Augustinian Recollects: Pilgrims of Hope in Casanare

The plains of Casanare, in Colombia, represent a challenge and a blessing for the Augustinian Recollects, who have brought the message of the Gospel to these lands since the 19th century. From November 29 to December 7, the General Councilor and responsible for the Missionary and Ministerial Apostolate of the Order, Fr. Ismael Xuruc, visited the communities of the Order in the region, visiting places like Yopal, Trinidad, Paz de Ariporo, Bocas del Pauto and Orocué. During his stay, he was able to learn about the needs and hopes of the communities that live there.

These parishes and missions face significant challenges: precarious roads, long distances and lack of basic services such as health care are some of the daily difficulties. However, Fr. Ismael highlighted something even more profound:

“What is most striking is the thirst for God of these communities, which cry out for spiritual accompaniment.”

A living legacy of St. Ezekiel Moreno

The mission of the Augustinian Recollects in Casanare has an indelible legacy: St. Ezekiel Moreno, who served as apostolic vicar of the region at the end of the 19th century. Although his time there was brief, he left an indelible mark on these lands. St. Ezekiel traveled through these inhospitable regions reorganizing the missions, ministering to scattered communities and bringing hope through his unwavering faith. According to Fr. Ismael, his legacy is summed up in his own words:

“There is no difficult path if it leads souls to God.”

Today, this spirit lives on in the Augustinian Recollect religious who, following the example of St. Ezekiel, dedicate their lives to this mission. The friars not only celebrate sacraments and visit remote villages, but also lead solidarity initiatives to support those most in need. These actions include collecting food, organizing improvements to churches and comforting people in times of pain.

Vocation and hope for the future

The mission in Casanare is demanding, both physically and spiritually, but it is also a palpable expression of the vocation of the Augustinian Recollects as “pilgrims of hope”. Fr. Ismael emphasized the need to pray for an increase in vocations in the Order, especially in this missionary context where a more solid religious presence is required to strengthen community life and guarantee integral pastoral care.

The witness of St. Ezekiel Moreno continues to be a source of inspiration: his life, marked by prayer, love for the poor and the sick, reminds today’s religious that the apostolate and religious life are inseparable.

At the end of his visit, Fr. Ismael invited everyone to “ask God that the religious may continue to be faithful servants of the Kingdom, bringing hope to those who need it most, and that the example of St. Ezekiel may continue to illuminate the path of the Augustinian Recollects in their evangelizing mission”.