News

Previously serving as Provincial of Europe, Fr. Fabien Lejeusne was named by Pope Leo XIV on October 6, 2025, bishop of Namur (in Belgium, the place of his birth). The Episcopal ordination was celebrated on December 7 in the cathedral of the capital, Wallonne, before a large crowd—including many brothers, sisters and lay of the Assumption! (read pages 12-13)

Manila, December 21, 2025
“Rejoice, a Savior is born for us!”
But how can we rejoice when the world is in such a state?
When brute force tramples on the rights of the weakest
When wars devastate many regions
When hatred replaces dialogue
When algorithms try to shape our thoughts and votes
When the righteous are imprisoned and tortured…

The Augustinians of the Assumption have officially begun the Centenary celebrations of the foundation of Montmartre in Quebec City. This historic milestone opens a full year dedicated to prayer, remembrance, and renewed commitment to the mission entrusted to us.
The opening celebration was presided over by Fr. Chi Ai Nguyen, Provincial of the North American  Province, marking the beginning of a centenary year that calls us not only to honor our past, but to renew our mission with hope and responsibility.

Dear brothers, sisters, and friends of the Assumption family,
I am writing to you from Quebec City, where I am making a canonical and fraternal visit to the brothers of the community. This Sunday, December 28, I will celebrate Mass to mark the opening of the jubilee year commemorating the centenary of the founding of Montmartre.

Mass at Assumption for Christmas Eve will be at
8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 24 in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit.
A reception with refreshments will follow the Mass in the Lauring Community Room in the Tinsley Campus Ministry Center. All are welcome to the Mass and reception.
There will be no Mass on campus on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25.

A Mission of Presence in Tanzania
In the heart of Serengeti, Tanzania, far from the world’s attention, the Assumptionists have been living among local communities for more than a decade. Their mission is not defined by short visits or temporary projects, but by presence — sharing daily life, listening deeply, and walking alongside families through hardship and hope.

Dear Friends,
The current issue of the Prince of Peace newsletter features a report from the current Dean of Students, Fr. Justin, and several insightful pieces from high school students responding to the question: “How can peace be restored to our country?”
As the school continues to grow, Fr. Justin lays out for us the ongoing needs they face, especially with regard to high school classrooms and laboratories.

Following the appointment of Fr. Fabien Lejeusne as Bishop of Namur, the Superior General, at his regular Council meeting in December 2025, appointed
Fr. Nicolas POTTEAU
Provincial of Europe
effective January 1, 2026, for an initial term of three years

Dear Friends of the Assumption Family near and far,
Each year we celebrate and retell the Christmas Story, surprised, amazed and stunned by this mystery which to some could be a scandal: God became a human, King of the Universe, born in a cave to a young virgin mother, with an angel’s choir singing to a insignificant group of shepherds. The humiliation of this mystery humbles us in today’s way of life. God promises us that when this day comes “the people living in darkness have seen a great light”.

Every year on December 12, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, commemorating the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 on Tepeyac Hill, near present-day Mexico City. This feast is one of the most significant Marian celebrations in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims and faithful who come together to honor Mary as Mother, Protector, and source of hope.