The visit of the Prior General, Friar Miguel Angel Hernandez, to the religious communities of the West Coast of the United States began with an atmosphere of welcome, faith and fraternity. Throughout the week, his presence was a source of joy and spiritual renewal for the religious and faithful of each community.
Saint Benedict Community
The Prior General’s itinerary was inaugurated in the community of Saint Benedict. The day began with a morning Mass with the students of the school, a celebration full of youthful vitality and devotion. In the afternoon, another Mass was offered followed by a talk on the various ministries of the community, in which the Prior General shared profound reflections on pastoral service and commitment, highlighting the importance of spiritual accompaniment in the mission of the Church.
“This visit is proving to be an opportunity to revitalize the spiritual and pastoral commitment of all those who make up these religious communities.”
Saturday: Cristo Rey in Los Angeles
On Saturday, the visitation continued in the community of Cristo Rey in Los Angeles. There, Fr. Miguel Angel celebrated a solemn Mass that brought together members of the community as well as the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity. The day culminated with a fraternal dinner, a propitious opportunity for a close encounter between the laity and the religious, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation in the shared mission of the Church.
Oxnard Community
The next stop was the community of Oxnard, where Friar Miguel Angel was received on Sunday with joy and enthusiasm. This visit was marked by the closeness and warmth with which they shared the daily experiences of religious life, providing a space for listening and communion that reinvigorated fraternal bonds.
Maria Estrella del Mar
On Monday, the Prior General visited the sick religious at the Maria Salud de los Enfermos center, run by the Servants of Mary, bringing words of encouragement and comfort to those facing health difficulties. Later, he shared a special meeting with the community of Maria Estrella del Mar. There, he dialogued with the members of the parish pastoral, listening and encouraging the efforts they make to strengthen the faith life of the community.
“The Prior General’s words and presence recall the sense of mission that unites all in the pursuit of profound service to God and the faithful.”
Saint Anthony Community in New Mexico
On Tuesday, the visit moved to New Mexico, to the community of Saint Anthony. Miguel Angel shared moments of prayer and reflection with the religious, marking a point of spiritual strength that resonated with all present and reaffirmed the shared commitment to continue the pastoral mission.
Return to Los Angeles
On Wednesday, back in Los Angeles, a private meeting was held with the religious community, where the Prior General delved into fundamental themes for consecrated life. Finally, on Thursday, he concluded his visit with a return to Los Angeles, thus closing a week full of meaningful encounters and a message of renewal for each community visited.
In the words of the Prior General, “this visit is proving to be an opportunity to revitalize the spiritual and pastoral commitment of all those who make up these religious communities.” For the religious of the EEU Vicariate, “the words and presence of the Prior General recall the sense of mission that unites all in the search for a profound service to God and the faithful.”
