Talking about OAR Spirituality and charism

The 56^th General Chapter of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, on its fourth day, continued to review and evaluate the work accomplished in the last six years in view of projecting the direction of the next six years.

Viewed under the prism of the Recollect spirituality and charism were the areas of ongoing formation and accompaniment, human and spiritual growth, living of the vows, and the service of authority and obedience. There was consensus that the Life and Mission Project, which will distill the work and decisions of the Chapter, is a fundamental instrument for the community of brothers.

A big chunk of the day’s sessions was focused on the Centers of Augustinian Recollect Spirituality (Spanish acronym: CEAR), the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternities (SARF), the Revitalization Team (Spanish: ERO), and the institutes of the Order. The capitulars sought or gave further information and expressed their aspirations following the reports by the section heads. The last part of the afternoon saw discussions on the vocation ministry and the Augustinian Recollect Youth (Spanish: JAR).

The assembly also approved the committee  endorsed by the council of the chapter to prepare the final draft of the Vision and Mission of the Order, a topic that had been discussed in earlier days.

The day’s Eucharistic celebration was presided over by birthday celebrant Fr. Jose David Niño. In his homily, culling from personal encounters, he reflected on the real meaning of the Lenten fast.

It was agreed that no sessions will be held on Saturday afternoon and that on Sunday, the capitulars will visit the Tivoli gardens in the morning, take lunch around the area, and visit the sanctuary of Our Lady of Good Counsel, an icon of devotion for the  Augustinian family, in nearby Genazzano, where they will also celebrate the Eucharist.