One year of contemplative Augustinian Recollect life in Colombia

The Augustinian Recollect nuns arrived in Colombia for the first time on June 12, 2018. Nearly one year old, they are happy for these first months in Bogotá.

Bogotá, COLOMBIA–On June 12, 2018, seven Augustinian Recollect nuns, accompanied by the Federal President of Mexico, departed from the Monastery of Cuernavaca for Colombia. It was the foundation of the first community of the contemplative Augustinian Recollect nuns in Colombia. In the country where the Augustinian Recollection began in South America, the cloistered nuns arrived for the first time. They were received by the Prior Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria, Fray Albeiro Arenas, OAR, together with all the affection of the Augustinian Recollect family of Colombia, who welcomed them with open arms.

After eleven months and about to celebrate one year in the Convent of Our Lady of Candelaria, in Bogotá, the seven nuns are happy with their new surroundings. “Coming to Colombia has been a very strong call for me,” says Sister Ermila Sanchez. Along the same lines, Sister Heriberta Rosas Mena assures that for her, this foundation in Colombia has been “a new vocation”.

The change of convent was difficult for some religious. Sister Eva Villa Martínez affirms that it has been difficult for her to go to Colombia because it entails detachment, similar to the one she made when she decided to give her life to God as an Augustinian Recollect. “It is still difficult,” says Sister Blanca Lizette García, who recognizes that for her, the new foundation has been “a challenge.

Amidst these challenges, their happy faces show their happiness for carrying out the contemplative work in Bogotá, where they have been welcomed with affection especially by the Augustinian Recollect religious, with whom they collaborate in some pastoral or solidarity actions. Part of their apostolate is their inclusion in ARCORES Colombia.

They are not only in Colombia to pray. The Augustinian Recollect nuns dedicate their days, among other things, to the production of walnut or orange cookies that they offer in the Augustinian Recollect schools or to the making of habits for the friars or for the nuns.

After a year, they only have one word to show their state in Colombia: HAPPINESS. “It has been something strong but we are happy with this new mission,” concludes Sister Huaraní Esparza.