The men that are preparing to become solemnly professed Augustinians and Augustinian priests are often referred to as Men of Heart. This is largely because throughout our formation process, we form both the mind and the heart. We do this not only through studying the works of Augustine, theology, and prayer, but we live together in community throughout the process. This enriches our perspective as brothers living in community, united in one mind and one heart on the way to God!
We'd like to introduce you to some of our Men of Heart below!
Sarfraz Alam, O.S.A., 36
Recently Ordained Priest from Hyderabad, Pakistan
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I joined the Augustinians because I wanted to live the Gospel values by following the footsteps of our Holy Father St. Augustine and live in unity and fraternity. It's a life of collection, communion, and connection of people and of God.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
Lord let me know my self so that I may know you.
William Gabriel, O.S.A., 28
Professed Brother from Dover, New Hampshire
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I joined the Augustinians because of the vibrant, Augustinian-led, parish I grew up in and my experience of Augustinian spirituality and community as a student at Villanova. I felt called to their gifts of friendship and service that remained rooted in faith, love, and communion. I was drawn by how the friars extended hospitality to neighbor, lived Augustine’s desire for truth, and served as companions in one mind and heart on the way to God.
Favorite Augustinian Quote:
Set love as the criterion for all that you say, and whatever you teach, teach in such a way that the person to whom you speak, by hearing may believe, by believing, hope and by hoping, love. (The Instruction of Beginners 8)
Adnan Ghani, O.S.A., 35
Recently Ordained Priest from Gujrat, Pakistan
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
After completing my studies, when I went back home in 2013. I spoke with my spiritual director (Catholic Priest) in the beginning of 2014 about my "Vocation within a Vocation" and reached to a final decision to live Augustinian life. After period of six months of discernment I decided to join the Augustinians. It was a journey I believe where God not only walked with me but prepared me for this present, (community life), life being an Augustinian. I never underestimated my vocation though realized God called me for religious life. I never regret of joining the Augustinians rather I am proud to be one of them.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
I joined the Augustinians in January 2015. I was in the Diocesan Seminary for 10 years almost. I did all my philosophical and theological studies back in Pakistan. I served as a seminarian in different areas of life. For example I worked for three months in one of the cosmetic shops, three moths on a clinic as a volunteer.I also worked in different parishes of my diocese. My main responsibilities were, to teach catechism in the school, to go for the house visiting, go for communion services, to work with the mentally retired people, special children, youth, old age home, Leprosy center and now i am working as a Chaplain in Sharp Memorial Hospital San Diego CA.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.
Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A., 40
Professed Brother from Hebron, Kentucky
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I joined the Augustinians because of the strong sense of community. Our way of life is modeled on accompanying one another through all the ups and downs of our lifelong journey to God. This strengthens us to accompany those we minister to on their journey to God. It is a really beautiful thing to be part of such a close-knit, faith-filled community!
My Life Before Entering Formation:
Prior to joining the Order I worked for 14 years in various IT, acquisition management, and organizational leadership roles for the U.S. Army. I earned my B.A. in Computer Information Systems from Thomas More College and my M.S. in Management in IT from University of Virginia.
Favorite Augustinian Quote:
God loves each of us as if there is only one of us. (Sermon, 2nd Week of Easter, John 3:16-21)
Emmanuel Isaac, O.S.A., 35
Professed Brother from Faisalabad, Pakistan
Why I joined the Augustinians:
I joined the Augustinians because I was deeply moved by this passage from the Confessions of St. Augustine, " You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you". I recall that I had a very restless heart and was looking for peace of mind also. The Augustinian fraternal love and community life appealed me to be a part of the Augustinians. I am very happy and at peace now that I am where I meant to be.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
Prior to joining Augustinian formation, I was a teacher by profession back home. I have a masters degree in English literature. I was teaching English language at elementary, high school and college level. I was also teaching religious education at the National catechists Training Centre in my village. I was volunteer in my home parish as a Sunday school teacher.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. (Confessions I, I)
Sam Joutras, O.S.A., 28
Solemnly Professed Brother from Joliet, Illinois
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I had been very interested in the priesthood since childhood. That interest became stronger as I was in college. When I thought it was time to speak to someone about my interest, I contacted the vocation director of the Augustinians, who staffed the parish and high school I attended. I was very happy meeting the Augustinians and, thanks be to God, I decided to join after graduating from college in 2014.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
Since I entered the Augustinians at 22 years of age, right after graduating college, I never had a full-time job. I had only worked part-time throughout college at Subway and at the University of Illinois Dining Hall Service in Champaign. Studying Spanish in college gave me a love for languages and the depth that is within them.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
Let my soul hold fast to you, the soul which you rescued from the deadly snare in which it was caught...You lanced my wound, so as to goad my soul to leave all behind, and turn to you, to turn and be healed by you, who are above all, and without whom nothing would exist...Why then do we linger over the false hopes of the world and not abandon them, so as to give ourselves to the sole quest for God, and the life that brings true happiness? (Confessions VI, VI and XI)
Atsushi Kuwahara, O.S.A., 35
Professed Brother from Fukuoka, Japan
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I met an Augustinian priest, Peter Tetsuya Hirano, when I was a University student. Since then, I was given some opportunities to spend time with other Augustinians. As I felt Augustinians are something different from priests whom I met before knowing Augustinians and I wanted to know Augustinians, I decided to join them.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
I studied education at Teikyo University in Tokyo, Japan. I have teacher licenses of Japanese history and geography of high school, and social study of junior high school. However, after graduating, I got a job as a salesperson for three years at MUSASHI CO., LTD. in Tokyo. After that, I moved to Egypt and worked at a Travel Agency, FUJY TRAVEL, as a coordinator and a translator for a year and half.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
God will give more to those who use what they have received for others. (Christian Doctrine 1.1)
Mauricio Morales, O.S.A., 30
Professed Brother from Granada, Nicaragua
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I wanted to become a visible face of God's love for His people, and I felt that God was leading me here to love and to learn from men with the same desire and call."
Favorite Augustinian Quote:
God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.
David Relstab, O.S.A. 24
Professed Brother from Palos Hills, Illinois
Why I joined the Augustinians:
After reading the "Confession", I saw myself relating to what Augustine experienced in his own life and the sense of community I witnessed with the Augustinians isn't only evident in their houses, but resonates in the communities where they serve.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
After graduating from high school I attended a local community college where I studied Automotive Technology, while working as a mechanic. Then I transferred to Ferris State University where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Automotive Engineering Technology and completed an internship as a Quality Engineer for an automotive parts supplier. This summer I served as a Chaplain at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
Let me know myself O Lord, so that I may know you
Michael Riggs, O.S.A., 28
Professed Brother from Centereach, New York
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I joined the Augustinians because Augustine is the best guide to lead me closer to God, especially in the company of others who also are attracted by his spirituality.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
Prior to joining Augustinian formation, I received a Mathematics degree and I worked for a regional health insurance company doing work in quality management.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.
Joe Roccasalva, O.S.A., 30
Professed Brother from Chicago, Illinois
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I joined the Augustinians because I had a strong desire to the priesthood and religious life. I searched through many different orders, but felt 'at home' whenever I was with the Augustinians. I came to know the Augustinians through both Fr. Tom McCarthy and Fr. Bernie Scianna who have helped out at my childhood parish for years.
Spencer Thomas, O.S.A., 27
Professed Brother from Tulsa, Oklahoma
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I joined the Augustinians because I am inspired by the many individuals in this order who authentically give of themselves day in and day out, in order to bring the love and mercy of Jesus to the Church, and to the world. Responding to God's call in my life, I too, hope to be such an agent of God's mercy.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
Prior to joining Augustinian formation, I received my B.A in Classics from Missouri State University, graduating in 2015. Following graduation, I did a volunteer year of service, working with the SPIRITUS retreat ministry program headquartered in Menasha, Wisconsin. Upon completion of my retreat ministry, I entered into the Augustinian pre-novitiate formation program.
Favorite Augustinian Quotation:
What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of humanity. That is what love looks like.
Jack Tierney, O.S.A., 30
Recently Ordained Priest from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
Why I Joined the Augustinians:
I discerned a calling to Augustinian religious life based on my desire for common life. We live in the tradition of St. Augustine, who found that friendship animates worship of God. I knew that I wanted to experience being of one mind and one heart.
My Life Before Entering Formation:
Before joining the Order, I went to college for political science. I wanted to work in politics and government, so I completed internships with the Federal, State and Local governments.
Favorite Augustinian Quote:
“The peace of the Heavenly City is a perfectly ordered and perfectly harmonious fellowship in the enjoyment of God and a mutual fellowship in God. Tranquility of order is the arrangement of things equal and unequal in a pattern which assigns to each its proper position.” (City of God 19, 13)