California Augustinian Students in Formation Enroll at JPCatholic

This fall, three students in formation from the Order of Saint Augustine—James Schloegel, Aaron Figueroa, and Gregory Skiano—enrolled at JPCatholic for their studies in Theology & Philosophy.

The new relationship was facilitated by JPCatholic chaplain, Fr. Dominic Smith, OSA, who himself graduated from JPCatholic in 2018 with a degree in Communications Media. He was ordained as an Augustinian priest in 2022, the eleventh JPCatholic alumnus to be ordained.

“When I was a student at JPCatholic, I received a sound Catholic education that contributed to my religious formation,” said Fr. Dominic. “They taught me how to use modern forms of media to proclaim the Gospel message in my ministries. Just as the university has helped me become a better Augustinian, I know it will also help our brothers in initial formation.”

The Augustinians are a mendicant religious order founded in the 13th century, dedicated to community life, preaching, and service. Today they have approximately 2,500 priests and friars worldwide—including Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian pope. The Province of Saint Augustine in California is based in San Diego, and has been an active presence in the diocese since the 1920s, when they established St. Augustine High School and began ministry at St. Patrick’s parish. Their ministry at both has continued through today, and nine fully professed Augustinian friars currently serve within the diocese.

“JPCatholic provides the intellectual formation, close-knit community, and Christ-centered environment that I’m seeking as I continue my Augustinian formation,” said Figueroa.

“Studying Theology and Philosophy here is the perfect fit,” said Schloegel. “JPCatholic is fueled by the sacramental life and committed to the teachings of Christ and the Church. I can’t think of a better place to grow in faith and intellect.”

Since 2009, JPCatholic has also been the destination for Chaldean Catholic seminarians to complete their undergraduate degree, resulting in eight alumni who are now Chaldean priests. These include Fr. Ankido Sipo, BS ’12, MA ’15, who now teaches theology and philosophy at JPCatholic, and Fr. Simon Esshaki, BS ’12, MA ’15, who expands his evangelization work beyond the parish to TikTok, where he has attracted over 500k followers.

To learn more about the Chaldean Catholic Church in San Diego, click here and watch this video from Fr. Ankido Sipo.

To learn more about the Augustinians in San Diego, visit californiaaugustinians.org