Augustinian Journey

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.

Let us pray that everyone, from large producers to small consumers, be committed to avoid wasting food, and to ensure that everyone has access to quality food. Lord of creation, You gave us the fertile earth and, with it, our daily bread, as a sign of Your love and providence. Today we recognize with sorrow that millions of brothers and sisters continue to suffer from hunger, while so many goods are wasted at our tables.

Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament, and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence. Lord of Life, you shaped every human being in your image and likeness. We believe you created us for communion, not for war, for fraternity, not for destruction. You who greeted your disciples saying, “Peace be with you,” grant us the gift of your peace and the strength to make it a reality in history.