It is not a course on training in ordinary activities, how to manage a parish, conduct classes or attend to any social activity. It is called “Renewal Course” and points to the foundation of everything that constitutes a person and his sociological and spiritual background. Already for forty decades, the Augustinian Recollects have established it as an obligatory point in time for the control and updating for all every ten years at least. On it the religious examine their spiritual condition and formation, renew their religious consecration and apostolate, as well as their knowledge about the Order itself.
Revitalization, interiority, consecrated life
This year’s Renewal Course was convoked by the Prior General last July 23. It is usually held by continents and this time the geographic field is that of Europe. According to the program that has just been made public, it will take place in a house of spirituality of Rome between next June 21 and July 18. The theme and motto are what have generally been decided upon for 2015: “Revitalization, interiority, consecrated life”. Three sets of topics which will be analyzed both from the Augustinian and Recollect perspective; and a week will be spent for each of the topic during the Course.
Besides, this year, the intellectual part will be enriched by the presentation of the recently published three works of reference: Las Obras completas de la madre Mariana de San José, (The Complete Works of Mother Mariana de San José), the 13th Volume of the Crónicas de la Orden (Chronicles of the Order), and 2nd Volume of the Historia de los agustinos recoletos) (History of the Augustinian Recollects), written by Fray Ángel Martínez Cuesta.
Prayer and living together
The formation, important as it is, is not perhaps of the highest importance. For many, the fourth week entails a break away from life itself. It is dedicated to spiritual exercises directed by Fray Enrique Eguiarte following the models marked by the Team of Revitalization of the Order. And, during the entire month, prayer that the circumstances of the Course allow to do with tranquility and live with greater intensity is highly appreciated. Precisely this year it has been decided to strengthen more this dimension, and for this, the collaboration of skilled persons who will be responsible for putting new energy into it has been sought.
Living together is also highly appreciated, especially because the participants come from different Provinces and ministries and even, at times, dissimilar. And this is what happens this year with about twenty registered religious, from different places and diversity of ages.
In the Eternal City
In the case of Rome, the added value of her monuments is also included, that makes of this Course a kind of pilgrimage. The weekends are spent visiting selected sanctuaries, where the Eucharist is celebrated. Those programmed for this year are: the tomb of St. Pius X, in the Vatican Basilica; that of St. Monica, in the Church of St. Augustine; the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and the Sanctuary of St. Rita, in the City of Cascia.
And of course, the visits to the three houses that the Order has in the Eternal City, the General Curia, in the barrio of EUR; the College of San Ildefonso, in Via Sistina at the center of the City, and the Parish of Our Lady of Consolation, at the peripheral area of Spinacetto are also scheduled.
You can download the information leaflet here.