Out of every 25 Augustinian Recollect religious only one has English as a mother language. However, in practice, English is an ordinary instrument of communication of the 22% of the religious in the Order due mainly to the 170 Filipino religious. In the Asian archipelago the Order has a very strong nucleus, its youngest members (44% of the middle age) and the more promising future (10 novices, 108 postulants and 27 aspirants).
Because of this, the Order has decided for the first time to make an authorized English translation of the new Constitutions, approved by the Holy See two years ago. It is a very important innovation for this emerging sector of the Order. Spanish, a language once spoken by the learned in the Philippines, is now an unknown idiom in that country. For the first time, the young formands and aspirants, as well as the Augustinian Recollect Sisters and thousands of brothers in the SARF and the general followers, will have in hand the guaranteed text of the document that expresses the Augustinian Recollect Charism.
Luzon and Visayas
And they are desirous of knowing it can be seen in the outcome of the convocation last January 7 & 8. The Secretary of Apostolate and Liturgy of the Province of St. Ezequiel in the Philippines, had organized for those days conferences in preparation for the forth coming release of the printed edition. Samson Silloriquez stirred up the attention of a numerous audience. First it was held in the theology house of Mira-nila (Quezon City), for the ministries of Luzon; and on the 8th, for all those in Visayas, in the University of San Jose-Recoletos of Cebu.
In both places the General Councilor explained to those present the process followed towards the actual changes. He cited the enrichment of the new text upon the increase of numerous Augustinian references, other than the biblical citations and documents of the Church. He also indicated the significant changes both in the spiritual and theological part as well as in the formation, ministerial, missionary and educational apostolate and the government. After his presentation, he responded to some questions and those present shared likewise their reflections. He concluded encouraging everyone to study and deepen the knowledge of the Constitutions so as to understand and live better the charism of the Order.