Kevin
M. DePrinzio, O.S.A.
When did you first encounter the Augustinians?
My first encounter of the Augustinians was as a student at Monsignor Bonner
High School. At that time, there were ten friars in the school, serving in
various capacities, as principal, chaplain, teachers, and librarian. I had
also heard of the order before Bonner because a grade school friend's uncle
(Brother Bill Harkin, O.S.A.) was a friar and someone (Father Steve Curry,
O.S.A.) from my home parish had entered.
What intrigued you about the Augustinian
way of life?
Although I did not articulate it as such at the time, community was what intrigued
me. The friars at Bonner each had rather distinct personalities, yet treated
each other as brothers. There was a care, a love, and a respect that they
had for one another that for me came across so clearly.
You spent your pastoral year at Bonner.
What did you take away from that year of service? What was it like going back
to Bonner after having been a student there?
Wow. My time back at Bonner was a wonderful experience, a true privilege.
I guess when I first "envisioned" myself as a friar when in high
school, I saw myself as a friar at Bonner, since that was my firsthand experience
of them at the time. Never did I imagine returning so soon! Yet that return
was a return home and a chance for me to give back to the school that gave
me my community of brothers. It was such a privilege joining that long line
of friars that served there in the past fifty years. The school - faculty,
staff, and students - were so welcoming and supportive of me during my pastoral
year. The friars with whom I lived and worked made me feel at home again.
That experience gave me a great affirmation/confirmation of my life's choice.
What individual ministries are you
involved with outside of studies at the Washington Theological Union?
During my time at WTU, I have been involved with hospital ministry, RCIA,
college campus ministry, as well as parish homebound ministry.
What’s your definition of an
“Augustinian”?
To define an Augustinian is to define that person as part of a much larger
group. An Augustinian is a follower of the person of Augustine of Hippo, a
person who sees in Augustine's story, Augustine's values, his or her own story
and values — a desire to live in a community of friends that is Christ
centered, God-focused, and strive for harmony and unity, as we say "one
in mind and heart intent upon God," and then be willing to bring that
same desire to others.
What types of ministry intrigue you?
At this time, I am very much feeling called to education of some sort, whether
it be to high school, college, or enrichment programs on the parish level.
That has been something that has stayed with me for sometime now and gives
me energy. I love learning, and I love engaging others in the learning process.
Retreat work, campus ministry, and spiritual direction also peak my interest.
What are you passionate about?
Wow. Quite simply, I am passionate about the Gospel. The implications for
us as Church in being the Body of Christ are so many. We need good preaching.
Each of us individually and collectively need to be reminded about this good
news and how it is both comforting and challenging.
When you’re celebrating your 20th Jubilee as an Augustinian, what do you hope to have accomplished in that time?
I hope to have deepened my relationship with
God and my brothers and served the Church faithfully.
How did you know you were being called to an Augustinian vocation?
That's a tough one. How does anyone know when
they are being called? I remember my brother asked me after I entered how
I knew God was calling me. And I said to him, think about what made you want
to marry your wife. That sort of deep knowing that goes on inside of a person,
that pull — that is what was happening to me throughout high school
and college (yes, even at St Joe's University!). Yet, it's not just an interior
thing either. While I was feeling attracted to the Augustinians, others were
seeing it in me too. I was gifted with many people in my life that asked me
if I had ever considered priesthood and religious life. I found myself working
in youth ministry while in high school and I became very involved in campus
ministry in college. Yet ministry wasn't enough for me; I wanted a way of
life — the way of life I saw in the friars at Bonner.
Why would the Augustinian Order be appealing to others discerning
religious life?
Two reasons. First, the person of Augustine himself is a wonderful gift we have to share. Augustine was so insightful in understanding the human person, and I think he provides timeless answers for the journey we are all on, our desire for God. Second, our way of life as community —and not some fluffy abstract idea — I think is what people are looking for and needing, especially this younger generation. I saw it at Bonner last year. The students were very intrigued! I am very hopeful, but we need to use our resources well in promoting both Augustine and our way of life!