In 1986, some persons, who usually participated in parochial activities and were related to different Augustinian Recollect communities in the parishes of Saint Rita, Saint Mary Magdalene and Our Lady of Charity, had been invited. After a period of formation in which they were given orientation in the life and work of Saint Augustine, history and charism of the Order, its organization and present situation, the Rule of Saint Augustine, and the Rule of Life of the secular fraternity, 71 brothers and sisters committed themselves to live as Augustinian Recollects in their secular state.
Among them were industrial workers, teachers, professors, housewives and retirees. Thus, the Secular Augustinian Recollect fraternity was established in Peru. It is also fitting to mention that one of the record books kept in the Vicariate of Peru vouches for the fact that on June 2, 1959, in San Vicente de Cañete, before the Prior General of the Order of Recollects of Saint Augustine, Fray Eugenio Ayape, five brothers made their promises after having completely fulfilled the prescribed novitiate year. Among them was Carmen de La Cruz Vidal, who was later, incorporated to the fraternity of Saint Rita of Cascia.
535 members
The Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity welcomes persons who desire to live their Christian life, inspired by the doctrine and example of Saint Augustine and by the spirit of Recollection. It has at present 535 members and 235 of them come from the provinces of Chiclayo, Chota and Arequipa and the other 296 belong to the four ministries in Lima.
The secular members, on one hand, take an active part in the activities of their respective parish and, on the other hand, they have fraternity meetings three times every month. They gather to celebrate the Recollection with the religious and seminarians. They also have gatherings of spiritual character, like annual retreat during Lent and a day of spirituality in August.
From the Fraternity was born the vocation to the contemplative life of three sisters: Sisters Bertha Feijóo and Maria Jesus Zarate from the fraternity of Our Lady of Charity, and Sister Dina Hernandez from the fraternity of Our Lady of Consolation, Chiclayo.