Q. How is the presence of the Order in China right now?
R. In the People’s Republic of China, there are twelve Augustinian Recollect friars, serving nine parishes and two day care centers. They are distributed in three neighboring dioceses: Shangqiu, Heze and Kaifeng. Their average age is thirty-nine.
Q. But there are also Chinese Augustinian Recollects in Spain, right?
R. In Spain, our Chinese priests are in-charge of the pastoral work with the Chinese Catholics of the diocese of Madrid, and they have helped, from time to time, other communities in other parts of the country. Late last year, this work brought about the creation of a Chinese chaplaincy with its principal seat in our Parish of St. Rita, a chaplaincy officially entrusted to the Augustinian Recollects by the diocese.
Q. The number of Chinese aspirants that the Order has, stands out.
R. In the midst of difficulties, certainly the perspectives are hopeful. In these moments, in China there are five aspirants who are studying in different seminaries (Wuhan, Hebei and Xian) and who, during summer complete their formation proper as Augustinian Recollects in the community of Shangqiu. On the other hand, two diocesan priests have petitioned their entrance to the Order and have started the process of formation in order to become Augustinian Recollects. The team of formation for all of them was recently named with their corresponding plan.
And we cannot forget that, in Saint Augustine Formation House in Las Rozas (Madrid, Spain), there are at present four simple professed of Chinese nationality, aside from two Chinese aspirants who are studying the Spanish language and philosophy.
Q. In relation with China, what is the task given to you by your superiors?
R. The task that I received from my superiors is to be directly at the service of our presence in China. This implies two dimensions: On one hand, to collaborate in the elaboration of the program of formation for our friars in China. And, on the other hand, to prepare myself for it. For this reason, I am now in Rome, specializing in Missionology, aside from attending other courses of interest especially directed toward China.
Revitalization
Q. What is the plan of the Order with regards to China?
R. Within the plan of renewal and restructuring of the Order, the community of the friars in continental China drafted a plan of continuous formation for the entire course 2011-2012. This plan elaborates the usual bimonthly gatherings of the friars, spiritual exercises, communitarian excursion-fellowship and two days of special formation, and the task of facilitating them was given to me.
The first of these gatherings took place on December 29, 30 &31. It has been something special, because it was the first time that a non-Chinese friar visited the brothers of mainland China with the mission of helping them in this process of continuous formation.
I made a presentation of the objective that the 2010 General Chapter established as priority for the sexennium, centering on the revitalization and restructuring of the Order. I also presented the documents that the commission for this process has consistently taken until the present.
Then, we focused on the study of the Rule of Saint Augustine and of the first chapter of our Constitutions regarding the Order and its charism. These are the texts, in which the dynamic principle of revitalization and restructuring is found.
Q. How would you describe the ambiance of the twelve Augustinian Recollects?
R. It was my first time to be accommodated in our community, and the truth is that during these days, I felt at home. It was something beautiful to be able to live in the same house with the friars, just like anyone, without the comforts of the hotel (heating system, warm shower). It was beautiful to see how they went out of their way in order to be able to offer me the best condition possible and to be able to palliate the rigors of the cold climate reaching up to six degrees below zero.
I had the impression that they felt very well, by my presence and by the fact that an ordinary religious like them was able to live and share with them. I could see the interest of the friars, formands and sisters for the formation themes. And I realized that they desire to know more. They wanted me to have more time to be with them and to know more calmly the places where they work, the concrete conditions of their ministries; to know their faithful and that they come to know us . . . I believe that they seek and that they need to be known more in the whole Order, to have their special situation in which they are right now be understood better.
Future
Q. What is, in your opinion, the future of the Order in China?
R. Some steps have been taken to regularize and normalize religious life there. It will be necessary to continue towards this same direction. Now that two priests have returned, after having their formation in Spain, we hope that they can improve notably both the formation and the promotion of vocations. The fundamental contribution that these two can do, has to be their witnessing and example of common life, which they must teach our Chinese religious, who until now have lived a very isolated life. With this intention likewise, the superiors have decided that, after several years of not being able to do it, four religious will live together next year in the community of Shangqiu. With respect to China, it is clear, not only for us, but for the whole Church, that this country and the whole Asia are both the future and the challenge. And we are fortunate to be present there. For this reason, our responsibility is greater.
The example, the intercession and the help of the our martyrs will provide us the light on the way in order to consolidate the presence of the Augustinian Recollects in China.