Networking in the educational and the social apostolates

The sessions of the day are dedicated to EDUCAR and ARCORES, the two major networking programs of the Augustinian Recollect family.

Following the previous General Chapter (55^th), the Order of Augustinian Recollects established during the period 2016-2022 two ambitious programs in the areas of education and social action: EDUCAR and ARCORES, both with a networking structure. The eighth day of the 56^th General Chapter reviewed the origins, initial steps and the accomplishments of the two programs.

The four priors provincial confirmed the Prior General’s highlighting of the International Educational Network, EDUCAR, which has united all the Augustinian Recollect educational centers in the world. The reports revealed the accomplishments and the challenges for the future.

Two of the most recurring topics were the need to incorporate lay people in the management and direction of our educational centers, and the need to increase the presence of the religious in the classroom and with the students. The chapter members concluded that our lay partners must be increasingly formed in  the Augustinian Recollect spirituality and identity.

The International Solidarity Network ARCORES was born in 2017 as decided on by the 2016 General Chapter, with the aim of coordinating all the social actions carried out by the Augustinian Recollect family in the world. The 56^th General Chapter reviewed and ratified the work done by the organism in its first years.

The priors provincial reported on the functioning of the program in their territories. From the dialogue, a lack of social sensitivity among some religious has been detected, which means that the full potential of ARCORES is not being utilized. One of the major challenges is to consolidate the program throughout the Order, with a presence in all ministries.

Wednesday’s work sessions concluded with a reference to the mission in Cuba, begun in 2018. The chapter members got a first hand information on the realities of that mission community.

The Eucharist was presided over by the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine, Sergio Sanchez, who emphasized that the work done by the religious of the Province during its 400-year history has also been the work of the Order.