The Prior General reflected on the global migration crisis at the opening of the X International Congress of Augustinian Studies of the Uniagustiniana of Bogotá. “It’s about not excluding anyone, from the whole person,” he said.
The Prior General, Miguel Miró, attended this Thursday the opening of the X International Congress of Augustinian Studies, organized by the Agustiniana University (Uniagustiniana) of Bogotá. On this occasion, attendees at the symposium will reflect on the thought of St. Augustine and the theme of the tenth edition “Migrations: a world in motion, a world in conflict.”
At the opening of the congress, the Prior General had the opportunity to share a brief reflection on the subject of the event. He delved into the migration issue facing the world, stating that it is necessary to see it “with a broad vision” and a “theological reflection” is needed, since it is not a problem of a congress place but “a world reality.” “Migratory reality is a sign of the times,” he said.
Miguel Miró asked to question the issue from faith. “It’s not about migrants, it’s about charity; it’s not about migrants, but about our humanity,” he said. In this line, he said that “it is about not excluding anyone, from the whole person.” He also recalled the four verbs proposed by Pope Francis: “Welcome, protect, promote and integrate.”
He added that “migration is a topic that worries everyone today” and that “there are multiple factors that motivate people to migrate.”
Subsequently, the Augustinian Recollect and Augustinian Enrique Eguiarte made his presentation that had as its subject “Migrations from the perspective of Agustín de Hipona”. The X International Congress of Augustinian Studies will be completed by talks and panels that will provide different approaches to the issue of migration.
The International Congress on Augustinian Studies, organized by the Uniagustiniana of Bogotá, is an event that has established itself as a space for reflection around the thoughts of St. Augustine and the way in which society can influence, even today.