Peru, a country with a developing economy, has suffered natural disasters, political instability, and economic uncertainty. Despite these macro-scale challenges, the Augustinians have been successful in evangelizing the local Church in Peru, as well as providing sacraments to the many thousands who the Vicariate serve.

The Midwest Augustinians have supported mission work in Northern Peru since 1963, when the first North American Augustinians arrived.

Fr. John McKniff, O.S.A., the namesake of the new Philanthropic Office of Development, was actively involved in missionary work in Peru for over two decades, from 1972 to 1993. (Fr. John is an Augustinian “Servant of God” – with an active petition to be beatified.) During that time, he helped implement a Pastoral Plan for the Chulucanas Diocese, called New Image of Parish, that was intended to help engage laity in the evangelization work of the mission, to increase the amount of physical space the limited number of priests were able to support.

Each parish was broken up into zones with a local team of lay people that were trained to educate the rest of their zone about the Holy Sacraments:  their history, what they mean, and how to prepare for them.  Groups of Augustinians would then visit the dozens (and sometimes hundreds) of zones throughout their parish territory, administering the Holy Sacraments to all those in distant areas.

Some zones can take up to one week to travel to; each zone is visited at least once per year.

In 1986, as these efforts to evangelize bore fruit, the Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagun de Chulucanas was canonically established with communities in the Diocese of Chulucanas, the Archdiocese of Trujillo, and the Archdiocese of Lima.

Since then, with the growth of the Latin American Church, the Midwest Augustinians have transitioned more responsibility into the hands of the local clergy. In 2010, Fr. Fidel Alvarado, O.S.A. became the first native Peruvian to serve as the Regional Vicar. Presently, the vast majority of Augustinians in solemn vows in northern Peru are native Peruvians.

In 2013, the Vicariate opened Colegio San Agustin (St. Augustine School) in Trujillo, Peru, serving grade-school-aged students and educating them in the Augustinian tradition and with our core values of Truth, Unity, and Love. The construction of the new school building (which is also the current location of the Development Office) was completed in 2020, and the first students attended in March 2020.

Further expanding the educational footprint in the region, the Augustinians administer Colegio Señor de los Milagros in Pacasmayo and Colegio Santísima Cruz (School of the Holy Cross), a school originally administered by a group of Franciscan Sisters from Iowa. Santísima Crus was reconstructed in February 2023.

During the 60-plus years of mission work in the region, the Midwest Province has been working to support the self-sustaining efforts of the Vicariate. In 2022, Fr. Richie Mercado, O.S.A., was commissioned by the Province to assist in evaluating ways to address the economic difficulty of maintaining social and apostolate works across the communities of the Vicariate into the future.

The Province identified the international development firm, Spring Rain Global, to support the establishment of a philanthropy office, to support the financial needs of the Vicariate. As a social enterprise, Spring Rain Global provides financial planning and philanthropy office support to nonprofits around the world.

The Development Office is currently undergoing capacitation training with Spring Rain, a six-pillar process that includes emphasis on leadership and governance, program development and management, philanthropy development, financial planning, database management, and ecosystem building.  

The current priorities of the Office include funding scholarships for students, human development capital for teachers and staff in Augustinian schools, infrastructure projects (school chapel, classrooms, etc.), formation and vocation, and social justice projects (e.g. food pantries in Trujillo and Chulucanas). In the long term, the goal for this Office is to ensure the financial sustainability and viability of the Vicariate as a self-supporting organization.

For more information or to support the efforts of the Peruvian Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagun de Chulucanas, please contact the Advancement Office of the Midwest Augustinians.

In the Community: Men in Formation Serve at Ronald McDonald House

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On Friday, April 12th, 2024, nine Augustinian Friars gathered to prepare and serve dinner to the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s in Streeterville, downtown Chicago.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana provide support to families while their children are being treated at local hospitals, offering private rooms, meals, and other amenities.

Br. Nicholas Stone, O.S.A., organized the event for the Augustinians in community at St. Augustine Friary in Hyde Park, Chicago, in response to a volunteering initiative from St. Rita of Cascia Shrine in Philadelphia, PA.

“Volunteering with Ronald McDonald House ‘Culinary Hearts’ was a beautiful way to marry love of food with love of neighbor, and to share that with my community at the theologate and the community at Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s,” said Br. Nicholas.

The friars in attendance helped prepare a menu of BBQ Baked Chicken, Cajun Cabbage, Cornbread, Sweet Potatoes, and a Garden Salad, under the watchful eye of Chef A’Nyssa and Antonio.

Br. Frank Connor, O.S.A., shared the responsibility for baking the cornbread and joked that his time in the Novitiate was good preparation for the cooking and cleaning.

“It feels good to get out of the classroom and do some real ministry, to try to help people and as they're going through really difficult situations for their families,” Br. Frank said. “This has definitely been a great experience.”

Bishop Dan Turley, O.S.A., agreed.

“These are things that you really dream about, you want things like this to happen,” said Bishop Dan. “It’s great working together as Augustinian Brothers – this is what we’re all about.”

The Ronald McDonald House Charities welcome volunteer groups and have locations across the United States. To learn more about volunteer opportunities in the Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana region, visit www.rmhccni.org

 

“I think this is a really good sign of unity among us [brothers], bringing our community out into the greater community of the world.” – Br. David Marshall, O.S.A.

“I enjoyed being in the kitchen and following the directions of a Chef who’s very competent and wonderful and working with my brothers.” – Br. Nathan Fernandes, O.S.A.

 

“It was really refreshing to hear our chef say how well we all work together, really reinforcing the lifestyle. I would do this again, it’s really fun to work together.” – Br. Lou San Vicente, O.S.A.

 

Pellegrinaggio Agostiniano in Italia - Summer 2024

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Augustinian Friars from all of the North American Provinces are currently journeying together in Italy as part of the “Pellegrinaggio Agostiniano in Italia” (Augustinian Pilgrimage in Italy), where they have an opportunity to experience and explore the history of the Augustinian Order through art, culture, architecture, literature, and history.

Enjoy these photos from the trip:

The Solemn Profession of Br. David Relstab, O.S.A.

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On April 20, 2024, Br. David Relstab, O.S.A., made his Solemn Profession of Vows to the Augustinian Order at St. Jude Parish in New Lenox, IL. Br. David’s permanent vows were witnessed by his fellow Augustinians, family, friends, and students from his classes at Providence Catholic High School.

As a Solemnly Professed Augustinian, Br. David becomes one with the thousands of Augustinian Friars who, dating back to the 13th century, have committed their lives to the Order.

“To see throughout history all the ways various men and women have followed in the Rule of Augustine, in our spirituality, and have given their lives for the Church for the promotion of the Gospel, for the promotion of life and love… it’s something you just can’t put words to,” said Br. David. “Thinking of the first missionaries that came to the United States, the first men that came to the area that became the Midwest Province, and how as a younger Friar, now it’s up to me to lace up my boots and get out into the vineyard along with my fellow Augustinian brothers: it’s a great charge of how to live out my vocation.”

Br. David made his First Vows to the Augustinian Order on August 2, 2020, after his Novitiate year. He earned his Master’s in Pastoral Studies from Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in 2022 and a Master’s in STEM Education and Leadership from Illinois State University in 2023. He has an undergraduate degree from Ferris State University in Automotive Engineering Technology (2017).

Since 2021, Br. David has been assigned to Providence Catholic High School, where he has been supporting students in Campus Ministry and teaching in the classroom, a ministry he’s enjoyed and found to be a tremendous joy. Br. David’s first experience at a school was at St. Rita High School, where he lived as an Associate for six months. But Br. David comments that his first true spiritual assignment came earlier, when he first joined the Order.

“My first assignment, really, our first assignment [as Augustinians] is to live with one another, to be in community,” said Br. David. “And from that living as ‘brothers in common,’ the fruits of the Spirit that are kindled through that process then flow out into the people in the communities in which we serve, bringing the message of Jesus Christ, bringing those values of St. Augustine to the greater community.”

And Br. David is actively bringing his talents to the community – both in the faith community and more broadly through his work as an Adjunct Professor at Moraine Valley Community College where he teaches a course on Advanced Automotive Electrical Systems in addition to his position at Providence, or as a Chaplain for Scouting trips in collaboration with Catholic Scouting (Br. David is also an Eagle Scout).

Br. David continues to be ready and open to serve the changing needs of the community, especially now as a Solemnly Professed Augustinian.

“I’m open to the Spirit to see how the Lord's directing us and guiding us to live out our call, to live out His will, to serve the people,” says Br. David. “It has been a tremendous opportunity and invitation so far. And, only the Lord will know where that [invitation] continues to lead and guide me and my brothers.”

Congratulations, Br. David Relstab, O.S.A., for answering your call!

Learn more about Augustinian Vocations at www.beafriar.org

Province Library Opens

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In late April, 2024, our Province Librarian and Archivist, Br. Thomas Taylor, O.S.A., officially opened the Province Library. The library is located on the second floor of the Province Offices and includes many books by St. Augustine, about St. Augustine, and about the Augustinians. There are also a number of free books on various topics.

The library, which is mandated by the Constitutions of the Order, is an extensive resource for learning about the thought of St. Augustine and the history of the Augustinian Order. In addition to books, the library also contains scholarly periodicals with Augustinian themes, such as Analecta Augustiniana, Augustinian Studies, Augustiniana, The Tagastan and its successor, Augustinian Heritage, and Acta Ordinis.

Br. Tom has put countless hours into this project. Many of the library’s books came from the old Tolentine Library and had to be transported, sorted, and cataloged after leaving the basement of St. Rita High School.   

The library’s first “Featured Book” is The Monastic Rules: Augustine of Hippo. Published in 2004 as a collaboration by Augustine scholars Gerald Bonner, Fr. George Lawless, O.S.A., and Sr. Agatha Mary, SPB, The Monastic Rules features recent research on the Rule of Augustine as well as several interesting tidbits about how the values of the Rule were put into practice in Augustine's time, drawing from the landmark research on Augustine’s Rule by Luc Verheijen, O.S.A.

After reading the book, Br. Tom has prepared a fun quiz to test your knowledge. Click the link below to take the quiz:

https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/ugc/story.php?title=mzk4mtm5mgdbkp

To get a tour or to learn more about the Province Library, you can email Br. Tom at ttaylor11406@gmail.com.

Students from Augustinian Schools across North America attend Student Augustinian Values Institute retreat (SAVI)

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Every year, students from all ten Augustinian secondary schools are selected to attend the Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI) retreat, which is held at one of the schools. This year, SAVI was hosted at Malvern Preparatory School in Malvern, PA, from Thursday April 11 to Sunday, April 14, 2024.

During this long weekend retreat, students encounter the Augustinian tradition of education and core values of Truth, Unity, and Love in community with each other.

This student-led conference is an opportunity for young members of the Augustinian community to discuss and reflect how their faith impacts their educational journey – and to share ways that each school is putting that faith into action.

This year, Director of Lay Engagement for the Midwest Augustinians, Maryellen Harrington, was able to attend the conference and join in community with the students.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with colleagues who share our commitment to the mission and values of our schools,” said Maryellen. “It was an important opportunity to connect, build relationships and learn how I can serve our schools.”

The students attending SAVI also had the opportunity to engage in a day of service, this year held at Thorncroft Equestrian Center, which hosts riding programs for people of all abilities. Students cleared fields of debris and obstacles.

Putting Augustinian values at the forefront of faith, service, and community was an important part of this experience according to Maryellen.

“It's clear to me that, as Augustinians, when we align ourselves with our Catholic identity, specifically around St. Augustine, we can create a truly transformative educational experience for the young people and the families we serve,” she said. “It was heartening to see so many schools coming together around the theme of growing not only in academic disciples but in faith.”

Learn more about the Augustinian Values Institute on our website at this link: https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/augustinian-values-institute

Annual Women's Retreat

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Hello.

Please join the Midwest Augustinians at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien, Illinois for our Annual Women’s Retreat June 28-29th, 2024.

The Carmelite Campus features over 40 acres of grounds, including beautiful Stations of the Cross and a number of prayer stations and sacred spaces throughout the grounds.  It will be a great time to step back from the ordinary to experience something extraordinary. 

Our retreat is the “right size” for everyone; allowing for you to join us beginning Friday evening 4pm or for the day beginning Saturday morning at 8am.  We hope you will be with us for the extended time but we welcome all no matter their availability.

Our retreat will be facilitated by Bonnie Leightly and Fr. James Halsted, OSA. 

Bonnie Leightly is an Augustinian Affiliate and serves at Cascia Hall Preparatory School.  Bonnie serves in Campus Ministry directing retreats and Augustinian values and mission driven initiatives.

Fr. James Halsted holds doctorates in religious studies and moral theology from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, (Louvain, Belgium). He has served as associate pastor, university professor, weekend associate, province counselor and is now Treasurer of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel. 

To register for the retreat, please complete the form at the button below: 

If you would like the Lay Engagement Office to reach out to you about the upcoming retreat and opportunities email maryellen@midwestaugustinians.org