The third great work that the Augustinian recollects have long waited for has just come out. Towards the end of last year, the Spanish publisher Biblioteca de Autores Cristianos published the complete works of Mariana de San Jose, originator of the female recollect movement towards the start of the XVII century; it was a volume of almost 2000 pages, product of the long years of work of Jesus Diez Rastrilla. Months after was also published the XIII volume of the Chronicles of the Order, written by Jose Manuel Bengoa, another Augustinian recollection dedicated in the research.
What was lacking was the second volume of History of the Augustinian Recollects of Angel Martinez Cuesta. The first volume was published in 1995, twenty years ago, with a subtitle noting down the historical portion which comprised: “From its origins to the XIX century”.
There seems to appear to be out of proportion: one hundred years in only in the second volume, against the fifteen centuries of the first. But this shows, rather, the work of investigation demanded and the defining importance of the XIX century in the recollect history. The present situation of the Order of Augustinian Recollects could not be understood if the ins and outs are not known, in the new published volume, Marinez Cuesta explores and illustrates masterly
Cuesta needs to complete the work. The third and the last volume, which will cover even the postconciliar years, he announced that a few months from now. When the work is completed, he will gather comprehensively the complete history, the circumstance and analysis of the recollect journey. An inquisitive reader will know the details of the ups and downs of this religious Order; and from this historical platform, the Augustinian recollects will be able to project a future true with its historical accomplishment.