Welcome, Fr. Elizandro!
Fr. Elizandro Contreras, O.S.A. is a native of the Dominican Republic who entered formation with the Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova in 2014. As a young child, Fr. Elizandro witnessed how the Augustinians gave themselves to the town and the people in need, doing beautiful work. This drew him to religious life. He made his first profession of vows in 2016 and his solemn profession in 2020. Fr. Elizandro attended the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, where, in addition to his studies, he undertook ministry at the Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants, ministering to the men and women who awaited deportation from the Kankakee Detention Center. He greeted the families of those who were to be deported, served as a translator, and offered them information about shelters available in Mexico and Central America. After his ordination to the priesthood last summer, Fr. Elizandro spent a year working in admissions, teaching, and ministering to the students at Cristo Rey High School in Philadelphia while living at Blessed Stephen Bellesini Friary in Ardmore. A few weeks ago, Fr. Elizandro moved into the Our Lady of Good Counsel Friary at Annunciation with the intention of ministering at St. Nick’s, Annunciation, St. Paul’s, and the Shrine.
When asked why he decided to join the Augustinians, Fr. Elizandro said, “Because of their very human charism, which includes living in community, brotherhood, and friendship on the way to God. I could not find a better example of community with such a wonderful, real, and warm sense of living in friendship anywhere else. The best friends I have found in my life are Augustinians, and a good part of who I am is because of their love and care. Anytime I have needed their support, they have been there.”
We are grateful and excited to have him here with us! Please continue to pray for and welcome Fr. Elizandro to the Shrine.