‘My weekend with Pope Leo XIV’: Vancouver priest joins brother Augustinians at inauguration Mass

This is my family story, a uniquely Augustinian one.

On May 11, 2025, the fourth Sunday of Easter and the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, fellow Augustinian Father Jack Tierney addressed parishioners at Sacred Heart in Delta, sharing his vocation story. He mentioned the possibility of a trip to Rome for the inauguration of out Augustinian brother Pope Leo XIV.

I signed up and soon tickets and accommodations were arranged for those interested.

I left Vancouver early on May 16 and flew to Toronto. There, I joined Father John Arulthas, OSA, Augustinian pastor of Sacred Heart in King City, Ont. Together, we flew to Rome, arriving on Saturday morning, May 17, and meeting two other Augustinians, Father Tierney and Father Joseph Roccasalva, at Fiumicino Airport. We took a taxi to the Augustinian headquarters.

Father Joseph Farrell, OSA, the vicar general of the Order, welcomed us, and Fray Efren Objaan, OSA, took us to the refectory for coffee and snacks. He then guided us to our accommodations. Many Augustinians were present, including the Prior Provincial of the Maltese Augustinian Province, Father Leslie Gatt.

My first mission was to take Rory Dayton, director of communications for the Chicago province and our media representative, to the Vatican press office. After he got his official ID, I showed him the General Curia of the Augustinians and the terrace of Saint Monica’s College, which offers views of the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the papal apartments. On our way to the Augustinian houses, we met with Father Richie Mercado, OSA, who worked with Cardinal Robert Prevost (now the Pope) at the Dicastery for Bishops.

We had lunch with Father Richie, Father Arulthas, and Father John Lydon. When we saw the Augustinian Archbishop of Panama, Jose Domingo Ulloa Mendieta, OSA, whom Father Lydon has worked with in South America, we offered him some wine.

After lunch, while others rested, I took the bus to visit Pope Francis’ tomb, which had a one-hour line. I then visited the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. On the way to Piazza Navona, I prayed at St. Augustine’s Church, where St. Monica’s tomb is also located.

Then the question was Italian pasta or pizza? Instead we dined at a Chinese restaurant with Filipino staff – a strange combination – and then stopped for gelato. On our way home, we visited St. Peter’s Square and joined the Rosary being prayed. I returned to the Jesuit residence and rested for the night.

After waking up early due to jetlag we had breakfast and then met other Augustinians at the General Curia gate. Around 7:30 a.m., we entered Peter’s Square to attend the inauguration Mass, passing through security to reach our area with the diplomats, separate from the concelebrating priests. Our general, Father Alejandro, was with us, along with Augustinian provincials and friars from various countries.

Along with the Pope celebrating the Eucharist, we participated in prayers with the whole Church, including the prayers and intentions of those who asked for them. Our presence was also joined by those online. Several groups observed the event: attendees, media and journalists through their lenses, and viewers watching on televisions worldwide.

Our Augustinian brotherhood was evident, including those we ministered to. The liturgy was self-explanatory. The story was well publicized with a professional presentation and detailed coverage.

I noticed a missionary working alongside “Bob,” as he knew Pope Leo during their early priestly careers. His focus was on the man he worked with  who is now Pope. He watched him intently and even climbed a chair to get a better view. I observed his smile as he watched a fellow missionary greet everyone.

Following the papal Mass, we returned to the Jesuit residence. We were graciously welcomed with a lunch consisting of pasta, salad, and lamb chops. Before the meal concluded, we were introduced to the Jesuits, including the master general and other residents, who extended their congratulations on having an Augustinian Pope succeed a Jesuit Pope.

I rested for a few hours that afternoon and later took the train to visit the Holy Door of St. John Lateran. There was no lineup. After crossing the Holy Door and saying some prayers while Mass was ongoing, I left and went back to St. Peter’s Square. I intended to visit but the gates were already closed for the day.

For supper, I joined a group of Filipino Augustinians and their friends for Filipino food. Along the streets, we found another Filipino Augustinian who works at the papal sacristy. His story working there is interesting, but due to privacy concerns, we decided not to share details about his community or the Pope.

On Monday, May 19, some members of our group left at 7:30 a.m. to go to the airport for our flights.

Upon arriving in Toronto and turning my cellphone on, I read the news that about 40 members of our group were given the opportunity to visit the papal palace to meet the Pope. Although we missed it, we are still pleased that a gift for our brother Augustinian, who is now the Pope, was received. It consisted of an enlarged and framed version of his handwritten promise to profess the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to the Order.

The weekend was more than special, in fact it was significantly historical for the whole Church and the world when Pope Leo XIV received the Fisherman’s Ring bearing an image of St. Peter with the keys and net symbolizing the duty entrusted to his successors.

On my part as an Augustinian celebrating with our brother, it was truly a blessing from God to become part of it.

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