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Bro. Augustine Hickens, O.S.A. (1915-1990)

Bro. Augustine Hickens, O.S.A. entered eternal life April 13, 1990.

Raymond Thomas Hickens was born September 28, 1915 in Detroit, Michigan to James and Mary (Roggenbuck) Hickens. He had three brothers and three sisters. He was Baptized October 10, 1915 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Detroit.

After completing his elementary education at St. Edward Catholic School, Detroit, he studied at Henry Ford Trade School, Dearborn, Michigan, earning his diploma in 1934. He then served in the U.S. Navy and worked for several years as a machinist in the tool and die trade.

He entered the Augustinian program of formation for Brothers in 1949, taking the religious name Brother Augustine. He was received into the Augustinian Novitiate June 23, 1952. He professed simple (temporary) vows in the Order of St. Augustine June 24, 1953 and solemn (permanent) vows June 24, 1956.

For 20 years (1949-69), Brother Augustine worked at Monican Press, based in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Monican Press distributed Christmas cards for sale in several midwestern U. S. states. During this time he managed Monican Press operations in Illinois and in Michigan, residing at Mendel Monastery and St. Rita Monastery, both in Chicago, Illinois, and at Austin Friary and at St. Augustine Catholic Parish, both in Detroit.

From 1969 to 1978, he served in various capacities at Austin Catholic High School, Detroit, including the supervision of the school's food service program.

Brother Augustine was transferred in 1978 to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Monastery, Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he served as treasurer. From January, 1980 to August, 1981, he worked with the Family Rosary program, Albany, New York.`

He retired from full-time ministry in 1981. He was transferred to St. Augustine Catholic Parish, Detroit. He continued his work with the Family Rosary program on a part-time basis. Because of failing health, Brother Augustine was transferred in 1987 to St. Rita Monastery, Chicago.

As his health continued to decline, he was moved in 1990 to Bon Secours Nursing Home, St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He died there April 13, 1990.

He is buried in the Augustinian plot at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Detroit.

Memorial gifts may be made to Augustinian Guild, Tolentine Center, 20300 Governors Hwy., Olympia Fields, IL 60461-1081.