In the heart of the Jubilee Year convoked by Pope Francis, the Augustinian Recollect Sisters (ARS) have embarked on a historic pilgrimage on the occasion of the tercentenary of their foundation. From the Philippines to the Vatican, passing through emblematic places of Augustinian spirituality, this pilgrimage is not only a physical journey, but an authentic journey of the soul that commemorates three centuries of consecration, mission and communion.
Founded in 1725 by Mother Genesian and Mother Cecilia Rosa Talangpas, who received the habit from the hands of the Augustinian Recollect Fathers in the church of San Sebastian, Manila, the AR Sisters have kept alive a spirituality centered on “one soul and one heart directed toward God,” in the style of St. Augustine. The community, which began with humble roots in the Philippines, has now spread to the Americas, Europe and Oceania, bringing its charism to schools, retreat houses and social works.
A path of shared faith
Sr. Mary Ann J. Lumactao, current Superior General of the congregation, summarizes with emotion the meaning of this trip:
“We wanted to make this pilgrimage because it was a resolution of the 2024 General Chapter. We commemorate 300 years since our foundresses received the ‘mantelata’ from the Recollect Fathers. Since then, the community grew and today we spread the charism and spirituality of the Order of Augustinian Recollects.”
With sisters from the Philippines, Spain and Australia, the group toured Jubilee churches in Rome and significant places for the Recollect family, culminating with an emotional visit to the community at the General Curia of the Order, and a special audience with the Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
For Sr. Mary Ann, this moment is deeply symbolic:
“It is an opportunity to be with the Recollects, who have supported us from the beginning and will continue to support us in the future. It is time to walk together as pilgrims of hope.”
A history of belonging and mission
Sr. Cleofe Maria Agua shares how this experience in Rome connects her to the roots and missionary outreach of the congregation:
“It is a great blessing from the Lord to be here. For 300 years, it has been a miracle of St. Rita and the Recollect saints. It’s an opportunity and a challenge to be more holy and more faithful as Augustinian Recollect Sisters.”
“It is a great blessing from the Lord to be here. For 300 years, it has been a miracle of St. Rita and the Recollect saints. It’s an opportunity and a challenge to be more holy and more faithful as Augustinian Recollect Sisters.”
From their motherhouse at St. Rita College in Manila, the AR Sisters extend their presence throughout the Philippines, Australia, the United States and Spain, serving schools, orphanages, retirement homes and other apostolic works.
Cleofe reaffirms a sentiment that unites the entire Recollect family:
“We always tell our students and communities that we are of one mind and one heart with all the Recollects of the world, spreading the teaching of St. Augustine and our little way.”
Encounters that transform the soul
Sr. Maria Aurora Baygan reflects with emotion on the profound meaning of this pilgrimage:
“During the years of preparation it didn’t have that much of an impact on me, but now, living the Tercentenary, I have been amazed. It is something that cannot be described in words, but it has intensified my faith and my community experience.”
Although it was not his first visit to Rome, he confesses that something very special happened at the Shrine of St. Rita in Roccaporena:
“Yesterday was an unforgettable day. The priest who guided us explained every detail of St. Rita’s life. I felt a very strong connection between her, the congregation and me. I can’t exactly express in words what I felt, but I thank the Lord for that experience.”
This meeting with the patron saint of the impossible has renewed their commitment:
“I truly promise to do good in my life as an AR sister – praise the Lord!”
A call to the entire Augustinian Recollect Family
From the chapel of the General Curia of the Order, the AR Sisters send a clear and hopeful message to the entire Augustinian Recollect family:
“Let us follow the way together. Let us be of one heart and one mind, living in community, following in the footsteps of Jesus, who called us from the beginning. Let us walk as pilgrims of hope.”
And as Mr. Cleofe concludes with a smile:
“Even though we are far from the Philippines, it is beautiful to know that we are part of this great Recollect family in every corner of the world. One soul and one heart directed towards God.”
Three centuries of consecrated life, and the fire is still burning. The Augustinian Recollect Sisters not only celebrate a glorious history, but look to the future with a firm step, knowing that their vocation continues to be a sign of hope for the world. Who said that the paths of faith do not pass through Rome?