Father Peter Augustine Pierjok, O.S.B., a devoted Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey, passed away on September 25, 2025, after a long struggle with cancer. Born in 1947, in Nashville, Illinois, he grew up in rural Washington County.. After graduating from Nashville Community High School in 1965, he earned a B.A. in design from Southern Illinois University and later studied philosophy at Bradley University and Saint Vincent College. Before entering monastic life, he worked for over 15 years in sales and marketing, while maintaining a strong sense of faith and service that eventually led him to follow a lifelong call to the priesthood.
Answering that call, he joined the Benedictine Community of Saint Augustine in Peoria in 1983, professed perpetual vows in 1987, and was ordained a priest in 1988. His early ministry included leadership at Highwoods Learning Center, Saint Augustine Manor, and several parishes in the Diocese of Peoria, including Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Mary in Kickapoo, Saint Jude in Peoria, and later three parishes in Henry and Lacon. In 2004, he was released to pursue a monastic vocation at Saint Vincent Archabbey, where he professed vows in 2005. There he served as socius of novices, assistant guestmaster, hospital chaplain, and director of guest facilities, while also assisting in parish missions and ministering to the Carmelite Sisters of the Assumption.
Father Peter Augustine’s later ministry was marked by fruitful parish leadership in Pennsylvania. As pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Youngstown and Saint Cecilia Parish in Whitney (2007–2017), and later Saint Mary Parish in St. Marys (2017–2022), he guided communities with wisdom and compassion. One of his major accomplishments was overseeing the redevelopment of the historic Benedictine Sisters’ property in St. Marys, preserving its sacred heritage while securing its future for parish use. After returning to the Archabbey, he managed infirmary affairs, served as chaplain to religious sisters, and assisted in local parishes until his illness progressed. A humble and industrious priest, he was also a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and chaplain to multiple councils. Father Peter Augustine will be remembered as a dedicated monk, priest, and servant of God who united hard work, pastoral care, and monastic peace throughout his life. May God reward him abundantly.