September 21, 2013 is the 32nd anniversary of the International Day of Peace. The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1981 that each September a Day of Peace shall be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

Prior Provincial Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. shares his experience of meeting Pope Francis on the Feast of St. Augustine in Rome.  Read his inspirational reflection on Fr. Bob Prevost, O.S.A.'s departing remarks as Prior General, Pope Francis' homily, and more!

Prior Provincial Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A. updates us from the Augustinian General Chapter, about to begin in Rome tomorrow.  He discusses the Feast Day of St. Monica, Pope Francis' upcoming Mass with the Augustinians, and electing the Prior General to lead the world-wide Augustinians the next six years.

On August 11, 2013, Fr. Robert Prevost, O.S.A. received the first vows of three Augustinian novices:  Fr. Brian Barker, O.S.A., Brother Bernie Cissell, O.S.A., and Brother Joe Ruiz, O.S.A.  Watch this beautiful, short video recap of the event.  It contains excerpts of Fr. Bernie Scianna, O.S.A.'s homily and an important message from Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A.

This past Sunday, August 11, Fr. Brian Barker, O.S.A., Brother Bernie Cissell, O.S.A., and Brother Joe Ruiz, O.S.A.  professed their first vows into the Augustinian Order.  Prior General, the Most Reverend Robert Prevost, O.S.A. celebrated the solemn evening prayer, along with many other Augustinians, friends, family, and supporters of the Order.

Rev. Ronald R. Turcich, O.S.A. will join the select group of inductees in the Mendel Catholic High School Hall of Fame.  The induction ceremony will take place August 18.

On Thursday, October 3, Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago, will preside at the monthly Novena Mass at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, Chicago.  We are proud and honored to welcome the Cardinal to celebrate this very special devotion to St. Rita of Cascia.

St. Rita Parish has seen great demographic changes in the neighborhood, as well as a number of very difficult challenges for the community.  In this interview, Pastor Tony Pizzo, O.S.A. offers insights on the parish’s history and some actions the community is taking to make the area a more peaceful place.

The Summer 2013 issue of The Midwest Augustinian is now available for download.  Click here to read now!

Brother Bernie Cissell, O.S.A., an Augustinian novice, was awarded a grant from the Mater Ecclesiae Fund for Vocations to assist his religious formation and ongoing education.  In his article, he discusses the importance of stewardship in relationship to the Augustinian vow of poverty.  

Fr. Homero Sánchez, O.S.A. offers a reflection, in both Spanish and English, on why he chose to devote his life to Christ and the Augustinian Order.  Click here to read.

We are pleased to announce that we have posted our Province Directory online.  You can use the directory to find one of the Augustinians in our province and contact them.  We hope you enjoy.