Pope Leo XIV visited Australia several times when he was Prior General of The Order of St Augustine.
In the North Harbour Parish in Broken Bay, which is under the pastoral care of the Augustinians, the community is overjoyed at Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost’s Papal election on 8 May with Fr Michael Belonio OSA saying each visit left a lasting impact on everyone he met.
During those visits between 2001 and 2012 in his capacity as the Order’s international leader, the then Fr Prevost took particular interest in parish communities and Augustinian schools. He was also in Sydney in 2008 for the International Augustinian Youth Encounter at The Collaroy Centre which immediately followed World Youth Day.
“His visits to North Harbour are certainly memories to be cherished,” Fr Michael said.
“Indeed, the election of Pope Leo XIV is a moment of profound joy and hope for the Church, especially for those of us who walk in the footsteps of St Augustine. His deep theological wisdom, pastoral care, and commitment to the search for truth resonate with the very heart of our Augustinian charism.
“Having welcomed him to North Harbour Parish on multiple occasions during his time as Prior General, we know firsthand his warmth, humility, and dedication to building strong communities rooted in Christ.”
Fr Michael recalled a “small but meaningful” anecdote reminding him that every journey to faith is unique and that humble beginnings can lead to great service in the Church.
“I recall a fascinating story from my student days in the Philippines—one of his formators in Chicago shared with us that ‘Bob Prevost’ once worked as a dogwalker before joining the Augustinians!”
Fr Michael said one of Pope Leo XIV’s defining qualities is his passionate commitment to social justice.
“This is a value deeply ingrained in both the teachings of St Augustine and the legacy of Pope Leo XIII. It is likely that his choice of name reflects his desire to carry forward the spirit of Rerum Novarum, the great encyclical of Pope Leo XIII that championed justice for workers and the poor. His leadership will undoubtedly be marked by a deep concern for the marginalized and a call to all Christians to engage actively in the mission of justice and peace.
“As he takes up this new mission as the successor of St Peter, we pray that his leadership will guide the Church toward deeper unity, greater love, and a renewed commitment to seeking truth with restless hearts. His election reminds us that we are all called to embody the Gospel with courage and joy, just as he has done throughout his ministry. May God bless him abundantly in this sacred responsibility, and may the spirit of St Augustine continue to inspire his pontificate.”
The Order of Saint Augustine (OSA), is a Catholic mendicant order founded in 1244. They are inspired by the life and teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo, focusing on community life, prayer, and apostolic activity, including education, mission work, and parish ministry. The order is divided into various provinces worldwide.
In Brookvale, there are nine resident priests including Prior Provincial Fr Peter Jones OSA.