St. Augustine Prep Students Represent the Hermit Brotherhood at the Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI)

A group of St. Augustine Prep students recently traveled to Austin Prep in Massachusetts to participate in the Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI)—a transformative, faith-centered experience designed not only to deepen students’ understanding of St. Augustine and Augustinian values, but to prepare them to bring that knowledge back to their school communities. 

Representing the Prep were CJ Phillips, Luke Jackson, Gregory Winner, Blaise Hainley, Cameron Quinn, and Cooper Reich, accompanied by Mr. Dudo and Fr. Tony Burrascano, O.S.A, Assistant to the Head of School for Mission & Ministry.

What is SAVI?

The Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI) immerses students in the core pillars of the Augustinian tradition—Veritas (Truth), Unitas (Unity), and Caritas (Love)—through prayer, discussion, service, and shared experience.

More importantly, SAVI is not meant to be a standalone experience. It is a formation opportunity. Students are challenged to deepen their understanding of St. Augustine’s teachings and the Augustinian way of life, with the expectation that they return home ready to live those values more intentionally and to share them with their classmates, teams, and the broader school community.

A Journey Rooted in Faith, Formation, and Brotherhood

Encountering the Augustinian Tradition

Throughout the week, students visited historic Augustinian sites, including St. Augustine Church and St. Mary Church.

These moments provided more than just a glimpse into history—they offered space for reflection on the life and teachings of St. Augustine, helping students better understand how those values are meant to be lived out today.

One especially meaningful moment came as the group joined Catholics around the world in prayer for peace, responding to a global call from Pope Leo—a reminder that their faith connects them to something far greater than themselves.

Living Augustinian Values Through Service

A defining part of SAVI is putting faith into action. Our Hermits participated in a service project building beds for children in need—an experience that brought Caritas to life in a real and meaningful way.

It’s one thing to talk about service. It’s another to build something that directly impacts someone’s life, and that distinction is at the heart of the SAVI experience.

Brotherhood Beyond Campus

The group also explored Boston, visiting Boston Harbor and the historic home of Paul Revere, and spent time in Sacred Heart Church in prayer and reflection.

From shared meals and small-group discussions to time spent connecting with students at fellow Augustinian schools, the experience reinforced the idea that the Augustinian community extends well beyond Richland.

Representing the Prep

Throughout the trip, the students represented St. Augustine Prep as true Christian Gentlemen, and their impact was felt not just in structured sessions but in everyday interactions.

At one point, a staff member at the hotel they were staying at commented that the students were “beyond nice, polite, and respectful”—an unsolicited affirmation that the values of the Hermit Brotherhood are not just taught but lived.

Bringing SAVI Back to the Prep

SAVI doesn’t end when the trip does.

The true purpose of the experience is what comes next.

These students return with a deeper understanding of St. Augustine, a stronger connection to the values that define the school’s mission, and a responsibility to carry that formation back into the life of the Prep—whether in the classroom, athletics, campus ministry, or in their daily interactions within the Hermit Brotherhood.

As Fr. Tony Burrascano, O.S.A., Assistant to the Head of School for Mission & Ministry, shared,

“SAVI is about more than what our students experience—it’s about who they are becoming. They return not just with knowledge, but with a responsibility to live our Augustinian values and help others grow in them.”

That’s the impact.

Not just participation—but formation that extends beyond the individual and strengthens the entire community.

Hermit Brotherhood in Action

Through experiences like SAVI, St. Augustine Prep continues to form young men who don’t just understand Augustinian values—but live them, lead with them, and share them with others.