Augustinians of the Midwest are encouraged mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, March 21, 2018, with prayer, reflection, witness and action individually, in their communities and in their ministries. The Augustinians invite all who identify with Augustinian spirituality and traditions to do likewise.

In celebrating Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A, we honor a man who has provided extraordinary spiritual care and guidance to the community of Providence Catholic High School, to the friars he serves as Personnel Director and Vicar Provincial, and to all those who are blessed to call him a friend. 
 

On Monday, February 5, the inter-religious social justice organization Protected by Faith held a press conference in Federal Plaza, downtown Chicago, to demonstrate their support of young DREAMers. Fr. Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., Pastor of St. Rita of Cascia Parish, was invited to set the opening context for the organization's support of the nation's young, vulnerable immigrant population.

The Midwest Augustinian Province is delighted to announce that St. Rita of Cascia Parish has been selected by the Archdiocese of Chicago to receive the 2018 Saint Toribio Romo Award. Saint Rita Parish, located in the southwest side neighborhood of Marquette Park, was chosen out of all parishes in recognition of its Pastoral Migratoria program.

At the Sixth Annual Augustinian Gala, on April 27, we will be celebrating the service of four very special honorees: Fr. John Merkelis, O.S.A., Br. Jerome Sysko, O.S.A., and Augustinian Affiliates Tony and Phyllis Lauinger. Over the next three weeks we will be posting profiles of each of these honorees, and today we are very pleased to begin with the Former Prior of the Augustinian Health Care Community, Br. Jerome Sysko.

Fr. Philip has served at Cascia off and on for the past twenty-five years. He first came to Cascia as Bro. Philip in 1993 and taught Theology and Latin in the middle school. He earned a reputation as a wonderful teacher, being very demanding of his students.

The Midwest Province of the Augustinian Order is delighted to announce that Fr. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A., has been named to the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of the New Evangelization

The tally of votes from eligible Midwest Augustinian friars on December 18, 2017 did not result in the election of the next Prior Provincial. As a result, the election of the next Prior Provincial will take place as part of the Ordinary Province Chapter, scheduled for June 4-8, 2018.

Merry Christmas from Fr. Bernie Scianna, OSA and the Midwest Augustinians! Please enjoy our 2017 Christmas video card!

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Fr. W. Timothy Cuny, OSA, passed away late Friday night, December 15.  He was 75.