The year 2024 in the Order of Augustinian Recollects: a journey through the small achievements of each day.

In 2024, the Order proposed to reflect on the value of small, everyday things, inspired by the thought of St. Augustine, “if you aspire to great things, begin with small things” (Sermon 69,1,2). According to the Prior General, “this approach sought to rescue the domestic virtues, such as tolerance, cordiality and generosity, which are fundamental in everyday life, as well as the Christian virtues, such as humility, charity and forgiveness, which lead to a fuller spiritual life”. All this has been developed throughout the year through the formative proposals, meetings and spiritual exercises.

Highlights and celebrations

The year 2024 was marked by significant milestones such as the centenary of the mission in Shangqiu (China), and the 125th anniversary of the presence of the Order in Venezuela and Brazil. These events included congresses, historical commemorations, liturgical acts and the inauguration of new social works.

The meeting of Augustinian Recollect bishops in Rio de Janeiro was one of the most important milestones of the year, gathering 16 prelates in an atmosphere of fraternity and reflection on their mission in the Church and their vision of the Order. This event was enriched with reflections on synodality and fraternal life, with the participation, among others, of Bishop Luis Marín, undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops.

Missionary and pastoral commitment

The missionary and ministerial apostolate was another of the protagonists of the year, with numerous meetings, such as the Missionary Congress in the Philippines, highlighting the role of the Order in evangelization and social action. Likewise, the ARCORES solidarity network expanded its work in Latin America, with key projects in Brazil and Venezuela.

Fraternal visits and spiritual legacy

In 2024, the Prior General completed his tour of fraternal visits to communities in Africa and America, highlighting the commitment of the religious to their local communities. “During 2024, I have continued my fraternal visitation to areas of the Order that I did not yet know. I have visited Colombia, where I only knew Bogota, Manizales and the Desert; Kenya, spending Holy Week in the convents of Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Lodwar and Wote; and Sierra Leone, where I shared much time with the communities of Kamabai and Kamalo. I was also in England, where I was deeply impressed by the work with the Latino community in London, and in Labrea, a region I had not yet visited despite having lived in Brazil for 20 years. On my trip to the Amazon region, I participated in the 25th anniversary episcopal jubilee of Bishop Joaquín Pertiñez in Rio Branco and visited the communities of Belém and Marajó, which I already knew well. In Mexico, I spent a significant month visiting convents and participating in the opening of the Federal Assembly of our Recollect sisters. I was also in the United States, where I was surprised by the enormous participation of the faithful, especially Latinos, in our parishes. Now I am preparing to travel to Venezuela for the closing of the 125th anniversary of our presence in the country, thus concluding the visit to the communities that I did not know, except for China and Saipan.”

In addition, the death of Don José Luis Azcona Hermoso left a legacy of defense of human rights and fidelity to the Gospel and the mission of the Church, being remembered as a true prophet of our time.

Advances in training

The commitment to ongoing formation materialized in the expansion of the In Imum Cordis platform, with a complete training offer ranging from accompaniment, through the thought and spirituality of St. Augustine, vocation promotion or the creation of safe environments . These initiatives have had a positive impact both internally and in collaboration with other institutions and religious families. The Prior General emphasized that “the School of Formation In Imum Cordis has continued to grow and to propose different courses of formation and accompaniment in different areas, and it is with great satisfaction that we see the good reception they are having”.

New communication projects

In addition, two important projects were launched during 2024: Diálogos de Casiciaco, an online space to discuss current ecclesial topics with various guests, and Recoletos Music, which promotes music by authors linked to the Order on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.

The year 2024 reaffirmed the mission of the Order of Augustinian Recollects to live and transmit Augustinian values from the small. In the words of the Prior General “throughout history, God used small and seemingly insignificant elements to accomplish great works, from the biblical patriarchs to the first disciples of Jesus”. During the year, it was emphasized that “salvation and change in the world do not come from grandiose acts, but from simplicity and everyday gestures such as sharing, listening and fostering brotherhood.”