Within the framework of Agosto con A de Agustín, Recoletos Music has re-released “Descalzos” (Barefoot)a song by Fr. José Manuel González Durán which, with rhythm and simplicity, captures in verse the essence of Augustinian Recollect life. Inspired by the Forma de vivir de los frailes agustinos descalzos (1588), this work is an authentic “profession of Recollect faith” made music.
A song born from the Way of living
The inspiration for “Barefoot comes from a phrase that, for more than four centuries, has been at the heart of the Recollect charism:
“…this reformation which the mercy of the Lord awakens in some by sending his Spirit…” (FV, Prologue).
José Manuel took these words and turned them into the central refrain of the song, transforming them into a joyful song that celebrates God’s initiative as the origin and support of all Christian life and of the Augustinian Recollection.
Portrait of the Recollect
In its verses, the song draws a vivid portrait of the Augustinian Recollect. A humble and simple man, for whom humility is not an ornament, but the true study of each day, as the Forma de Vivir reminds us in its number 8. He lives with austerity and poverty, letting these “cast rays of himself” everywhere, as a luminous sign of his consecration.
He is also someone who is detached, who does not let his heart cling to anything, and who treats everyone with equal dignity, without privileges or exceptions. His community life is based on fraternal unity, where being together is a source of joy and strength.
Prayer burns in her heart, nourishing charity and keeping the love of God burning. She loves peace, knowing that it is a sure sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the community. And he takes care of silence and recollection of the soul, recognizing that these are indispensable allies for the interior life. All this is lived not for human interest, but, as the last line of the Forma de Vivir, Laus Deo, says, for the praise of God.
Music for the soul
With a refrain that is repeated as a prayer, the song reminds us that Augustinian Recollect life is not sustained by perfectionism or human strength, but by grace and the call of God. It is an invitation to walk “barefoot, detached, humble and simple”, always united, living in peace, humility and simplicity.always united, living in peace and shining in love.
August with A for Augustine: celebrating the charism
In this month dedicated to St. Augustine, the re-launching of “Descalzos” (Barefoot) through Recoletos Music is not only a musical tribute, but also an opportunity to rediscover the beauty of the Augustinian Recollect charism. To listen to it is to let oneself be ignited by the same fire that inspired the first friars and that continues to burn today in communities, parishes and missions.