In September 2016, Augustinian leaders from across the world are congregating in Nigeria for the international Mid-chapter for the Order.  The Mid-chapter serves as a time when provincials and other leaders can meet and evaluate the progress that the Augustinians are making on their six-year goals.  Here are remarks from the Very Reverend Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D., who is the Prior Provincial of the Augustinians in the Midwest United States, Canada, and Northern Peru:

On October 8, we will be honoring Father Bill Perez, O.S.A., for his 60th Anniversary of his Profession of Vows in the Augustinian Order.  Read more about Father's ministry as an Augustinian and how you can participate in the upcoming reception!

On August 28, 2016, the Midwest Augustinians published a book to commemorate the Midwest Province's 75th anniversary.  The books are being mailed out throughout the month of September and are also available for sale online.  Patrick T. Murphy, the book's author and the Midwest Augustinians' Associate Director for Communications, reflected on writing the book over the past year.

The Augustinian Commission for Justice and Peace encourages Augustinian schools, parishes, and communities to observe International Day of Peace, September 21, 2016, with learning, prayer and other actions to promote peace, and invites all who identify with Augustinian spirituality to do likewise.

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!