The Orders of Augustinian Recollects and Saint Augustine in Venezuela, together with the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, signed an agreement for the creation of a doctorate in education that consolidates advanced formation and the Augustinian charism in the academic field.
An agreement at the service of the Augustinian educational mission
In a milestone for religious education in Venezuela, the Order of Augustinian Recollects -through its Vicariate in Venezuela, belonging to the Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova- and the Order of Saint Augustine have signed an agreement of academic cooperation with the Catholic University Andres Bello (UCAB). This agreement contemplates the launching of an doctorate in education with an Augustinian emphasisThe agreement provides for a doctorate in education with an Augustinian emphasis for friars and teachers who are part of the educational works of both orders.
The new doctorate represents a continuity at a higher level of the Augustinian degrees already consolidated in the region, and responds to a long-standing formative need: To deepen the charismatic identity without leaving aside academic excellence..
Advanced formation without losing the Augustinian heart
This academic program will not only provide pedagogical and doctrinal tools to those who participate, but it is also designed to cultivate the spiritual, communitarian and humanistic dimension of the Augustinian of the Augustinian tradition. This has been expressed by representatives of the Orders and UCAB, who have stressed the importance of forming educational leaders who will keep alive the flame of St. Augustine in the classroom and in society.
The Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, one of the most prestigious academic institutions in the country, has shown full support for the project. Its rector, Fr. Arturo Peraza SJ, has publicly expressed his commitment to this initiative, recognizing its value not only for religious communities, but also for the country:
“It is a firm step forward for education and Augustinian identity “he said after the signing of the agreement.
A shared path for truth
This doctorate seeks to open spaces for research, reflection and educational dialogue based on Christian anthropology and Augustinian pedagogy.. It is a project of great relevance for the life of the Church in Venezuela, where the Augustinian Recollects have been committed for decades to education as a concrete form of evangelization, transformation and human promotion.
The creation of this doctorate is also a visible sign of the synodal journey of the Church: inter-congregational collaboration and the link with high-level academic institutions are an expression of the desire to walk together, at the service of the Gospel and society.
A seed for the future
The new doctorate will be a platform to continue sowing the hope and wisdom of St. Augustine in future generations of educators. A concrete tool for the Augustinian charism to continue to illuminate the search for truth, love for interiority, dialogue with culture and commitment to the most vulnerable.
In the words of St. Augustine: “In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, freedom; in all things, charity.” With this conviction, the Augustinian Recollects Vicariate of Venezuela celebrates with joy this firm step in favor of the educational mission..
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