Communities in all 19 countries where more than 200 Augustinian Recollect ministries are being administered by our friars, joined the celebration in prayer of thanksgiving and revived their spirit of being part of the 422 years of the Order’s history.
The friars also renovated their vows while the secular order renewed their promises in different liturgical celebrations. In certain countries like Brazil, the different communities got together in one place to commemorate this important date in our history and feel part of the new motivation that the recently celebrated General Chapter has offered the Order.
Unity and Renovation
Miguel Miró who is the new superior general, shared this important day with male and female recollect religious, members of the secular order, and youth in Madrid (Spain). It all took place in our parish of Our Lady of Loreto close to the airport. Mass was presided by Fr. Miró together with two provincials and many other recollect priests.
On December 4th, two new recollect priests were ordained by Mons. Olavio Lopez Duque in Colombia. On the same day, Fr. Persiuz Joseph Decena was also ordained in the Philippines by Mons. Roberto Mallari, auxiliary bishop of San Fernando, Pampanga. Also in the Philippines, our seminary in Mira-Nila celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 6th.
Apart from the liturgical ceremonies, our formation houses in Spain had conferences and plays.
Our theological seminary of St. Monica in Sao Paulo Brazil also considered this date with solemnity.
In Panama, the good news was shared that two new friars would soon make their vows of consecration. In Dominican Republic their joy became greater when members of the secular order which no longer have the spiritual assistance of our friars appeared to join the celebration. In Mexico city, everyone reunited in our church dedicated to St. Monica, a conference about our history was shared with all present.