Late last week, I joined an outstanding group of Catholic leaders for a memorable celebration: the dedication of the incredible new headquarters of the Augustine Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. It was also a 20th anniversary commemoration. The timing was no accident: the festivities were held on the Feast of Saint Monica (August 27) and culminated on the Feast of Saint Augustine (August 28).
A Sacred Beginning
The opening Mass on August 27, the Feast of Saint Monica, was celebrated by the Most Reverend Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver, who has led that archdiocese since his appointment on May 29, 2012. The main celebrant on August 28—the Feast of St. Augustine—was Timothy Cardinal Dolan of New York, who came from the St. Louis Archdiocese. Their presence further elevated the joyful occasion.
Origins and Vision
Founded in Denver, the Augustine Institute was born out of Pope Saint John Paul II’s call for a New Evangelization, first voiced when he visited Denver in 1993—a watershed moment that inspired a generation of Catholic apostolates. Shortly thereafter, Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, OFM Cap., was appointed Archbishop of Denver in February 1997 . Together, these events catalyzed an era of renewed missionary zeal and the founding of numerous other apostolates such as Focus, Amazing Parish, Endow and more.
Saints of the Institute
Dr. Tim Gray, widely credited as the Institute’s principal founder and serving today as its president, guided its mission from the outset. He joined founding forces with figures like Curtis Martin (founder of FOCUS in 1998), Theologians Sean Innerst and Edward Sri and Dr. Jonathan Reyes—now Senior Vice President of Evangelization and Faith Formation for the Knights of Columbus. Reyes was also instrumental in founding the Augustine Institute and served as its first president.
Dr. Gray has also been a close collaborator with Napa Institute, extending back to our earliest days. He was one of the founding members of the board of trustees—alongside co-founder Fr. Robert Spitzer, SJ—and continues to serve on that board. Archbishop Paul Coakley currently serves as the Institute’s ecclesiastical advisor, succeeding Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, whose retirement ushered in this advisory transition. Dr. Gray was the original plenary speaker on the theme of immigration at the first annual summer conference in July, 2011.
A Premier Formation Hub
Celebrated for its exceptional quality in Scriptural teaching, the Institute offers an expansive Theology program with four different Master’s Degrees, in both online and in-person modalities—the largest of its kind in the United States, routinely enrolling over 500 students. This new St. Louis facility is poised to support substantial growth in both delivery forms.
A Remarkable Acquisition
The St. Louis property itself is jaw-dropping. Formerly owned by Boeing, the company agreed to sell the incredible retreat facility for just a tenth of its actual cost—about $20 million—which Dr. Gray successfully raised within the 90-day window required to close the purchase.
On arrival August 27, I was warmly welcomed by Dr. Gray and his team for a tour of the 287-acre estate, complete with outdoor sports facilities, walking paths, and expansive views overlooking the confluence of the Illinois, Mississippi, and Missouri Rivers. It’s a landscape both breathtaking and conducive to retreat and formation.
The parcel, once part of a wealthy early 20th-century estate, stands as arguably the most extraordinary property held by any Catholic institution in the United States—if not the world.
A Hub for Formation, Fellowship, and Evangelization
This new campus will house the Institute’s in-person Master of Theology program, and serve as a venue for mini-retreats, conferences, summits, off-site gatherings for apostolates and chancery boards, and more. It can simultaneously host multiple organizations and events. Located just 25 minutes from St. Louis’s international airport, it’s remote enough for contemplative retreat, yet fully equipped with food services, outdoor programming, and versatile meeting spaces.
The only element missing? A dedicated church. That’s next: plans are underway for a 500-seat church with an adjoining daily mass and adoration chapel and undercroft meeting space. For now, Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are celebrated in a beautiful auditorium-style chapel seating around 150.
A Sign for the Church
While the Catholic Church has seen other notable real estate purchases—such as the Diocese of Orange’s 2011 purchase of the Crystal Cathedral and its conversion into Christ Cathedral with associated pastoral offices and a school—this St. Louis acquisition could surpass them in scale and potential impact.
The Augustine Institute is building on a remarkably strong foundation. As Dr. Gray puts it, “collaboration,” exemplified in initiatives like the FORMED digital portal, is key to its expansive and growing mission. This new facility is poised to expand the Institute’s reach into Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and beyond through digital and in-person formation.
A Grateful Heart
I strongly encourage you to visit this exceptional place—and to familiarize yourself with the Augustine Institute’s work. It truly does not disappoint. The Napa Institute plans to organize future events here for educational and spiritual formation for pastors, board members, and apostolate leaders.
Let us give thanks to the Lord for this new gift, and to all donors who stepped forward to turn Dr. Gray’s vision into reality. And let us pray for the Augustine Institute’s continued impact in our Church, in our culture, and in the lives of the faithful across the world.
