Funeral Arrangements for Fr. Edward Kersten, O.S.A.

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It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of Rev. Rev. Edward J. Kersten, O.S.A. to eternal life. He was 91 years of age. Please keep Fr. Kersten in your prayers. Below is the information regarding the funeral arrangements for Rev. Edward J. Kersten, O.S.A.

MONDAY – March 22, 2021

VISITATION

St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel

7740 S. Western Ave

Chicago, IL 60620

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

FUNERAL MASS

St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel

7740 S. Western Ave

Chicago, IL 60620

7:00 p.m.

TUESDAY – March 23, 2021

INTERMENT

Holy Sepulchre Cemetery

Alsip, IL

10:00 a.m.

Message on MLK Jr Day from the Prior Provincial

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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – January 18, 2021

A Message to our Augustinian Family and Friends,

Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his civil rights legacy.  Fifty-five years ago, on Chicago’s Southside in Marquette Park not far from St. Rita Parish and High School, King marched with a small crowd of people addressing unjust housing conditions.  Approximately five years ago, about 100 parishioners from St. Rita Parish marched with over 1000 people representing the racial and religious demographics of the City of Chicago. That event emulated that historic March back in 1966.  On the spot where King was struck in the head with a rock by a white counter-protester now stands the MLK Living Memorial. That violent act against King that took place in Marquette Park is a revolting reminder of how racially fractured we were back then.  On January 6th, the riotous storm against the Capitol reveals that our Nation is STILL in need of healing our ruptured social relationships.

It is discouraging to see violence connected with peaceful protests that speak of the desire for change, inclusion, truth, and unity.  We are facing a major change in government this week.  A new administration will be sworn in with the hope of healing division in all its forms, especially racial disharmony, that has been characterized by the tensions caused by public discourse and action.

We grieve over the racial discord that has been fed by nationalist ideologies that fail to recognize the dignity of each person as well as to treat each person as our neighbor.  Dr. King envisioned a society that would accommodate every person, regardless of his or her race, gender, religious affiliation, orientation or any difference that contributes to the person’s uniqueness.  We continue to strive toward that society that he called the “Beloved Community.” 

The mission of the Gospel, as Jesus demonstrates, is to heal broken hearts and lives, to be inviting and welcoming.  I invite all members of our Augustinian Family and all those associated with us to pray for a peaceful and respectful future together.  Do not allow complacency to dictate your choices and decisions but rather allow the Spirit of Christ to move you beyond your limitations so that you may see the Face of God in one another.

Bernard Heerey Foundation Awards Grant for the Care of Elder Friars

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MR. BERNARD HEEREY'S LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH HIS FOUNDATION, WHICH SUPPORTS MANY SPIRITUAL ENDEAVORS TO IMPROVE THE CHICAGO LANDSCAPE

MR. BERNARD HEEREY'S LEGACY LIVES ON THROUGH HIS FOUNDATION, WHICH SUPPORTS MANY SPIRITUAL ENDEAVORS TO IMPROVE THE CHICAGO LANDSCAPE

It is the sacred duty of our Augustinian Province to see that our retired and infirm friars receive the care they need in the twilight years of their lives.  These men have lived lives of great purpose and have significantly impacted the lives of tens of thousands of men, women, and children in Chicagoland and elsewhere in the Midwest.  It would be hard to live a more meaningful and impactful life.

This year, the Midwest Augustinians were blessed to receive an extraordinary grant of $53,000 from the Bernard Heerey Foundation of Chicago, to cover the annual costs for one retired friar who had served in the city’s south side. Bernard Heerey, the namesake of the foundation, made significant impacts on the landscape of postwar Chicago, purchasing, assembling, and refurbishing major tracts along the city’s near north side. Mr. Heerey was also a devout Catholic who had a deep interest in the spiritual and physical welfare of the people of the city. Following his death in 1999, his assets were directed toward the establishment of a foundation with two principal directives: 1) offering scholarships and fellowships to worthy Chicago students; and 2) provide for the elderly who dedicated their lives to serving Chicago.

Mr. Nathaniel Gray, a friend of Bernard Heerey and trustee of the foundation, stated, “We believe that the men and women who work for the betterment of the city, while receiving little or no financial compensation, need to be provided for in their later years. Especially in organizations like the Augustinians, when they can become a large financial burdens for the whole community.” Our Province expresses our immense gratitude to the Bernard Heerey Foundation for their generous continued support.