For generations of Mendel men, the Augustinians were more than priests and teachers. They were coaches, counselors, mentors and a daily presence in the halls of the school. Today, a group of longtime Augustinian friars has returned closer to the Chicago communities where so much of their ministry took place.

Over the summer, 11 Augustinian friars moved from St. Anthony Assisted Living in Crown Point, Indiana, to Smith Village in Morgan Park. The move brings them much closer to fellow Augustinians, parishes, schools, former students and neighborhoods throughout Chicago’s South Side.

The decision was an important one for Rev. Tom McCarthy, OSA, prior provincial of the Midwest Augustinian Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel. After being elected provincial in December 2025, McCarthy made bringing the older friars closer to Chicago one of his priorities.

As the Augustinian community has aged, the distance to Crown Point made regular visits increasingly difficult. Smith Village changes that considerably. McCarthy told the Beverly Review that a trip that once could take more than an hour can now take only minutes.

The new location places the friars near the Augustinian Provincial Offices on Longwood Dr as well as several Augustinian schools, friaries and parishes throughout Chicago.

For Rev. William Sullivan, OSA, the move is also something of a homecoming. Sullivan grew up in St. Cajetan Parish, and shortly after arriving at Smith Village he was reunited with someone he had known more than seven decades earlier.

“One guy came to my door, and he goes, ‘Remember me?’” Sullivan told the Beverly Review. “We were friends 75 years ago.”

The friars are already becoming part of everyday life at Smith Village.

Brother Jerome Sysko, OSA, who began his ministry at St. Rita High School and later spent four years helping reestablish the Augustinian community in Poland, said the residents and staff have warmly welcomed the group.

Rev. Joseph Stobba, OSA, quickly found his own role in the community, serving as a judge for Smith Village’s 20th annual pet parade just weeks after arriving.

The friars have also expanded the spiritual life available to Smith Village residents. The community previously offered Mass once each week. With the arrival of the Augustinians, Mass will now be celebrated four days a week, with friars also available for ministries including the Anointing of the Sick.

Just as importantly, the move allows the friars to continue the Augustinian tradition of living in community. They remain near one another, pray together and share meals while becoming part of the larger Smith Village family.

McCarthy is also working to create opportunities for younger people to meet the friars, including a program that would bring students from St. Rita High School to Smith Village for games, conversation and fellowship.

For Mendel alumni, that idea should sound familiar.

The relationship between generations has always been an important part of the Augustinian tradition. Men who spent decades teaching, serving parishes and guiding young people now have the opportunity to share those stories and that wisdom with another generation.

And, perhaps more importantly, the Augustinians who spent their lives building communities are once again surrounded by one.

“After decades of giving service to the church, to the people of God,” McCarthy told the Beverly Review, “they deserve to have a place where they’re taken care of.”

The Mendel Alumni Association wishes the friars well in their new home and encourages alumni to keep the Augustinian community in their prayers.

Based on reporting by the Beverly Review.