The Augustinians were pleased to welcome a delegation from America Media on March 24 and 25. Known best for America magazine, America Media is a Catholic media ministry sponsored by the Jesuits of Canada and the United States.
America Media was in the area for a pair of special events. The first was an in-person recording of their popular podcast, Jesuitical, at the 6ABC studio in Philadelphia. In front of a live audience, podcast hosts Ashley McKinless and Zac Davis spoke with Prior Provincial Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., about Fr. Bill Atkinson, O.S.A., and Fr. Bill’s Cause for Beatification and Canonization. The fifty invited guests were moved by Fr. Bill’s incredible story and Fr. Rob’s retelling of his time with the Servant of God. Look for the recording of the podcast to be released around Easter.
That evening, the America Media team headed to the National Shrine of St. Rita of Cascia for a second, public event. The evening began with an hourlong Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, complete with music, a reflection by Fr. Bill Gabriel, O.S.A., and confessions heard by Augustinian Friars. After some time for the attendees to mingle over a buffet dinner, they enjoyed a panel discussion with McKinless, Davis, Fr. Bill, and Sebastian Gomes (America Media’s executive editor of audio and video) about how to talk to your friends about your faith.
This is the beginning of a collaborative partnership between the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and America Media, and we are excited to work further with such a talented and faith-filled group.
