The story of Augustinian presence in Japan is one that spans centuries. Friars from various countries arrived in Japan in 1602, and count among their earliest members several who suffered martyrdom together with native Japanese friars and lay associates during periods of religious persecution. Today, Augustinians minister in four cities in Japan: Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Tokyo. Though the Catholic population in Japan is very small, friars minister to dedicated and faith-filled communities of both native Japanese and foreign-born parishioners.

Friars from the United States’ Midwest Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel began missionary work in Peru in 1964. In 1968 friars from the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova founded a parish in Chulucanas, Peru, named San José Obrero. Over the years a number of friars of the Province have served the mission in Chulucanas. Today, with the increased number of native Augustinian vocations, only one Villanova friar remains, together with several from the Midwest Province. The Peruvian Mission has come of age and Peruvian friars of the Vicariate of Chulucanas are in conversation with other Augustinian vicariates concerning the formation of a new Province in Peru.  

In 2002, the Augustinian Volunteers began sending lay volunteers to the Mission site in Chulucanas. The volunteers live in community together and serve in a variety of ministries, including work at a Catholic school, teaching English, running health programs and justice and peace programs.

Contact the Mission Office
Augustinian Provincial Offices
P.O. Box 340
Villanova, PA 19085
610-527-3330 Ext. 238
missions@augustinian.org