Latest pastoral initiatives of the Chicago Province

The communications office of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel, Chicago, United States, has sent to the General Curia news of notable activities in recent months

Called to Discipleship: “Giving Voice to the Voiceless”

The Justice and Peace Commission of the Midwest Augustinians approved earlier this year a lecture series aimed at exploring what it means to be a disciple of Christ in our time.

Under the title “Called to Discipleship”, these talks were held at St. Jude Parish in New Lenox, Illinois.The series began on February 17, 2025, with a presentation by Kevin Oliver, Theology teacher at Providence Catholic High School, who offered an overview of the seven principles of the Church’s Social Doctrine during his address.

Later, on March 8, 2025, the talk “Giving Voice to the Voiceless” was held, featuring the invaluable participation of Sister Norma Pimentel, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley.

Four days later, in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, over 140 students from the Augustinian Cascia Hall Preparatory School organized a benefit concert for social justice. “Unity through Humanity: Breaking the Stigma of the Ideal Family” was the theme of the concert, which addressed topics such as love, loss, and the challenges of family life. The funds raised, along with essential supplies collected, were donated to DVIS (Domestic Violence Intervention Services).

Finally, on April 12, back at St. Jude Parish, the third and final event of the lecture series took place under the title “Living the Call”. This session featured Sister Emily Tekolste, grassroots mobilization coordinator at NETWORK, a think tank dedicated to promoting Justice and Peace in the United States.

Novena for Immigrants

In the context of ongoing uncertainty surrounding the immigration situation in the United States, the Midwest Augustinians joined an initiative led by the Catholic Theological Union of Chicago to pray for immigrants.

Nine days of prayer were led by nine bishops, focused on the needs faced by millions. Father Anthony B. Pizzo, Prior Provincial, participated in the event alongside other Augustinian friars, all of whom are members of the group “Priests for Justice for Immigrants.”

Women’s Retreat

Meanwhile, on March 15, lay members of the Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel organized a one-day retreat for women.The event fostered deep conversations, moments of prayer, and Gospel-based reflection—especially centered on the healing of the man born blind (John 9:1–41).

According to Provincial Communications Director Rory Dayton, the retreat was an opportunity “to grow in friendship” with Christ and with others.

The participants were guided and accompanied by Father James Keating, OSA, of the Province of Villanova, and Maryellen Harrington, coordinator of the lay group in the Province.