Rediscovering the mission: meeting of RAY leaders from Spain and England

The Encounter of those in charge of the Augustinian Recollect Youth and Youth Ministry of the Augustinian Recollect communities of Spain and England was held in a privileged environment, “Casiciaco”, the retreat house of the Augustinian College of Madrid, located in Lozoyuela, in the mountains of Madrid. This event, which took place from February 21 to 23, was an opportunity to renew the commitment to the youth mission and strengthen the bonds between communities.

A clear objective: redefining the mission of the RABs

The fundamental purpose of this meeting is to rediscover and reflect together on the essential questions that guide the work of the RAYs: the “What for?”, the “How?” and the “What do we do for what?”. Beyond theory, the focus is on the experience and the change of attitude of pastoral agents, promoting an openness of mind and heart, as well as an active disposition to assume this mission with renewed enthusiasm.

It is not a matter of offering academic explanations, but of generating a space for dialogue and discernment to promote a new way of sharing the mission of the RAY in Europe. The reflection revolves around the evolution of leadership within this youth ministry, the deepening of the charism received and the awareness that these gifts are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.

Christ at the center: a call to authenticity

From the beginning of the meeting, the opening prayer set the tone of the experience, inviting the participants to place Christ at the center of their lives and pastoral work. The importance of leaving aside everything that prevents us from recognizing the richness that the RAY represents was emphasized, understanding that this project is not only a youth initiative, but a way of living the faith in community with a deep and transforming sense.

Diversity and commitment on the same path

This meeting was attended by representatives from various localities, such as England, Granada, Seville, Madrid, Guadalajara, Getafe, Zaragoza and Valladolid, which reflects the diversity and commitment of the Augustinian Recollect communities to this work. The plurality of experiences and contexts brings an invaluable richness to the dialogue, allowing for a broader vision of the challenges and opportunities facing youth ministry today.

A message of hope and renewal

One of the most significant fruits of this meeting was the elaboration of a message addressed to the whole Augustinian Recollect family: “WE WANT TO LIVE OUR PURPOSE WITH HOPE”. In this message, the participants expressed their desire to revitalize the identity of the RAY and to reaffirm their role within the community, emphasizing the importance of accompaniment and the RAY itinerary.

Throughout the weekend of February 21-23, the ENCA-JAR (National Community Meeting of the JAR) brought together schools, formation houses and parishes of the provinces of St. Thomas of Villanova, St. Nicholas of Tolentine and Our Lady of Candelaria. In this context, they reflected on the reality of a youth community in need of greater accompaniment, the value of the ARY itinerary and the mission they have within the Augustinian Recollect family.

The meeting raised an essential question: what is the purpose of the RAY, which led the participants to rediscover their identity and the call of Christ to be leaders in their environments. Inspired by this commitment, they expressed their determination to accompany young people with radicalism, truth and love, embracing their journey with hope and responding to current concerns.

A commitment to the future

This meeting has been an impetus to strengthen the vocational culture and accompaniment in the community, aware of the challenge it represents for both lay people and religious. As a result, a team of representatives has been formed at the regional level with the purpose of joining efforts and common objectives to bring the Gospel to the youth of Spain and London from the Augustinian charism.

The participants thanked the Prior General for his constant support and the Province of Our Lady of Candelaria for the hospitality offered in “Casiciaco”. They also thanked all those who have been part of the organizing team and have accompanied the process, either in person or with their prayers.

A step forward in the revitalization of the ARBs

More than a simple meeting, this encounter marks a milestone in the revitalization of the Augustinian Recollect Recollect Youth in Europe. Shared reflection, fraternal communion and deepening of the Augustinian Recollect charism are key elements for strengthening this mission and projecting it into the future with renewed hope.

The Augustinian Recollect Youth continues to be a space of encounter, formation and growth in faith, where young people are called to live and share the Gospel with authenticity. This meeting reaffirms the commitment of the communities to continue accompanying and forming the new generations with the spirit of St. Augustine and the light of the Gospel.