On the feast of Saint Augustine, Pope Leo XIV reached out to the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova in the United States with a heartfelt video message, expressing both gratitude and encouragement for their witness of faith and service.
The Pope began by recalling the honor he feels in being associated with the Augustinian tradition. “To be recognised as an Augustinian is an honour held dearly. So much of who I am I owe to the spirit and the teachings of Saint Augustine. I am grateful to all of you for the many ways your lives exhibit a deep commitment to the values of veritas, unitas, caritas,” he said, according to Vatican News.
FREE COURSE ON ST. AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO – ENROLL TODAY ON CATHOLIC ONLINE SCHOOL
Reflecting on Augustine’s own restless search for God, the Holy Father reminded the faithful that the saint’s journey “was full of trial and error, like our own lives.” Yet, through God’s grace, the prayers of his mother Monica, and the encouragement of the Christian community, Augustine found “the way to peace for his restless heart” (Vatican News).
A Call to Service and Community
The Pope also highlighted the historic role of the Augustinians in Philadelphia, one of the oldest Catholic communities in the United States. He recalled the missionary zeal of Fathers Matthew Carr and John Rossiter in serving immigrants in the late 18th century, noting that their witness still “calls us today to carry on a legacy of loving service” (Vatican News).
“Jesus reminds us in the Gospel to love our neighbour,” the Pope said, urging Christians to see each other with the eyes of Christ and to rediscover their identity “as sisters and brothers in Him.”
Listening Before Speaking
Quoting Saint Augustine—“Do not have your heart in your ears, but your ears in your heart”—the Pope emphasized the importance of attentive listening. He urged the Augustinian family and the whole Church to “filter out the noise and division of the world in order to hear God’s loving voice, which alone can bring peace” (Vatican News).
“Before we speak, we must listen,” he added, pointing to the synodal path of the Church as a journey of listening—first to the Holy Spirit, then to one another, and especially to the poor.
Entrusted to Mary
Pope Leo concluded his message by entrusting the Augustinians to Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, praying that “God bless you all and bring peace to your restless hearts, and help you continue to build a community of love, one in mind and heart, intent upon God” (Vatican News).
Through this message, Pope Leo XIV reminded the Church that peace is not merely an idea, but a way of life rooted in listening, loving service, and the unity that Saint Augustine himself sought and found in God.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
