On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, three Members of the Mendel Alumni Association Board of Directors,
President Tom Gavin (’67), Secretary Mike Dreznes (“68), and Andy Youpel (’66) caravanned from
Chicago to St. Anthony’s Village in Crown Point, Indiana, to visit with retired Augustinians, many of whom
taught at Mendel High School. The Mendel Board of Director Members were greeted by Fr. Mike
O’Connor and Fr. Don Lewandowski (’61).
Ed Butkus (’60), Paul Dudzik (’62), Rich Zarr (’71), and Joe Brennan (’68) arrived at the Augustinian Facility
on their own. Some of the Priests and Brothers who they visited with at the Facility also included Fr.
John Flynn, Fr. Don Bates, Fr. John Szura, Brother Nick, and Brother Spencer.
After an hour of small talk and reminiscing, Aurelio’s Pizzas were delivered, and the entire crew enjoyed
a nice meal together.
Joe Brennan (’68) left Mendel after his Sophomore year to attend the Augustinian Seminary, although
he never took his final vows. He is still very active with the Augustinian community as he sits on the
Provincial Advisory Council. Joe provided the following insight on the current situation for many of the
Augustinian Priests and Brothers who taught us at Mendel:
In the 1960’s and 1970’s, there were more friars (they do not use “monk” anymore) in the Mendel and
St. Rita monasteries combined than there are today in the entire Midwest province, which now includes
Canada. You can read about those who have passed on at
https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/province-necrology and here is a list of those who are still with
us at https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/friars.
There are about sixty friars in the Midwest Province, and about twenty of them reside at St. Anthony’s
Village, either in some level of care in the facility or living independently in the friary behind the west
parking lot.
Finances – there might be fifteen men who currently make anything close to what we would consider a
salary. Outside pensions and social security are minimal because parish and school salaries are
minimal. All of these men are very dependent on donations and the trusts that were set up years ago.
The Midwest Province went fifteen years without an ordination but has managed eight or so over the
last ten-plus years. They have even added some former diocesan priests looking for
community and a fuller spiritual life. There is actually one ordained man in formation now and should
profess in a year or two. Of course, a handful have joined as brothers and are not
interested in becoming priests. Occasionally, brothers do change their minds.
The Augustinians enjoyed the visit, and the Mendel Men left knowing they had made a difference.  It
was so good for the Augustinians to see some different faces and to be reminded that their lives and
the ministry made a difference. 
All Mendel Men are encouraged to stop by St. Anthony’s Village to say hello and reminisce. The
Augustinian’s love company. However, check in with Fr. Mike O’Connor before you arrive to ensure your
visit will be fruitful.

Watch the four-part interview with Fr Lewandowski (’61) here.