Mass Incarceration impacts all of us as it perpetuates the root causes of crime. What can we do about it as a community of faith?
Quarrels and offenses are inevitable in any group of people. Augustine, aware of how small beginnings can lead to something more serious emphasizes reconciliation as quickly as possible.
by Jeremy Hiers, OSA In times of pain and suffering, one can often feel lonely and isolated. This is especially true when facing illness, grief over a loved one, or…
by Jeremy Hiers, OSA There is a story of a kindergarten class that was given an assignment to draw a picture. As the students began to work on their pictures, the…
Prisons are often named “Correctional Facilities” yet have limited capacity to offer “correction” by way of restoration and healing. According to the American Psychological Association, a significant portion of those who…
On December 10th the Augustinians around the world observe Human Rights Day, a day in which the United Nations invites the human family to reflect on the inherent dignity, equality,…
O God, how magnificent are your works! In wisdom you have made them all. They are yours, you have made them all. Thanks be to You! But you have made…
How do we advocate for peace and justice in a world that is not always open to honest "dialogue" on the solutions we are all hungry for? Solutions that call…
Mary, Mother of Captives, give us your compassion for those in prison. Mend in mercy the broken in mind and memory. Soften the hard of heart, the captives of anger.…
One Sunday when I was still in seminary in Chicago, a classmate and I went to Mass. During communion time, we observed a mother approach to receive the Eucharist as she…
What can the Rule of Augustine teach us today about how to build a more just society? Poverty, war, oppression, inequality, mass incarceration, and discrimination are some of the many social…
The U.S. system of Mass Incarceration has historically been based on a model of retribution (punishment for crimes committed against the law) rather than a restorative model which takes a…
by Sam Joutras, O.S.A. Imagine going to a doctor appointment and telling the doctor other people’s diseases. Then, as you’re giving the doctor a survey of others’ diseases, you mention that…
Compiled by Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A. What can the life and teachings of a man who lived over 1600 years ago teach us today about civil service and leadership? Consider these…
With 20% of the world's prison population, the United States has the largest rate of incarceration in the world. What does Saint Augustine have to say about how we respond to…
Compiled by Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A. "Every human being is neighbor to every other human being. Even those you do not know share in your humanity. Is this person known as…
The International Day of Peace is one of seven International Days designated for special observance in Augustinian communities, parishes, schools, and other ministries. We invite all who identify with Augustinian…
Save me, Lord, by your mercy, not by my righteousness, not by my merits. Save me, not because I am worthy, but because you are merciful. Hear me, not according…
Let your love be inflamed to correct, to amend, O Lord. If good habits are met with, let them be praised; if bad ones, let them be amended and corrected.…
Turning the Other Cheek A Reflection on Luke 6:27-38 by Jeremy Hiers, O.S.A. I recently reflected on a time when I was 10 years old and sitting on our living…