On the outskirts of the city of Manizales (Colombia) is the neighborhood of La Linda. There, in the first decades of the 20th century, the San Agustin Seminary was erected, where the great majority of the Colombian Augustinian Recollects have been formed. With the passing of the years, and much dedication, it has become a place of formation and discernment for the present postulants of the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria in the country.
This formation house stands as a place where young people have the opportunity to deepen their religious vocation while developing their Augustinian Recollect identity.
St. Augustine Seminary welcomes young people from different regions of Colombia. This is the case of Marlon Ramirez, from Bucaramanga, who arrived a year ago, while Jonathan Rivera, from Sabanalarga, is in his second year of philosophy studies. Others, such as Kevin Esteban, from Medellín, and Joan Gómez, from Yopal (Casanare), also highlighted the positive impact this stage has had on their lives.
“The formative process includes a profound discernment, which allows the young people to know themselves better, to integrate the values of the community and to respond with freedom and total dedication to their vocational call.”
Jeison Javier Barrios Simancas, postulant master at La Linda, comments that “the formative process during the postulancy seeks to facilitate a gradual transition from daily activities to a religious life fully identified with the Augustinian charism. This process includes a profound discernment, which allows the young men to know themselves better, to integrate the values of the community and to respond with freedom and total dedication to their vocational call”.
Fraternity, one of the pillars of the Augustinian charism, is especially valued by the postulants. Manuel José Arenas Vera, from the Santander area, emphasized the importance of feeling welcomed into a spiritual family that allows for the expression of love and personal identity. “This environment fosters integral growth, enhancing skills and strengthening the commitment to the apostolate, which includes activities such as catechesis, altar service and accompaniment of the sick.”
The seminary has also been able to adapt to the new times, attracting young people through social networks and personal references. In addition, many come thanks to their previous participation in schools, parishes or movements such as the Augustinian Recollect Youth.
“It’s like we’re one family, even though we come from such diverse places.”
Daily life in the seminary combines spiritual formation, recreation and community activities. The postulants emphasize that they enjoy activities such as sports, prayer and informal gatherings where they share stories and laughter with their brothers. “
It is as if we were one family, despite coming from such diverse places,” emphasized one of them.
The formation team, composed of five religious, works closely with the postulants, guiding them in their personal and spiritual growth. This constant accompaniment strengthens the bonds of fraternity and dedication to the service of the Lord in the Order.
The St. Augustine Seminary of La Linda is not only a place of religious formation, but also a home where young people find a community that encourages them to grow in faith, fraternity and commitment to Augustinian Recollect values.