The Prior General of the Augustinian Recollects, Friar Miguel Ángel Hernández, made a renewal visit to the community of Chota, in the Vicariate of Peru of the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova. From June 14 to 17, he shared moments of deep fraternity, prayer and encounter with the religious community and the faithful.
A visit of renewal with a fraternal face
“This visitation has a name: visitation of renewal”, explained the Prior General in his interview with Radio Santa Monica.explained the Prior General in his interview with Radio Santa Monica. It is a commitment that the legislation of the Order entrusts to him during his six-year term, with the objective of. “to know, to encourage and, if necessary, to correct”.
Friar Michelangelo made it clear that his desire is not to supervise, but to accompany:
“I prefer to be with the people, to know their work, to see firsthand what the friars do. I don’t come as a prosecutor, but as an elder brother.”
Chota receives Prior General with warmth and gratitude
On June 14, Friar Miguel Angel arrived in Chota with his secretary, Bishop Emiliano Cisneros. There he was received by the friars of the community: Friar Roberto Armas, Friar José Esteban, Friar Gerardo Rimarachín, Friar Manuel Santana and Friar Jorge Contramaestre.
Victor Emiliano Villegas, bishop of the Prelature of Chota, showed them the bishopric and the cathedral, strengthening the ecclesial bonds with the Augustinian Recollect family.
Sunday the 15th was a particularly emotional day. After sharing a fraternal lunch with Bishop Villegas, the Prior General presided at the 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Monica Parish. The various parish groups offered him dances, songs and gifts typical of the region: a poncho chotano from the Santa Monica community, a saddlebag and key rings from the JAR, and a handmade wallet from the FSAR.
JAR youth presented the dance“Tusuy Kusun” and a neighboring family danced marinera, expressing the soul of Chota and its hospitality. “Thank you for so much love” said the Prior General, visibly moved.
Visits that nourish the soul
On Monday 16, Friar Miguel Angel visited Santa Monica Radio and TV+, the communication apostolate that the Augustinian Recollects maintain in Chota. In a close interview, he shared anecdotes of his mission and reflections on religious life.
That same day, he also visited the ARCORES headquarters in Chota, where he learned more about the solidarity projects that the Augustinian Recollect family has been developing for more than 30 years in the Prelature of Chota and Cutervo.
On Tuesday, the 17th, the visit concluded with a meeting with the friars, a lunch outside the house and an emotional closing in the community. The Prior General thanked the friars for their efforts and invited them to continue walking with hope:
“Thank you for your dedication, God continues to do great things on this earth.”
From Chota to Chiclayo
The next destination of the Prior General is the city of Chiclayo, the diocese of which Pope Leo XIV, then Bishop Robert Prevost, was bishop. There he will continue his visit of renewal, strengthening fraternal communion and the missionary impulse.
This visit to Chota leaves a testimony of shared joy, sincere gratitude and a renewed passion for the mission that the Church entrusts to the Augustinian Recollects in Peruvian lands.