On April 7, Friar Miguel Ángel Hernández, Prior General of the Order, arrived in the city of Rosario, in the province of Santa Fe, to begin his fraternal visit to the community of Our Lady of Luján.
The day began with Vespers, during which the Prior General addressed a few words of thanksgiving and shared his enthusiasm for this long-awaited meeting with the community of Rosario. Afterwards, he presided the Eucharist with the faithful of the parish at
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After Mass, a meeting was held with those responsible for parish catechesis, from the pre-baptismal stage to adult formation. The meeting was an opportunity to share the pastoral methods used and to reflect on the challenges facing the parish in the transmission of the faith.
April 8 began with a community meeting in which fundamental aspects of religious life were discussed in the light of the Life and Mission Project of the Order. At noon, the community received the visit of Mons. Eduardo Martín, Archbishop of Rosario, who shared lunch with the friars. This fraternal moment was an opportunity to dialogue about the local ecclesial reality and to know the Archbishop’s expectations regarding the Augustinian Recollect presence in the city.
In the afternoon, during the recitation of Vespers, a penitential ceremony was celebrated as part of Lent. Later on, the Prior General met with the Madres Monicas and the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity. The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist in the parish church and an emotional meeting with the group “Casiciaco Matrimonial”, a movement with more than thirty years of presence in the parish. It was a special occasion to share the table, faith and life.
April 9 was dedicated almost entirely to Our Lady of Luján College, which welcomes some 650 students from elementary to high school. The Prior General began the day by meeting with the management team and CARPE in a sincere dialogue, where, despite the difficulties, a deep hope was expressed.
Later, in the school gymnasium, the students were able to dialogue with Friar Miguel Ángel, asking him questions about his vocation and his work as Prior General. This meeting was lived with closeness and joy, strengthening the bonds between the educational community and the Order. The day ended with a Eucharist and a meeting with the Parish Pastoral Council, in which the pastoral challenges of the parish were presented.
Finally, April 10 began with the recitation of Lauds, at which time thanks was given for the life of Friar Ricardo Corleto, prior of the community, on the day of his birthday. As is tradition, the renewal of vows was also celebrated. After lunch, the Prior General left for the next Recollect community in the city of Santa Fe.
This visit has been a true sign of communion and hope, and has left in the community of Rosario the deep flavor of a fraternity lived with joy and commitment.