| Augustinian News Following is the latest news from the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova and around the Order of Saint Augustine. To receive Augustinian eNews via email, please fill out the following form. |
Anothology of Augustine Sermons Now Available
Essential Sermons portrays Augustine's excellence as a preacher. This one-volume edition is perfect for undergraduate or graduate students, for homily preparation and for personal enjoyment. Essential Sermons was published by New City Press in association with the Augustinian Heritage Institute. |
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Sanctuary, a ritual music ensemble based out of Villanova, PA,
recently released its new CD Sacred Earth. |
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On November 4, 2007, Jorge L. Cleto, O.S.A., and Michael R. Scuderi, O.S.A., made their solemn profession of vows. The ceremony was held at Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish, in Rosemont, PA. Congratulations to both friars. Jorge L. Cleto, O.S.A., 37, is from the Dominican Republic. Jorge is currently earning his Masters in Divinity degree from the Catholic Theological Union, in Chicago, IL. After his ordination Jorge hopes to pursue ministry in a parish setting. Michael R. Scuderi, O.S.A., 41, is a native to the Philadelphia area. He is currently finishing up studies for his Masters in Divinity degree at Catholic Theology Union, Chicago, IL. After his ordination Michael would like to work with the underprivileged and handicapped. To learn more about these men check out the latest issue of our
magazine, Augustinian. |
| Summer Retreats at Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center
Schedule yourself some time to relax this summer and reflect upon your spiritual life by participating in one of the retreats in Maggie Valley, NC. For more information including a complete schedule of retreat offerings, click here. |
Song Competition for Augustinian Youth Encounter 2008 In July 2008 the Ninth Augustinian International Youth Encounter
will be held in Sydney, Australia. In preparation for the event
the Augustinian Youth Encounter (AYE) is holding a song competition
for a hymn inspired by the event's theme, community: Sharing all
things in Common. The theme for AYE is centered on the bible verse
Acts 2:44 "And all those who believed shared all things in
common." Entries must have at least notation (preferrably sheet
music), a recording of the song, three vocal parts and 2 versuses
and a chorus. All entries for the competition are due by March 31,
2008. |
The Order's 182nd General Chapter in Rome concluded on September 21. Friars from 41 countries met for the past three weeks to discuss important matters pertaining to life of the Order and the future of the Order of Saint Augustine. On the chapter body held elections for the administrative offices of the Order. Father Michael DiGregorio, O.S.A., who served for 15 years at the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, Philadelphia, was elected as one of six Assistant Generals for the Order. Also, after 12 years of service to the Order, Father Art Purcaro, O.S.A., will be stepping down as an Assistant General to the Order. Also elected as Assistants General were: Alejandro Moral, O.S.A. (Spain), Franz Klein, O.S.A. (Germany), Fernando Zarazua, O.S.A. (Mexico), and Rommel Par, O.S.A. (Philippines). Friars were also elected at the General Chapter for the positions of Treasurer General, Secretary General and Procurator General. Those voted into office include: Treasurer General: Martin Micallef, O.S.A. (Malta) |
Centenary
Celebrations for Two Augustinian Parishes Saint Rita of Cascia Parish, Philadelphia, PA, will kick-off its centenary celebration with a Gala Banquet at Colleen's Restaurant on October 26. For more details and ticket information, visit click here. |
The Order Holds 182nd General Chapter; Fr. Prevost Given Another Mandate
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Fr. Kevin DePrinzio, O.S.A., was recently named the new Director of Vocations for the Province. Fr. Kevin will be serving his new position at the Augustinian Way of Life Center on Villanova University’s campus. Fr. Kevin professed his vows as an Augustinian in 2000 and was ordained in 2004. Before coming to Villanova, PA, Fr. Kevin served at Merrimack College, MA, with Campus Ministry. A native of Upper Darby, PA, Fr.Kevin is a 1994 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, PA. He then graduated from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, in 1998 with a B.A. in English and went on to graduate studies at the Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C. To learn more about Augustinian Vocations, click here. |
Augustinian Martyrs to be Beatified On July 11, the Holy Father Benedict XVI confirmed the martyrdom of 292 Servants of God. During religious persecution in Spain, 104 were killed, 98 of whom were Augustinians. Among this group of Augustinian martyrs, 68 were from the Madrid Province, 29 from Spain and one from Castille-Chile. Another group of 188 martyrs were killed in Japan during the first half of the 17th century. This number included 183 lay martyrs which included women and children. Among the Japanese martyrs was Thomas of Saint Augustine, Kintsuba, an Augustinian of the Province of the Philippines who was martyred in 1637. Although details of the beatifications have yet to be decided, Fr. Jose Lopez Piteira, O.S.A., who was among those martyred in Spain, will be beatified in Rome in October. Fr. Piteria, O.S.A., who was martyred in 1936, would be the first Cuban-born saint. Also, Thomas of Saint Augustine, Kintsuba, O.S.A. will be beatified in Nagasaki on November 24, 2008. |
On June 13, at the Gregorian in Rome, Fr. Joseph Farrell, O.S.A., successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, entitled "Rendering an Account: An Augustinian Spirituality of Accountablitiy." Fr. Farrell, O.S.A., received the distinction of Summa Cum Laude for his work. He will begin working at Villanova University this fall, teaching and working for Villanova's Office of Mission Effectiveness. |
Since 1919, friars have studied at Augustinian College in Washington, DC. On April 14, however, the Augustinians held a closing ceremony for Augustinian College. The Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova is joining with the Midwest, West Coast and Canadian Provinces to establish a national theologate in Chicago this summer. The move will give seminarians more opportunities to engage in ministry with local Augustinian communities and apostolates. Students at the new inter-Province theologate will study at the Catholic Theological Union. |
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Fr.
Daniel Doyle, O.S.A., recently compiled Essential Sermons an
anthology of Augustine's sermons. The sermons chosen "include
the wide range of important theological concerns that [Augustine]
addressed on a regular basis: his doctrine of God, his Christology,
his understanding of grace, sin, freedom and the will as well as
his approach to married life, wealth, poverty, justice and the Christian
life with all of its ethical demands. A concerted effort was made
to include samples of his preaching on Mary, the martyrs and the
most important liturgical occasions."
Although
the chill of fall is upon us, it's never too early to start making
plans for summer vacation. This summer, considering making plans
to attend a retreat at the beautiful Living Waters Catholic Reflection
Center, Maggie Valley, NC. In March, join the friars for the Holy
Week Retreat, a special weeklong retreat from March 16 - 23. Attend
an Augustinian retreat held June 23 - 29, and enjoy the sights of
summer in the Great Smoky Mountains while Father Robert Dueweke,
O.S.A. helps retreatants identify and center in on their own spirituality.
Or spend some time examining the vision of Vatican II this summer
with Father Mark Garrett, O.S.A., and Father Robert Dueweke, O.S.A.,
as they lead the Vision of Vatican II Retreat, June 30 - July 4.
On
September 9, Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, NY, began
centenary celebrations when Father Shawn Tracy, O.S.A., presided
at a Mass for all former Tolentians. The following week, on September
16, Cardinal Egan presided at a Mass celebrating the parish's' centenary
year.
Monday,
September 3, marked the opening of the 182nd General Chapter of
the Order of Saint Augustine. 86 friars from 29 countries arrived
at Collegio Santa Monica, Rome, in the days preceding the General
Chapter's commencement. Over 50 nations which an have Augustinian
presence were represented. To mark the opening of the General Chapter
the friars gathered together in the Church of Sant'Aurea, Ostia,
to celebrate the Mass of the Holy Spirit. During the Chapter, members
will focus on two important topics: the renewal of the first nine
chapters of the Constitutions of the Order and the "Renewal
of Augustinian Life."
On
August 14, four young men formally began their novitiate year at
the Augustinian Novitiate in Racine, WI. As novices, these men will
spend an intense year in reflection and growth in self-knowledge,
exploring Augustinian spirituality, the Augustinian way of life,
and developing their prayer lives. This year's novices are (left
to right in photo) Peter Lamprecht of the Poland Province, John
Payne of the West Coast Province, Craig McMahon of the Villanova
Province, and Eugene Mariano of the West Coast Province.
National
Novitiate for Peru