The Secular Fraternity, which was established in 1982, is now 30 years old. Its anniversary was celebrated on May 5. This was preceded by a series of conferences and it coincided with the ordination to the priesthood of an Augustinian Recollect who was born in Belém.
One of the lecturers was Mons. Jesus Maria Cizaure. He was a missionary in the island of Marajó, on the other side of the Amazons, before he was made bishop. He also administered the parish of Belém some years ago. Mons. Ciazaure is, at present, the bishop of Cametá and starting last April 25 he was named apostolic administrator of the neighboring diocese of Marabá. He is also the president of the regional section of the Episcopal Conference of Brazil.
On that same day, May 5, Bishop Cizaure ordained to the priesthood the young Augustinian Recollect, Ricardo Catete, who hails from Belém. He celebrated his first Mass in his hometown the next day. This same Eucharistic celebration was also considered by the Fraternity as its thanksgiving offering for the 30 years of “caminhada”. During the presentation of gifts, the Fraternity offered a new image of their patron, St. Magdalene of Nagasaki.
The Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity is composed by lay faithful who desire to live Christian life inspired in the doctrines and example of St. Augustine and the spirit of the Recollection. There are 40 members in the Fraternity in Belém. They actively participate in the activities of the parish and they have their fraternal gathering every 15 days. Every 28th of the month they celebrate the Mass in honor of St. Augustine (August 28), aside from other spiritual activities like retreats, which they hold, at least twice a year, one in Lent and another in Advent.
From the Philippines
The Augustinian Recollects have been in Belém since 1899. They came to this extreme part of the world, at the mouth of the Amazons, after a few months of travel from the Philippines where they were expelled during the revolution. In a matter of 20 years they crossed the biggest river in the world to take charge of the mission in Marajó. From that time on Belém became the base to provide for and operate the missions. The parish of San José de Queluz, which was established in the year 1959, has been entrusted to the Augustinian Recollects. They opened a minor seminary in this same place.