Miguel Angel Hernandez, visited the Augustinian Recollect community of Chiclana de la Frontera, where the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine accompanies the life of three parishes, several chapels, a school and the monastery of the Augustinian Recollect Nuns. A ministry full of life and spiritual richness, with a strong presence of lay people, secular fraternities and confraternities.
A close and fraternal visit
The stay of the Prior General was received with great joy by the different communities. Pedro Izura, an Augustinian Recollect from the parish of San Sebastian, described it as a “very intimate, very close, very pleasant” moment. He especially emphasized the attitude of listening of Fr:
“He is a man who listens a lot, he notices everything, as much work as is being done here… He was very close, very much at home.”
Pedro emphasized the Prior General’s surprise at the vitality of the parish and the large number of pastoral agents, which he described as “a blessing for the community. “a blessing for the community”..
Joyful reunion with the Augustinian Recollect Nuns
At the Monastery of Jesus of Nazareth, the Prioress and Federal Mother, Sister Amparo Cortina, experienced the visit as a true gift:
“It was a joyful reunion, an honor for us, his presence and his words encouraging us to walk together as an Augustinian Recollect family”.
Sister Amparo emphasized the climate of trust and dialogue, thanking the Prior General for the clarity of his teachings and the encouragement he transmitted to the monastic community:
“We thank him for his closeness and his interest. He encouraged us to continue walking with hope.”
St. Augustine’s School: surprise and joy
The visit also included a meeting with the students and educators of Colegio San Agustín. Elena Butrón Ruiz, a member of the management team, shared her impressions:
“It was the first time I met a Prior General. On this occasion we had a meeting in the church with all the students, we sang songs of St. Augustine, St. Monica and the motto of the year. It was a very nice moment.
Later, in the dialogue with the management team, the Prior General showed great interest in the school and family life, being surprised by the importance and extension of the Augustinian presence in Chiclana:
“He was amazed at the amount of life and catechists we have here. He recognized the value of what is being done and encouraged us to continue with enthusiasm.”
A family united in mission
The visit to Chiclana showed the strength of a united religious family: friars, nuns, lay people and educators who share the charism of St. Augustine. The closeness of the Prior General left in everyone a message of encouragement and hope. As the testimonies recalled, his attitude was always that of a shepherd who listens, encourages and allows himself to be surprised by the life that springs up in every corner of the Augustinian Recollect family.