Prep Talk
Prep Community Celebrates Appointment of Augustinian Cardinal
The St. Augustine Prep Family joins the Augustinian Community in celebrating the appointment of Archbishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A. as one of 21 new cardinals announced by Pope Francis on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Below are remarks by Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and Chair of the Board of Directors at St. Augustine Prep.
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Dear Friend of the Augustinians,
What a delight it was this week to learn that one of our Augustinian brothers, Archbishop Robert Prevost, O.S.A. is going to be elevated to the rank of cardinal in September! This is an office of the utmost responsibility and service to the universal Church, and our hearts rejoice for our brother Robert, who has earned this position through years of faithful service and love of God.
Archbishop Prevost, O.S.A. is originally from Chicago, Illinois. An alumnus of Villanova University, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 1977. Upon graduating he entered the novitiate in the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel in St. Louis and made his solemn vows in 1981. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, graduating with a degree in Theology. After studying Canon Law at the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas in Rome, he received priestly ordination in 1982. He received his Licentiate in 1984, then was sent to work in the Augustinian mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru while earning his doctorate.
He served in Peru for a decade and a half before returning to the States to teach and become Prior Provincial in his native Province in the Midwest. Shortly thereafter he was elected Prior General of the entire Augustinian Order (a role he served for two terms) and was later appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo, Peru.
Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Prevost, O.S.A. the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in January. The Dicastery for Bishops is the department of the Roman Curia that oversees the selection of most new bishops, and traditionally has been considered one of the Vatican’s most powerful departments.
As to his new appointment, Cardinal-designate Prevost (how exciting it is to type that!) recalled the words of Saint Pope Paul VI, saying that “being a cardinal is a mission of love with Christ, our Savior,” and that “a cardinal is called to give his whole life in service to the Church.” He also says, “I just pray to the Lord that I will be faithful in trying to fulfill what Pope Francis and the Church is now asking me.”
Please join me and all my Augustinian brothers in praying for Archbishop Prevost, O.S.A. as he embarks on this new phase of his service to the Lord. May God give him the strength and wisdom this role requires, and may the joy of service fill his heart.
Peace always,
Fr. Robert P. Hagan, O.S.A.
Prior Provincial