Closing of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Augustinian Recollects in Venezuela: a legacy of gratitude and hope.

In an atmosphere of deep spirituality and communion, the Order of Augustinian Recollects celebrated the closing of the commemorative events for its 125 years of presence in Venezuela. During the days of December 5 and 6, religious, laity and members of the Recollect family gathered in activities that combined reflection, fraternity and thanksgiving, reaffirming the commitment to the Augustinian charism.

Encounter with the Augustinian Recollect Family

On December 5, the St. Jude Thaddeus Theater in La Pastora (Caracas) became the epicenter of an emotional meeting between the Prior General of the Order, Friar Miguel Angel Hernandez Dominguez, and the various expressions of the Recollect family. Secular Fraternities, JAR youth, Monica Mothers and representatives of the educational and social institutions of ARCORES and CEAR shared testimonies and reaffirmed their commitment to Augustinian values.

In the afternoon, St. Pius X Parish was the scene of a solemn Eucharist presided over by the Prior General. This moment of profound spirituality included the solemn profession of Friar Carlos Riera, a transcendental step in his journey of dedication to religious life.

Words of gratitude and hope

In his homily, Fr. Miguel Ángel expressed a deep joy for being in Caracas, expressing: “God has been great with us and we are joyful”. He remembered with special affection the beloved Friar Dativo, whose legacy remains alive in the heart of the community: “Today he is at the feet of the apostle whom he loved so much, and no doubt that from heaven he continues to intercede with St. Jude and help his little sheep of the Shepherdess.”

The Prior General underlined the relevance of the 125 years of mission in Venezuelan lands, describing them as a profound and committed alliance with the people:“125 years sowing the seed of the Gospel in these beloved lands… an alliance like that of marriage: in joy and in sorrow, in health and in sickness… until God wills it”. This time, he noted, has witnessed moments of glory and also of sorrow, in which the Order has been an instrument of consolation and salvation.

“To be a Recollect is to put passion in life, passion in what we do, passion for God and for suffering humanity”.

Fr. Michelangelo also reflected on the challenges of consecrated life and the total commitment it implies: “If it is not entirely and forever… there can be no consecration and there can be no fidelity.” He called for living with passion, courage and radicality, following the example of the origins of the Augustinian Recollection. In his words, “To be a Recollect is to put passion in life, passion in what we do, it is to be passionate for God and for suffering humanity.”

“Love in a Christian key always means giving one’s life… not necessarily in martyrdom, but in a continuous and constant surrender to God and to one’s brothers and sisters.”

In the context of the solemn profession of Friar Carlos Riera, the Prior General emphasized the witness of life to which consecrated men and women are called: “Your life, your witness has to be a sign of life and hope for others… we have to see the living Christ acting through you”. He also reflected on the importance of detachment, sharing and authentic love: “Love in a Christian key always means giving one’s life… not necessarily in martyrdom, but in a continuous and constant surrender to God and to one’s brothers and sisters.”

Finally, he thanked Fr. Carlos for his commitment and exhorted those present to continue building hope, even in the midst of difficulties: “Let us continue to lay bricks of hope… because that is the only foundation that can support and overcome the weight of frustration, discouragement and fatigue.

Liturgical Celebration and Ordinations

The second day of celebration took place at Colegio Cristo Rey (Caracas), where the religious of the vicariate gathered to reflect on the legacy of the Order in Venezuela and to strengthen the bonds of fraternity. This space allowed us to look to the future with hope, inspired by the road we have traveled in more than a century of evangelizing mission.

In the afternoon, the Parish of La Guadalupe, in Las Mercedes, witnessed two significant moments: the closing of the Holy Door, which marked the end of the Jubilee Year, and the diaconal ordination of Friars Eduardo Caripe and Carlos Riera. The ceremony, presided over by the Archbishop of Caracas, Msgr. Raul Biord Castillo, was a manifestation of the depth of the evangelical commitment that characterizes the Order of Augustinian Recollects.

125 Years of history and hope

These celebrations not only recalled the historical legacy of the Order in the country, but also renewed faith in a future full of service and fraternity. With the closing of this anniversary, the Augustinian Recollects in Venezuela reaffirmed their mission of being light and hope in the midst of challenges, strengthening the bonds between religious and laity in a community united by love and service to God.