St. Augustine Commemorated with Solemn Mass as City Concert Series Concludes and Prestigious Medal Dinner Sells Out

St. Augustine, FL (August 28, 2025) - Today, churches and communities on both sides of the Atlantic honored the Memorial of Saint Augustine, while music lovers in St. Augustine’s historic plaza enjoyed the season’s final concert and Augustinian faithful in Philadelphia marked a sold-out medal dinner celebrating St. Augustine’s legacy.

In Rome and beyond, Catholics observed the feast of Saint Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, with solemn liturgies. At the daily CatholicTV Mass celebrated by Father Brian Daley, viewers reflected on Augustine’s call to vigilant love, recalling his counsel that faith must be maintained not out of fear but out of heartfelt devotion. Meanwhile, parishes worldwide held special readings from 1 Thessalonians and the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting Augustine’s teachings on watchfulness and charity.

Back in the United States, St. Augustine, Florida, bid farewell to its summer concert series. The Final Concert in the Plaza featured the folk-bluegrass ensemble Thick & Thin String Band, capping off weekly Thursday evening performances that drew both residents and tourists to the city’s brick-paved historic district. Attendees praised the free event’s lively atmosphere and community spirit under swaying palms and historic lampposts.

In Philadelphia, the Augustinian Province announced that tickets for the 2025 Saint Augustine Medal Dinner had sold out weeks in advance. The Medal, honoring individuals who exemplify Augustine’s values of truth, unity, and charity, will be conferred upon His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Though the Pope will be unable to attend, plans include a special Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Augustine Church and a dinner at the Union League of Philadelphia, with proceeds benefiting Augustinian ministries and care for elderly friars.

Key Highlights

  • Catholic congregations worldwide observed the Memorial of Saint Augustine with special Masses and reflections on Augustine’s teachings.
  • The Concerts in the Plaza series concluded on August 28 with a performance by Thick & Thin String Band.
  • The 2025 Saint Augustine Medal Dinner in Philadelphia sold out, with Pope Leo XIV named as this year’s honoree.

All events underscored Saint Augustine’s enduring influence on faith, culture, and community life.