February 2026
In February 2026, the Midwest Augustinians continued their Lenten journey with formation, fellowship, and ministry across the Province. Michael Bourke was welcomed as a new pre-novice at St. Clare Friary, while friars and staff gathered to honor Fr. Bernard Danber at the St. Rita High School Caritas Gala. The formation communities of St. Augustine and St. Clare Friaries shared outings and welcomed Bishop Lizardo Estrada, O.S.A., Auxiliary Bishop of Cuzco, during his visit to Chicago. At Catholic Theological Union, a new bust of Pope Leo XIV was unveiled and blessed in recognition of the Holy Father’s Augustinian roots. The month also included retreats, youth outreach through Camp Restless, and parish celebrations—signs of a community growing together in faith during the Lenten season.
January 2026
The Midwest Augustinians welcomed in 2026 by celebrating a month full of mission, ministry, and milestones. Several friars attended the FOCUS SEEK 2026 Conference in Columbus to promote vocations and share the Augustinian charism with thousands of college students, while Fr. Chris Steinle continued a 20-year tradition of serving the parish of San Pedro de Haquira in Apurimac, Peru. Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo visited Peru to mark the 35th anniversary of the formation house founded by Pope Leo XIV (then Fr. Robert Prevost) and received the Leo XIV Medal; he also received the first vows of three Peruvian novices. Closer to home, Fr. Tom McCarthy was named Grand Marshall of Chicago’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Fr. Jack Tierney spoke on Augustinian spirituality in Indiana, and the community gathered in prayer for peace, fellowship, and celebration across the Province.
December 2025
In December 2025, the Midwest Augustinians continued their mission with compassion and celebration across the Province and beyond. At St. Rita of Cascia Parish, friars led an emergency food pantry serving families concerned about immigration enforcement, while Bishop Daniel Turley, O.S.A., was installed as Rector of the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Fr. Chris Steinle continued his longstanding Christmas ministry in Apurimac, Peru, supporting the parish of San Pedro de Haquira and local missionary sisters. The community also celebrated the “Carrera de las Rosas” pilgrimage to St. Rita of Cascia Church, shared Christmas blessings from Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo, and announced the election of Fr. Thomas McCarthy as the next Prior Provincial. From Austin Catholic STEAM students delivering a 3D-printed prosthetic arm to a third grader, to Prior General Joseph Farrell appearing on the Today Show, December was a month marked by service, leadership, and joyful community life.
November 2025
In November 2025, the Midwest Augustinians stood in solidarity with immigrant communities, celebrated new milestones, and strengthened bonds across the Province. Friars concelebrated a bilingual “People’s Mass” outside the Broadview ICE Detention Center on the Feast of All Saints, joining hundreds in prayer and advocacy. The community also blessed a new monument at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, celebrated Br. Nathan Fernandes’ graduation in Toronto, and welcomed representatives of the Fondazione Augustiniana nel Mundo during their visit to Chicago. Sixteen new Affiliates were formally received at St. Jude Parish, and gatherings in Tulsa, Mundelein, and Chicago highlighted the joy of Augustinian friendship and faith. From a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway serving nearly 1,000 families to parish 5Ks and school anniversaries, November reflected the Province’s enduring commitment to service, leadership, and community life.
October 2025
In October 2025, the Midwest Augustinians were deeply engaged in the life of the Church at home and abroad. In Rome, Villanova University’s Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration hosted a global summit at the Augustinianum, where participants met with Pope Leo XIV and advanced collaborative responses to migration. Fr. John Lydon even joined the Holy Father at the Jubilee Mass and rode in the Popemobile—an unforgettable moment of Augustinian fraternity. Closer to home, friars participated in the Catholic Lawyers Guild Red Mass, ASEA and AVI gatherings at St. Rita High School, and pilgrimages in Italy and Chicago. Provincial Fr. Tony Pizzo was appointed Spiritual Guide of the Augurusa Foundation, and Bishop Daniel Turley delivered reflections on Pope Leo’s missionary vision. From classrooms to conferences, parishes to pilgrimages, October reflected a Province alive with faith, leadership, and global connection.
September 2025
In September 2025, the Midwest Augustinians marked the close of summer with pilgrimages, parish celebrations, and joyful fellowship across the Province. Novices and friars participated in gatherings from Pennsylvania to Chicago, while Fr. Joseph McCormick led a pilgrimage to Fatima, Lourdes, and Paris. Parishes celebrated the 125th anniversary of St. Rita’s canonization, hosted the vibrant Fiesta Mexicana at St. Rita of Cascia Parish, and welcomed the community for special liturgies at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish. Alumni events supported retired friars, Habitat for Humanity launched “Pope Leo Village” in West Pullman, and thousands gathered at Soldier Field for the ALS Walk for Life featuring a message from Pope Leo XIV, facilitated by Fr. Jim Halstead, O.S.A., who has ALS. Throughout the month, the Augustinian family celebrated service, formation, and fraternity in action.
August 2025
In August 2025, the Midwest Augustinians celebrated milestones in vocation, fraternity, and faith. Three novices professed their First Vows at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, while four new men were received into the FANA Novitiate in Radnor, Pennsylvania. The community marked the Solemnity of St. Augustine with liturgies at St. Clare of Montefalco Church and gatherings in Crown Point, honoring jubilees of profession and ordination. Friars welcomed visitors touring sites connected to Pope Leo XIV, joined parishioners for Labor Day celebrations, and even shared fellowship at a White Sox game. From formation to feast days, August reflected a Province alive with gratitude, growth, and Augustinian community life.
July 2025
In July 2025, the Midwest Augustinians embraced a summer of ministry, mission, and celebration. The vocation team traveled to LifeTeen Camp Covecrest in Georgia, where Fr. Thomas McCarthy shared a special message from Pope Leo XIV with hundreds of young people. Provincial Fr. Anthony Pizzo visited Peru in solidarity with the Augustinian communities there, while Fr. Francis Galvan was reappointed Defender of the Bond and Judge for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Closer to home, St. Jude Parish honored Fr. Bill Sullivan’s years of service, and the Village of New Lenox dedicated “Pope Leo XIV Drive” in recognition of the Holy Father. From parish visits in Canada to alumni gatherings and birthday celebrations, July reflected a Province alive with gratitude and fellowship.
June 2025
In June 2025, the Midwest Augustinians gathered in fraternity and celebration across North America. Friars from all three provinces met at Villanova University for Convocation, a week of reflection and synodal conversation. In Chicago, thousands filled Rate Field to celebrate the election of Pope Leo XIV, with Augustinians concelebrating Mass and sharing their charism with the wider community. The month also included youth outreach through Camp Restless, alumni reunions, and LifeTeen ministry, along with the joyful celebration of Fr. Roland Follmann’s 65th anniversary of priesthood. As summer began, the Province gave thanks for its shared life of prayer, leadership, and service.
May 2025
May 2025 was a historic and grace-filled month for the Midwest Augustinians as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, O.S.A., was elected Pope Leo XIV—the first Augustinian pope. The Province joined the global Church in celebration, with friars traveling to Rome for the Inauguration Mass and later presenting the Holy Father with his original handwritten vows to the Order. Pope Leo’s first trip outside the Vatican was to the Shrine of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, a deeply meaningful Augustinian moment. The month also brought jubilee celebrations of priesthood, graduations at Catholic Theological Union, the ordination of Bishop Wilder Vásquez in Peru, and milestones across our schools and ministries. From Rome to Chicago to Peru, May reflected the joy, unity, and worldwide reach of the Augustinian family.
April 2025
In April 2025, the Midwest Augustinians continued celebrating the Easter season through service, formation, and fraternity. Students at Providence Catholic High School engaged in vocation conversations with the Augustinian Nuns and participated in the St. Rita Day of Service, volunteering across Illinois. Fr. John Merkelis marked 40 years of priesthood with a joyful schoolwide celebration, while Provincial Fr. Anthony Pizzo visited Augustinian communities in British Columbia and Ontario, celebrating Mass at Sacred Heart Parish and Marylake. The Province also gathered for the 2025 Augustinian Gala, honoring dedicated leaders and benefactors, and joined Catholic Theological Union for its “Blessed are the Peacemakers” dinner. From international visits to local parish celebrations, April reflected a vibrant community united in prayer, service, and gratitude.
March 2025
In March 2025, the Midwest Augustinians continued their Lenten journey through reflection, outreach, and vocation ministry. At St. Jude Church, Sr. Norma Pimentel, M.J., addressed the community as part of the “Called to Discipleship” speaker series, offering a powerful reflection on serving immigrants and asylum seekers with dignity and compassion. Fr. Jack Tierney visited Cascia Hall Preparatory School for Vocation Day, encouraging students to consider religious life. The Province also hosted a meaningful Women’s Day of Reflection centered on the Gospel of John. As Easter approached, the month was marked by thoughtful dialogue, prayerful gathering, and joyful celebrations of milestone birthdays within the Augustinian family.
February 2025
In February 2025, the Midwest Augustinians entered the Lenten season with gratitude and renewed commitment to discipleship. At St. John XXIII Parish, the community celebrated a special Mass honoring Fr. Jim Halstead, O.S.A., in thanksgiving for his years of faithful service. St. Jude Church launched its “Called to Discipleship” speaker series with a presentation on Catholic Social Teaching, inviting parishioners to deeper reflection and action. The Bl. Stephen Bellesini Community in Crown Point shared Valentine’s Day joy with local students and residents, while the Province also prepared for upcoming Lenten retreats and the annual Augustinian Gala. February was marked by appreciation, outreach, and a spirit of community as we journey toward Easter.
January 2025
January 2025 marked a vibrant beginning to the Jubilee Year of Hope for the Midwest Augustinians. The Vocation Office attended the SEEK Conference in Salt Lake City, connecting with more than 17,000 college students and promoting the Augustinian charism. St. Rita of Cascia Parish inaugurated the Jubilee with a Eucharistic procession, while Fr. Chris Steinle continued his longstanding mission work in Apurimac, Peru, supporting the parish of San Pedro de Haquira. In Canada, Fr. Joel Okojie was appointed Spiritual Director for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Council of Toronto, and students from Cascia Hall Preparatory School made a Jubilee pilgrimage to Rome. From vocation outreach to global mission and education leadership, the new year began with hope and renewed dedication to our shared Augustinian life.