FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bishop Patrick Augustine to Celebrate 50 Years of Ordained Ministry

Community Invited to Jubilee Celebration Honoring Five Decades of Faithful Service, Global Mission, and Advocacy for Persecuted Christians

LA CROSSE, Wis. — July 31, 2026 — Family, friends, and members of the community are invited to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Bishop Patrick Augustine, honoring five decades of faithful ministry, global evangelism, and tireless advocacy on behalf of persecuted Christians around the world.

The Jubilee Celebration will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Living Word Christian Church, 2015 Ward Avenue, La Crosse. An Open House will take place from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, followed by a Thankfulness to the Lord Service from 2:30pm to 3:00pm, during which Bishop Augustine will share reflections on his 50 years of ministry. Guests will enjoy a light lunch, including authentic Pakistani cuisine, as part of the celebration.

A special presentation and commissioning prayer in honor of Bishop Augustine's continuing ministry will also be held during the 8:30am worship service on Sunday, September 13, 2026. The public is warmly invited to attend both events.

Ordained in the Church of Pakistan in 1976, Bishop Augustine has devoted his life to proclaiming the Gospel and serving communities across the globe. Born in Pakistan, he immigrated to the United States in 1983 and has faithfully served Episcopal congregations in Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin. From 2003 until his retirement in 2019, he served as Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in La Crosse, where he faithfully shepherded the congregation for 17 years.

Throughout his ministry, Bishop Augustine has become internationally recognized for his advocacy on behalf of persecuted Christians and his commitment to peace, justice, and interfaith understanding. His travels have taken him around the world, where he has met with presidents, prime ministers, church leaders, and humanitarian organizations to raise awareness of religious persecution and to give voice to those suffering for their faith.

His ministry and leadership have earned widespread recognition. In 2013, the Archbishop of Canterbury awarded Bishop Augustine the “Cross of St. Augustine” one of the Anglican Communion's highest international honors, recognizing his outstanding service to world mission, interfaith relations, and persecuted Christians. In 2018, he received the “John Nevin Sayre Award” from the Episcopal Peace Fellowship for his courageous witness in the cause of peace and justice.

Bishop Augustine earned a Doctor of Ministry in Missional Theology from Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. He has also been awarded honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees by both Virginia Theological Seminary and Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin.

Following his retirement from Christ Episcopal Church on June 2, 2019, Bishop Augustine was consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese of Bor, South Sudan, on June 9, 2019. He continues to minister internationally while worshipping at Living Word Christian Church in La Crosse.

Throughout his life and ministry, Bishop Augustine has faithfully carried the message of Christ across three continents, sharing the hope of the Gospel while advocating for peace, reconciliation, and religious freedom. This celebration is an opportunity to thank God for his remarkable legacy and to honor a servant whose ministry continues to impact lives around the world.

Event Details

50th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration

• Saturday, September 12, 2026
• Open House: 12:30pm - 2:30pm
• Thankfulness to the Lord Service: 2:30pm - 3:00 pm
• Living Word Christian Church
  2015 Ward Avenue
  La Crosse, WI

Special Sunday Recognition

• Sunday, September 13, 2026
• Worship Service: 8:30am
• Commissioning Prayer and Special Presentation
• Living Word Christian Church
  2015 Ward Avenue
  La Crosse, WI

Those planning to attend either the Saturday celebration or Sunday worship service are encouraged to RSVP by September 1, 2026, by calling (608) 787-5922, emailing office@lwcclax.com, or visiting www.lwcclax.com.

About Bishop Patrick Augustine

Bishop Patrick Augustine has dedicated more than 50 years to Christian ministry as a pastor, missionary, evangelist, author, and advocate for persecuted Christians. His lifelong commitment to sharing the Gospel, promoting peace, encouraging interfaith understanding, and defending religious freedom has taken him to nations across the globe and established him as an internationally respected Christian leader.

Media Contact

Living Word Christian Church
2015 Ward Avenue
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: (608) 787-5922
Email: office@lwcclax.com
Website: www.lwcclax.com