The Commission focused on the evaluation of the works that have been done so far. In the first meeting held at the general curia in Rome, programs were prepared and translated into different languages. They were sent to all the communities to serve as guides for reflection and study. So far the four documents that have been disseminated, the Colombia meeting reports, were very much appreciated and did awaken in the friars authentic interest in the process of revitalization.
The Prior General, on his part, informed the members of the Commission of the campaign he did to make the religious become aware of the need for revitalization. This was done during the chapters and assemblies he attended. In all these gatherings he presented the plan of action of the Order for the sexenio and encouraged the religious to fearlessly, and with optimism and illusion, face the challenge.
Internal Survey
What followed the evaluation was the analysis of the present reality. The Commission deemed it the right time to proceed to the next recommendation of the General Chapter: Preparation of a survey to find out the real and actual situation of the Order.
This took much of the time of the Commission. What is the concrete objective? What form of survey to be prepared? The results of the meeting are being formalized and the final survey form is expected to reach the communities the first week of March. It is the responsibility of the provincial priors to motivate the religious within their jurisdiction and see to it that the survey be done accordingly.
350th Anniversary of Presence in Casanare
The presence of the members of the Commission in El Desierto de Candelaria, aside from fulfilling the tasks assigned to them, added brilliance to the symbolism of the venue. It was clear to all that renewal is fundamentally a return to the beginnings, to the original fervor and inspiration.
The 350th anniversary of the presence of the Augustinian Recollects in this mission territory was celebrated last February 1 and 2 at the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Manare (Paz de Ariporo), the patron of Casanare. The feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the temple was celebrated on day 2. This feast is traditionally known as Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
The icon is representative of the Augustinian Recollects in Colombia. In fact their old houses took their name from the image. The Vespers and the Liturgy of Day 2 were expressions of gratitude for the work, during the three and a half century of mission, done in Casanare.