On Feb. 4, Father Tom McCarthy, an Augustinian friar, spoke to a small group of around thirty people in Benedictine College’s Farrel Academic Center, some of whom were students and others were members of the local community. His focus was on the concept of restlessness how it can push us towards God and greatness.
He introduced himself and talked about his work leading retreats and preaching parish missions. He also noted that he has known Pope Leo XIV for some time, both of them being Augustinian friars. He discussed the Augustinians’ relationship with Pope Leo XIV and talked about his Augustinian roots and how they shaped his life.
Father McCarthy than spoke of his own personal relationship with the Pope and how it changed in some ways after the papal election. He highlighted how the Pope still regarded himself as an Augustine friar in spirituality but had a new focus that expands to the Universal Church.
He explained what it means to be Augustinian and what Augustinian spirituality is. He talked about some basics of Saint Augustine’s life and his conversion story. He then turned the discussion to Augustine spirituality and how he and his fellow Augustinians live it out.
A main point of focus was the idea of restlessness and quoted Saint Augustine, saying “Our hearts our restless until they rest in you.” He used this to point out that restlessness can be used to propel us to greatness, if we seek what is proper.
He also spent some time discussing the daily life of an Augustinian friar, in which he talked about the “bookends of prayer,” where they begin and end each day with prayer. In addition, he discussed some of the symbolism behind their garments and accessories they wear.
