Throughout the month of June the Augustinians in the United States have been immersed in various assembly and chapter processes that have resulted in new appointments and projects. The Assistant General for North America, Fr. Joseph Farrell OSA, reports on each of these important events for the future of the Order in the USA.
Intermediate Provincial Chapter in Chicago
The brothers of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Chicago gathered from June 3-5, 2024 at St. Rita High School in Chicago.
Thirty-three brothers were able to participate in person, plus as many brothers who, for various reasons, were unable to attend in person and were united in spirit and prayer.
Anthony Pizzo, OSA, his council and the assembled members reviewed the determinations of the Ordinary Chapter of 2022 and looked ahead to the next two years, some of the topics discussed focused on the various ministries that involve the friars and to which they have been dedicated for many years.
They also discussed their relationship with the Vicariate of San Juan de Sahagún in Chulucanas, Peru. Two afternoons of the chapter were devoted to the many themes of synodality. These two sessions included presentations by Bishop Daniel Turley, OSA, and listening sessions in small groups with the friars in the first discussion session and with the friars and lay collaborators in the second. Both meetings provided opportunities for sharing and listening.
The brothers who participated in the chapter remembered in a special way all those who were unable to participate, especially the sick.
Ordinary Provincial Chapter of California
The Province of St. Augustine of California held its Ordinary Provincial Chapter at Villanova Preparatory High School in Ojai on the weekend of June 8-9, 2024. Barnaby Johns was appointed as the new Prior Provincial and his new provincial council will be composed of Fathers Maxime Villeneuve (treasurer), Nicholas Porter, Dominic Smith and Kirk Davis. Maxime Villeneuve was elected treasurer and Alvin Paligutan secretary of the Province.
Among the topics discussed at the Chapter were the reports presented by the commissions on Formation, Vocations and a possible convocation of FANA (Federation of Augustinians of North America) in June 2025. The date and place of the convocation, as we have been informed by the Assistant, are yet to be determined.
As always, there was a great spirit of fraternal care among the capitulars and closeness in prayer with those who were experiencing health problems that prevented them from being present and participating in the Chapter. The closing Mass was celebrated with the Parish Community of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Ojai, California.
Assembly of the Intermediate Province at Villanova
The Intermediate Assembly of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova took place from 11-14 June 2024 at the Villanova University Campus. The first day of the Assembly was a retreat led by Fr. Quinn Conners, O. Carm.
The rest of the week was devoted to reports from the commissions on education and parish ministries, justice and peace, and care for the elderly and sick. After each report there was an opportunity to discuss our life as Augustinians and the ministries that the Province offers in various ways.
A highlight of the week was the transfer of the mortal remains of our brother and Servant of God William Atkinson, OSA, from Calvary Cemetery to a side altar in the parish church of St. Thomas of Villanova on the University campus.
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