Augustinian Journey

Let us pray that in large cities often marked by anonymity and loneliness we find new ways to proclaim the Gospel, discovering creative paths to build community. Lord Jesus, Good Shepherd, You walk through our streets and squares, enter tall buildings and humble neighborhoods, and silently accompany millions who seek meaning amid noise and haste. You know, Lord, the heart of the city: its lights and shadows, its noise and loneliness.

By Fr. John Lydon, O.S.A. In his recent encyclical Pope Leo commented: “A litmus test for social justice today is the treatment of migrants, refugees and those forced to move due to poverty, violence, climate change and environmental disasters.

Donald X. Burt, O.S.A. 1929 – 2014 Readings Deut 8:2-3, 14b-16a Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 1 Cor 10:16-17 John 6:51-58 One of Augustine’s favorite images for human history and for each individual’s life is that of a river rushing towards a distant, great falls. He writes: As a torrent is formed from the rains and eventually breaks through its narrow banks and runs roaring down the slopes until it finally finishes its course, so it is with each of our lives.

Paul W. Galetto, O.S.A. Church of St. Paul Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Readings Acts 2:1-11 Ps 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34 1 Cor 12:3b-7, 12-13 Jn 20:19-23 When Bob (aka Leo XIV) and I were students at Collegio Santa Monica in Rome, the Economo (i.e., Treasurer) of the Augustinian community was Padre Nicola. Nicola is best described as Santa Claus without the beard and the red suit; his belly was a bowlful of jelly whenever he laughed (which he did often).

Let us pray that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth. Lord of life, We thank you for the gift of sport, for those who glorify God through the exercise of their bodies, for the friendships born on the field and the joy of playing as a team. You teach us that in life, as in the game, no one is saved alone.

Arthur Purcaro, O.S.A. Villanova University Villanova, Pennsylvania Readings Ex 34:4b-6, 8-9 Dn 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56 2 Cor 13:11-13 Jn 3:16-18 Pope Leo XIV has demonstrated that he will fulfill the mission he received as Pope and Bishop of Rome in an Augustinian fashion, a Trinitarian fashion, giving witness to the God of relationships: Father, Son and Holy Spirit: generative, always reaching out, searching and sharing.

Andrés G. Niño, O.S.A. St. Mary’s Rectory Cambridge, Massachusetts Readings Acts 1:1-11 Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 Eph 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20 The gospel of Matthew is a sacred narrative of beginnings and ends. It takes us from the historic lineage of Jesus’ ancestry to this brief conclusion that unfolds the mystery of the Ascension of the Lord.

James D. McBurney, O.S.A. Our Mother of Good Counsel Novitiate Radnor, Pennsylvania Readings adings Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 1 Pt 3:15-18 Jn 14:15-21 Christ wants to live his life in us. Yes. That is it, quite simply! And in the Gospel today, Jesus elaborates on how this is going to happen in and through his disciples. The Gospel takes us back to Jesus with his disciples after the Last Supper.

Dear Friends in Christ, It’s hard to believe it’s a year already since our brother, Pope Leo XIV, was elected to the papacy on May 8, 2025. Anniversaries are a wonderful time to reflect and to look back, but also to look forward. Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP Everyone can remember where they were on that special day.

Robert J. Guessetto, O.S.A. Our Lady of Good Counsel Friary Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Readings Acts 6:1-7 Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19 1 Pt 2:4-9 Jn 14:1-12 Folks, among the beautiful truths of our Catholic faith treasured during the Easter season is St. Augustine’s prayer: Lord, you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you. In the Gospel today, Jesus tells us how this will be: In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.