We are truly blessed to welcome 11 men into the Augustinian Order!  Their professions were made at Saint Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago on Sunday, July 31.  When men profess their vows as Augustinians (vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience), they are furthering their commitment to be a part of the Augustinian Order.  They do so after a year of contemplative prayer at the Augustinian Novitiate in Racine, Wisconsin.  As professed brothers, they will now study theological courses at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago to better prepare them to become solemnly professed friars and ordained priests.

Earlier this year, Father Tony Pizzo, O.S.A., the Augustinian pastor at Saint Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago, gave a presentation to the United Nations Conference on Migration.  The presentation highlights the importance that we, as baptized Christians, are called upon to be welcoming to all of our brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of their country of origin.  His ministry also highlights the need to practice the corporal work of mercy to visit the imprisoned.  Read his speech here.

Join the Augustinians of Saint Rita Parish in Chicago in a march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King and his fight against racism.  This march is the 50th anniversary of the march where Dr. King and thousands of activists took a stand to fight against racism.

The Bernard Heerey Foundation has granted the Augustinians $50,000 to cover the care of one of our friars for a year!  Thank you so much to Mr. Grey and the Heerey Foundation to helping to improve the spiritual landscape across Chicago!

The Augustinians of the Midwest and Canada are thrilled to learn that our sister school, Austin Catholic High School in Ray, Michigan, has found a permanent home to call their own!

Our newest issue of The Midwest Augustinian is jam-packed with stories and news!  Download your copy here to get a sneak peek before it arrives in your mailbox!

In his 2016 State of the Province Address, the Very Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D., announced the appointment of a new pastor at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Racine, Wisconsin.  Father O'Leary comes to us from the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova, headquartered in Villanova, Pennsylvania.  With this being his first assignment in the Midwest, please take a moment to learn a little more about Father by reading about his background here.

In his most 2016 State of the Province Address, the Very Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D., appointed Fr. Robert Basler, O.S.A., to serve as the new Associate Pastor of Saint Jude Catholic Church in New Lenox, Illinois.  Father Basler will begin serving there this summer.  If you want to get to know a little about him before he arrives, read this article and share with others!

The pages of the new book Legendary Locals of Chicago Lawn and West Lawn are filled with tales of people who make up the story, or, in some cases, add spice to the story of this section of the city. Highlighted locals include several Augustinians, Augustinian Affiliates, as well as, many graduates and associates of Augustinian schools.

The Augustinians are grateful to Peter Lisnic for devoting his time to serving as a trustee on the Journey of a Lifetime Trust, among other trusts benefiting the Augustinians.  The Journey of a Lifetime Trust benefits retired and infirm friars.  He also serves on the boards of The Fr. Ray Ryan OSA Trust for Vocations and the Good Counsel Trust benefiting operational needs of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel.

St. Rita of Cascia High School announced today the appointment of Fr. Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A., Ph.D., to the position of Head of School and CEO.  The appointment is effective July 1, and is among four made by the Very Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D., Augustinian Prior Provincial and current chairman of the school's Board of Directors.  Fr. Galetto will be responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the Catholic college-preparatory school for young men that is located on Chicago's southwest side.

Augustinians of the Midwest are encouraged to mark the United Nations' World Environment Day, June 5, 2016, in their communities and ministries. The Augustinians invite and encourage all who identify with Augustinian spirituality and traditions to do likewise.