In a spirit of communion, listening and hope, the 9th Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno of the Augustinian Recollects is moving forward. 9th Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno of the Augustinian Recollects is progressing in a spirit of communion, listening and hope.in the Talavera House of Prayer-Recoletosin Cebu, Philippines. The meeting was attended by the Prior General, Friar Miguel Angel Hernandez, OAR Miguel Angel Hernandez, OAR, who is personally accompanying this key moment of renewal, fraternity and discernment for the life and mission of the Province.Miguel Angel Hernandez, OAR, who personally accompanies this key moment of renewal, fraternity and discernment for the life and mission of the province.
A presence that strengthens communion
The presence of the Prior General was one of the highlights of this chapter. More than a visitor, Miguel Ángel was fully integrated into the dynamics of the meeting, sharing in the prayer, work and daily life of the friars.sharing in the prayer, work and daily life of the friars.
“He encourages us with his words, listens to us attentively and makes us feel that we are walking in the same family.We are all part of the same family,” say several capitulants.
Their active participation has been a clear sign of of closeness, accompaniment and communion with the whole Order.
reminding us that provincial discernment is not an isolated matter, but part of the life of the Recollect body as a whole.
Review, gratitude and fidelity
The Chapter began with an in-depth review of the 2021-2024 triennium. Reports were presented by the Prior Provincial, the houses and delegations, the secretariats and commissions. The sessions were intense but fraternal, marked by an attitude of grateful and sincere grateful and sincere listening..
From the initial trainingthrough community community lifecommunity life vocation ministryto the to the mission in Sierra Leoneeverything has been reviewed in the light of the Spirit.
“We do not want to stay with what we already know, but to discover what the Spirit is telling us today…”, said one of the capitulars.“said one of the capitulants.
Election of a new leadership
One of the most significant moments was the election of the new election of the new Prior Provincial and his councilThis was the fruit of a process of discernment lived in prayer, serenity and communion. The new government team now has the task of animate the life of the province with creative fidelity to the charism and evangelical audacity..
The Prior General accompanied this moment with discreet closeness, expressing his joy for the climate of unity in which the election took place.
“May this new stage be a path of communion and service, always attentive to the needs of the Church and the people of God.” He said after the results were announced.
An international and fraternal province
The Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno is one of the most diverse in the Order, with missionary presences in the Philippines, Taiwan, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Saipan and Vietnam. Chapter bulletins describe an environment rich in cultures, languages and experiences. rich in cultures, languages and experiencesbut united by the same faith and vocation.
“Here one speaks in many languages, but prays with a single heart.” the editors of the Chapter Chronicle write.
The moments of recreation, liturgical celebrations and shared meals have strengthened the fraternity among the religious, renewing also the personal bonds that sustain community life in mission places.
Walking together with hope
The chapter’s motto –“Onward together in gratitude, fidelity, and hope” – inspires every word and decision.– inspires every word and decision. The logo, with its moving human figures, the central heart wounded with love, and the waves symbolizing the missionary journey, has become a spiritual icon of this time of renewal. spiritual icon of this moment of renewal.
“We walk together, grateful for the past, faithful to the present and hopeful for the future “.“summarizes the organizing team.