Augustinians from North America visit Italy on a pellegrinaggio (pilgrimage) to major Augustinian sites

Midwest friars in front of the original icon of Our Mother of Good Counsel (patroness of our province) in Genazzano, Italy. [From left to right: Fr. Sam Joutras, Fr. Joe Roccasalva, Fr. Ray Flores, Fr. Jeff Raths]

In July, Augustinians from all three North American provinces visited Italy on a pellegrinaggio (pilgrimage) to learn, experience, and explore the history of the Augustinian Order through art, culture, architecture, literature, and history.

This trip is held every several years, and includes friars who have recently (or will soon) take their solemn vows to the Order. Midwest province friars in attendance included Fr. Sam Joutras, O.S.A., Fr. Joe Roccasalva, O.S.A., Fr. Ray Flores, O.S.A., and Fr. Jeff Raths, O.S.A.

The friars visited the Augustinian cloistered sisters of the monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Lecceto, near Siena.

"I especially enjoyed the chance to concelebrate Mass in the Shrine of Our Mother of Good Counsel, the patroness of our Province," said Fr. Sam Joutras, O.S.A. "The trip was a wonderful experience to walk in the steps of our brothers who lived the Augustinian life in its early centuries. To walk in the same paths they walked somehow inspired us to renew ourselves in our traditions. I'll also never forget the great Italian food and the camaraderie we shared!"

Fr. Joe Roccasalva, O.S.A., also enjoyed the trip. "Having the opportunity to spend this time traveling in community with my brothers was such a blessing - and such a great time," said Fr. Joe. "Experiencing the culture, people, and important religious sites together made it an extra special trip. It was a prayerful, joyful pilgrimage."

The friars were able to celebrate Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (June 29). They had Mass below the main altar in the Chapel of Our Lady of Childbirth. They also had a chance to meet with Cardinal Robert Prevost. [From left to right: Fr. Joe Mostardi (Villanova), Br. Arturo Renteria (California), Fr. Michael Riggs (Villanova), Fr. Jeremy Hiers (Villanova), Fr. Elizandro Contreras (Villanova), Cardinal Robert Prevost (Midwest), Fr. Joe Roccasalva (Midwest), Fr. Ray Flores (Midwest), Fr. Jeff Raths (Midwest), Fr. Sam Joutras (Midwest), Br. Mauricio Morales (California)]