With deep joy, the Order of Augustinian Recollects received the election of the new Successor of Peter, Pope Leo XIV. Pope Leo XIVa member of the Order of St. Augustine. In a message full of gratitude, fidelity and hope, the Prior General, Fr. Prior General, Friar Miguel Angel Hernandez, OAR, expressed his full communion with Pope Leo XIV.Miguel Angel Hernandez, OAR, expressed his full communion with the new Pontiff, assuring him of prayer, obedience and service to the Church.
“Count us in, Holy Father”.
From Rome, in the name of the entire Augustinian Recollect family present in four continents, Friar Miguel Angel Hernandez addressed a few words to the new Pope Leo XIV, expressing his obedience and desire to walk under his guidance as Supreme Shepherd of the flock. obedience and the desire to walk under his guidance as Supreme Shepherd of the flock..
“We want to work in communion for the evangelization of peoples and the unity of the Church. Count on us, Holy Father, in all that is within our reach to contribute, from our poverty, to the building of the civilization of love.”
A hope-filled election
The new Pontiff was elected at a key moment for the Church, after the death of Pope Francis. The election of an Augustinian religious – as was St. Augustine of Hippo, doctor and father of the Church – is a providential sign that strengthens the communion between charism and mission.
The Prior General wanted to emphasize this spiritual dimension by recalling a phrase of St. Augustine:
“Blessed be God, who deigned to exalt the apostle Peter above the whole Church. It is most fitting that this foundation should be honored, since it is the means by which we may ascend to Heaven.” (Sermon 15 on the Saints)
A promise of prayer and faithfulness
The message concludes with a confident prayer for the new Successor of Peter:
“We ask your blessing and promise you our prayer, that the weight of the cross you carry on your shoulders may be bearable and the burden light.”
Communion, obedience and love of the Church
The Order of Augustinian Recollects thus joins in the joy of the whole Church for the election of Pope Leo XIV. And, with the joy of knowing that it is under the guidance of a new Pastor, it renews its commitment to the mission of the universal Church, it renews its commitment to the mission of the universal Churchto evangelize, to serve, to pray and to build communion.
