The “Ordo Capituli” is the document that establishes and provides the dynamics of the Chapter. It has four parts: information phase, deliberation, work by commission, and the decision phase. In order to have a panoramic view of the state of the Order, the Chapter participants were provided with written and oral reports coming from the prior general, the presidents of the secretariats, and the priors of the provinces. Other important topics, which were prepared by experts or chosen members of the Chapter, were also presented.
The report of the prior general, which underscored points in the texts that he deemed important, was followed by those of the presidents of the general secretariats and the priors of the eight provinces. The whole week, Chapter participants were made to know about the realities in the communities, the consecrated and spiritual life, the charismatic identity and renewal of life, community life, vocation ministry and initial formation, as well as about the missions, and the ministerial and educational apostolate.
Unity
Here are some words from the prior general, Javier Guerra: If we look at 19 countries of the 4 continents where more than 1,100 religious coming from 28 countries live in almost 200 communities, what we see is great unity of identity and mission in our Augustinian Recollect way of life. The distinct styles and incarnation of charism in diverse places enrich communion. Our consecrated life, moved by the Spirit of the Lord, maintains that symphony of charism in communion. Where will the Spirit lead us?
From our Augustinian Recollect spirituality, it is necessary to affirm that our option as consecrated persons is founded and secured in a profound experience of Jesus. And the first act is to secure that hope, illusion, and passion are kept alive.
Restructuration
There were two guest speakers within the week, Angel Martinez Cuesta, an Augustinian Recollect historian, and Aquilino Bocos, an expert on religious life. Fr. Bocos, the former superior general of the Claretians, spoke about the possible reorganization of structures in the Augustinian Recollect Order, its difficulties, obstacles as well as opportunities. He clarified the relationship of the Order to other major organisms. In addition, the speaker explained the motivation and co-responsibility in structural innovations. The talk was followed by an animated dialogue, which only revealed the interest he has affected in the Chapter participants.