Sisters of Nazareth join Augustinian order to strengthen spiritual mission in San Diego

In a landmark move for San Diego’s faith landscape, two long-standing religious communities—the Sisters of Nazareth and the Augustinians—are officially joining forces.

The Order of St. Augustine in California announced that the Sisters of Nazareth will be aggregated into the Augustinian family, a union formally approved by the Vatican and endorsed by the local bishop.

Preserving Autonomy While Strengthening Connections

Despite the new spiritual alignment, the Sisters of Nazareth will retain their canonical autonomy.

“This union… establishes a deep spiritual bond between the two institutes while allowing the sisters to maintain their independence,” said Cindy Luyun, spokesperson for the Augustinian order.

Father Barnaby R. Johns, prior provincial of the Province of St. Augustine in California, emphasized that the aggregation will strengthen unity while honoring the traditions of both groups.

“Together, the Sisters of Nazareth (1925) and the Augustinians (1924) share over 200 years of service to the Church and the people of God of the Diocese of San Diego,” he said.

Lifelong Collaboration in Education and Care

The two communities have long-standing practical connections.

Sisters of Nazareth educate young children at Nazareth School, many of whom continue their faith journey at St. Augustine’s High School, run by the Augustinians.

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Their collaboration extends to care for the elderly: residents and sisters in the Nazareth House assisted living facility benefit from spiritual support from Augustinians, and Augustinian priests and brothers have also spent their last days in Nazareth care.

This partnership also stretches internationally, as the Sisters’ motherhouse in Hammersmith, London, resides within an Augustinian parish.

Bishop Michael Campbell, local Augustinian bishop, played a key role in prompting the aggregation, which the sisters warmly accepted.

Liturgical Integration and Spiritual Unity

Following the union, the Sisters of Nazareth will adopt “Augustinian” in their name and align with the Augustinian liturgical calendar and rituals.

“At the practical level, we remain autonomous religious congregations but share a close Augustinian bond of spiritual goods and indulgences,” Johns explained, adding that the congregation remains under the spiritual patronage of St. Augustine—like Pope Leo XIV, who was an Augustinian himself.

“The hope of the Sisters of Nazareth is to strengthen and continue the spiritual bond we already share, as ‘brothers and sisters in Christ,’” Johns added.

Impact and Consequences

This union symbolizes a strengthening of religious collaboration and highlights the importance of shared spiritual resources in local communities.

It also allows both congregations to pool spiritual privileges, deepen educational and social care programs, and consolidate community influence while preserving individual identity.

What’s Next?

Moving forward, the sisters will integrate Augustinian liturgical practices and coordinate on spiritual and community programs with the Augustinians.

Further initiatives could include joint educational programs, outreach ministries, and enhanced pastoral care, solidifying their shared mission in San Diego and beyond.

Summary

The Sisters of Nazareth have officially joined the Augustinian family, preserving their autonomy while embracing a shared spiritual and liturgical framework.

With over two centuries of combined service, this union strengthens education, pastoral care, and community collaboration, guided by the principles of St. Augustine.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Sisters of Nazareth aggregated into Augustinian family while retaining autonomy
• Union approved by Vatican and local bishop Michael Campbell
• Collaboration includes education, elder care, and spiritual support
• Sisters adopt Augustinian liturgical calendar, rituals, and privileges
• Over 200 years of combined service between the two communities
• Strengthens spiritual bonds while maintaining individual identity
• Future initiatives may expand joint educational, pastoral, and community programs