February 7 – Blessed Anselm Polanco
We are celebrating today the memory of an Augustinian friar of Spain who was called to become a bishop, and in the exercise of that ministry became a martyr of the Church, during a bloody civil war which saw hundreds upon hundreds of priests, religious and committed laymen and women give their lives in fidelity to their faith. Bishop Polanco and his fellow martyrs are not historical figures of the ancient Church, but men and women of the 20th Century whose generosity and perseverance in the face of great trials speaks loudly to us today.
February 16 – Blessed Simon of Cascia
Blessed Simon of Cascia, whom we commemorate today, was an Italian Augustinian particularly attracted to a life of contemplation and prayer but who, out of obedience, became well known as a gifted preacher, writer, and spiritual director
January 23 – Blessed Josephine Mary of Benigánim
We call to mind today the life and witness of an Augustinian nun of contemplative life. While initially we may wonder what she may have to say to us busy people of today’s world, her life grounded in faith, and devoted to prayerful recollection and generous, quiet service to others, calls to mind basic values of the Gospel that are important in every age and for all believers.
January 3 – Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe
In today’s commemoration we encounter Fulgentius, a 5th Century Christian who became enamored of religious life by reading some of Saint Augustine’s spiritual works. He followed Augustine’s example well, combining a life of contemplation with that of generous service to the Church.
November 29 – Blessed Frederick of Regensburg
Religious The final commemoration of the Augustinian calendar is reserved to a German lay brother, Blessed Frederick, whose secret to holiness and whose message to us, is one of humble service and generous offering of self for the well being of others. His life of prayer and devotion to the Eucharist were the food that […]
November 13 – All Saints of the Order
As the Church Universal devotes a day of celebration for the countless men, women and children whose pilgrimage on earth has ended and who now enjoy the peace of the everlasting sabbath in heaven, so too, we Augustinians set aside this day to call to mind the many brothers and sisters of our Order who […]
November 5 – Blessed Mariano de la Mata
Priest As a “saint of the ordinary,” Father Mariano reminds us that the path to holiness is essentially simple: it consists in living the Gospel message in a spirit of faith, freedom and generosity, loving God and neighbour as Jesus instructed us. Mariano is a modern saint, a saint who lived surrounded by the challenges […]
October 25 – Saint John Stone
Priest and Martyr The Church in every land has known the witness of martyrs. Today it is the turn of England, one of whose sons, John Stone, accepted death rather than compromise his beliefs. A friar like many others of his day, he stands out from the rest, however, for his extraordinary courage and fidelity […]
October 12 – Blessed Maria Teresa Fasce
Virgin The life of the contemplative nun, Blessed Teresa Fasce, whom we commemorate today, though different from that of most of us, nevertheless illustrates the universal Christian virtues of fidelity to God’s will at all costs and the practical implementation of the great commandment of love. Though dedicated to the life of the cloister, Blessed […]
October 10 – Saint Thomas of Villanova
Bishop Today we celebrate the memory of Saint Thomas of Villanova, one of the great Spanish saints of the 16th Century, known as the Father of the Poor. Like Saint Augustine, he was called to serve the Church as bishop, much against his will, but carried out this service with great fidelity and zeal, bringing […]