Rev. Edward J. Kersten, O.S.A. (1929 - 2021)

Edward James Kersten was born on September 27, 1929 in Cicero, Illinois to Edward P. and Barbara Marie (Houda) Kersten. He was Baptized on October 6, 1929 at Mary, Queen of Heaven Catholic Church, Cicero. He received the Sacrament of Confirmation on October 14, 1941 at the same church.

Edward received his elementary education at Mary, Queen of Heaven School, Cicero. He was a 1947 graduate of St. Rita High School, Chicago, Illinois. He attended Morton College, Cicero, during 1947 and 1948.

He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate on September 7, 1949. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine September 9, 1950 and solemn (permanent) vows September 10, 1953.

He earned a B. A. in Philosophy from Villanova College, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1953. He then pursued theological studies at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a Priest June 9, 1956.

Father Kersten was assigned in 1958 to St. Rita High School, Chicago, as a teacher. In 1961, he became a member of the Augustinian Mission Band, residing at St. Joseph Mission House, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was named Prior in 1971. The Mission Band directed spiritual retreats and conducted parish missions in various parts of the United States.

When the Mission Band relocated in 1972 to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago, Father Kersten moved there. He continued his preaching ministry until 1975.

In 1975, he was assigned to St. Rita High School, Chicago to teach again. In that same year, he was named Prior of St. Rita Monastery, Chicago.

Father Kersten became Pastor of St. Mary Church, Rockford, Illinois, in 1979. He also served as Prior of the Augustinian community there.
He moved to St. Rita Church, Chicago, in 1992, serving as Associate Pastor. He was Prior of Bl. Stephen Bellesini Community, Racine, Wisconsin, from August, 2007 until June, 2010. This was the site of the Augustinian North American Novitiate.

He returned to St. Rita Church, Chicago, in July, 2010, where he was semi-retired.

In 2014, he was assigned to Bl. Stephen Bellesini Friary, Crown Point, Indiana, where his health needs could be better attended to.

On March 17, 2021, Father Kersten entered eternal life.