Centenary of the Augustinian Recollects in Argentina: an event to celebrate

The year 2025 marks a very special milestone for the Augustinian Recollects in Argentina, as they commemorate 100 years of their presence in the country. This event is not only an occasion to remember and give thanks for the legacy of the many religious who have developed their mission in these lands, but also, in this Jubilee year, to renew the evangelizing commitment with a look of hope.

The history of the Augustinian Recollects in Argentina began in 1925, when three religious left Brazil and Spain to plant their charism in an unknown territory. Despite initial challenges, they founded communities in Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Rosario, laying the foundations of the Vicariate of Argentina. With a reduced number of friars, they built temples, initiated educational projects and extended their pastoral mission. The creation of the Gándara seminary in 1939 marked the beginning of their formative work, which was consolidated with emblematic schools such as San José and Augustinian. This centenary honors his spirit of sacrifice, the ability to overcome adversities and the vision of community, while renewing the commitment to continue his apostolic and educational mission, bringing his spiritual heritage to new generations with hope and dedication.

A solemn inauguration

The inaugural event of the Centenary will take place on January 18 at the Parish of Our Lady of Fatima, in Mar del Plata. The celebration will begin with a solemn Mass presided by Bishop Dario Ruben Quintana, Augustinian Recollect and Bishop Prelate of Cafayate. This act will mark the beginning of a year full of commemorative activities in each of the communities.

Invitation to participate

The Vicar of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova in Argentina, Friar Ricardo Daniel Medina, has expressed his desire that“all the faithful, students and members of the communities participate not only in this inaugural event, but also in the many activities that will take place in the different houses of the Vicariate in the country”. Each community will organize events that reflect its history and particularities. “Everyone is expected to actively promote this beautiful event,” said Medina.

Hymn of the Centenary of the Augustinian Recollects in Argentina

To accompany the commemoration of the centenary, the Music Ministry of the Vicariate of Argentina has composed the hymn “We Are Pilgrims”inspired by the Jubilee 2025 motto. “Pilgrims of Hope”.. The composer was Alejandro Ezequiel Manzur, and Joaquín Tévez and Juan Marcelo De Biase collaborated in the musical production. The song will be available at Recoletos Musicand can be heard on the main music platforms.

A legacy of faith and service

The presence of the Augustinian Recollects in Argentina has been, during these one hundred years, a living testimony of dedication and commitment, especially to parish life and education. Their work endures in each of the parishes and schools they have founded, as well as in the hearts of the faithful who have been touched by their evangelizing work. At present, there are seven communities of Augustinian Recollects in Argentina, distributed in the city of Buenos Aires, Rosario, Santa Fe, Mar de Plata and San Andrés (Buenos Aires).

In addition, in recent years, two Argentinean religious have been ordained bishops, Bishop Carlos María Domínguez and Bishop Darío Quintana, who carry out their episcopal mission in the Diocese of San Rafael and in the Prelature of Cafayate, respectively. The Centenary also wants to recognize the commitment of so many lay people who, in parishes, Secular Fraternity, JAR, EDUCAR Network, CEAR and ARCORES carry out the mission of the Order in Argentina.

Ricardo Daniel Medina, “the centenary of the Augustinian Recollects in Argentina is called to be a moment of joy, gratitude and renewal of commitment to their mission”. It is also a reminder that, with the collaboration of all, the legacy of these one hundred years can continue to grow and bear fruit in the future. “We hope that this celebration will be an occasion to strengthen the bonds of faith and community among all those who are part of this great Augustinian Recollect Family”.