St. Rita Shrine Director Elected to Augustinian Curia in Rome

Villanova, PA – The Augustinians of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova proudly announce the election of Fr. Michael F. DiGregorio, O.S.A., to the position of Assistant General for the Order of Saint Augustine.

During the Augustinian Order’s General Chapter, held September 3-21 in Rome, Augustinian delegates from throughout the world gathered to discuss and vote on issues of importance to the Order of Saint Augustine. Also during the General Chapter, which is held every six years in Rome, friars are elected to the top leadership positions in the Order of Saint Augustine.

Fr. Michael DiGregorio, O.S.A., who served as a delegate from the Villanova Province at the General Chapter, was nominated by Fr. Robert Prevost, O.S.A., Prior General of the Order, to the position of Assistant General, and officially elected to the position on September 20. As Assistant General, Fr. Michael will reside in Rome and serve on the General Council for the Order of Saint Augustine.

“This is a tremendous honor for the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova,” stated Fr. Donald F. Reilly, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. “To have one of our own serve in such a leadership position for the Order is a great source of pride. Fr. Michael has done wonderful work for the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, and his many talents will prove invaluable to the Order.”

Fr. Michael has served at Saint Rita of Cascia Parish in South Philadelphia for the past 15 years, and as pastor since 1995. He has been instrumental in the growth of the National Shrine of Saint Rita of Cascia, and his work and devotion to Saint Rita has brought the Augustinian saint’s story and devotion to many, many thousands of people.

Prior to serving at Saint Rita’s, Fr. Michael ministered in Rome from 1990-1992 as the Order’s Director of Social Communications. He has also served in parishes throughout the Province, including: Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, NY (1986-89); Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Jamaica, NY (1977-83); and Saint Augustine Church, Andover, MA (1973-77). He also served as Novice Master at the Province’s Good Counsel Novitiate in Lawrence, MA, from 1984-86, and as Director of Students at Saint Augustine Friary, Villanova, PA, from 1989-90.

A native of Staten Island, NY, Fr. Michael professed his first vows in 1966, graduated from Villanova University in 1970, and earned a master’s degree from the Washington Theological Union in 1973. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1973.
While Fr. Michael will reside in Rome as Assistant General, his connection to Saint Rita’s Shrine will always remain close to his heart.