From July 25-27, the city of Cajamarca was the vibrant heart of the Augustinian Recollect Youth (JAR) of Peru. Under the motto “Pilgrims of Hope”, 120 young people from different parts of the country gathered to share faith, friendship and charism in the National Encounter of the Augustinian Recollect Youth (ENJAR) 2025.
A pilgrimage to the Augustinian heart of Peru
The mountains of northern Peru witnessed an unforgettable weekend. Cajamarca welcomed delegations from Centro San José (Cajamarca), Santa Mónica (Chota), Nuestra Señora de la Consolación (Chiclayo), Santa María Magdalena (Pueblo Libre) and Santa Rita de Casia (Miraflores), together with two young people from Arequipa, Carolina and Sebastián, who wish to bring the JAR spirit to their city.
The national advisor, Friar Nicolás Vigo, explained that this year’s ENJAR had as formative lines the Augustinian and Marian dimension, in harmony with the Jubilee of the Youth which was celebrated simultaneously in Rome with Pope Leo XIV. “We can say that we have had our own little Jubilee in the northern highlands of Cajamarca”, he said.
Tents, bonfires and confessions JAR style
During the meeting, the young people participated in an intense program that included walks, Eucharist, moments of community prayer, games, sports, night dynamics and thematic bonfires. All with the characteristic stamp of the RAY: joy, depth, community and interiority.
The Augustinian Recollect seminarians, the vocation promoter, local counselors and some parents also joined in this experience, enriching the experience of the young people with their presence.
A Eucharist in the middle of nature
ENJAR 2025 concluded with an open-air mass in the midst of the natural splendor of Cajamarca. Under a radiant sun and with umbrella in hand, the participants gave thanks for a meeting that renewed their faith and strengthened the bonds between communities.
The gratitude of the young people was not long in coming: “This meeting not only enlivens our hearts, but also encourages us to continue walking together, with hope, as St. Augustine did, always seeking the truth and friendship in God”.