From Illinois to Nigeria: Here are highlights from new book of Father Robert Prevost’s homilies

A new book featuring the homilies and writings of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Father Robert Prevost, was released in English on September 15. The collection, titled “Freedom Under Grace: Reflections on the Spiritual Tradition That Formed Me,” compiles works produced between 2001 and 2013 while he served as the prior general of the Order of St. Augustine.

The book includes reflections on prayer, the interior life, leadership, education, evangelization, and social justice. It features homilies delivered during his travels as head of the order in locations such as Nigeria, Australia, Ireland, Spain, and the United States. Father Joseph L. Farrell, the current prior general of the Augustinians, wrote the foreword and noted that unity is the most prominent theme in the writings, appearing in contexts ranging from the communion of the faithful to fraternity among Augustinians.

One included homily from October 2002, delivered at the Monastery of the Augustinian Nuns in New Lenox, Illinois, addresses the tension between global crises and local religious life. In that sermon, Father Prevost reflected on contemporary headlines including terrorism, the potential for war with Iraq, economic instability, and regional shootings while celebrating the blessing of a new chapel for a small community of cloistered nuns.