On November 10, the Plenary of the Tiradentes Palace hosted a solemn session promoted by State Deputy Alan Lopes to deliver Motions of Congratulation and Applause to the three Orders that live the spirituality of Saint Augustine: the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR), the Order of Discalced Augustinians (OAD) and the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA).
The ceremony, presided over by Deputy Alan Lopes, was attended by civil and ecclesiastical authorities, among them the priors provincial: Friar Javier Tello Vegas (OAR), Friar José Valnir da Silva (OAD) and Friar Luiz Antônio Pinheiro (OSA). Also present were Mons. Roberto Lopes, Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life; Fr. Rodrigo de Oliveira Dias, from the Episcopal Vicariate for Education; the federal deputy Hugo Leal; besides Augustinian religious, priests, faithful, educators and students from institutions linked to the three Orders.
During his speech, Deputy Alan Lopes highlighted the contribution of the Augustinian Family in the human, Christian and social formation of generations of cariocas and Brazilians, underlining the value of its presence in educational, pastoral and community settings.
On behalf of the Augustinian Recollects, the Prior Provincial Fr. Javier Tello Vegas expressed his gratitude for the award and pointed out its special significance, since it coincides with the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Augustinian Recollects in Brazil. 125th anniversary of the arrival of the Augustinian Recollects in Brazil.. In his words:
“To receive this motion in this house of the people is more than remembering a historical fact. It is to recognize the strength of a mission that, over more than a century, has built bridges of faith, education and solidarity.”
Friar Javier also recalled the living and active presence of the Augustinian works in Rio de Janeiro: the parishes of São Januário and Santo Agostinho (São Cristóvão), Santa Mônica (Leblon), Santo Agostinho and Santa Rita (Barra da Tijuca), the Colleges Santo Agostinho of Leblon and Barra da Tijuca, as well as the Creche Santa Rita de Cássia, in Vidigal.
“These institutions express our commitment to the integral formation of the person, uniting faith, knowledge and social responsibility”, he affirmed.
At the end of his speech, the Prior Provincial invited the friars to renew their hope and missionary spirit:
“May this celebration rekindle in us the joy of continuing to walk together, with gratitude and hope, keeping alive the Augustinian ideal of being one heart and one soul directed towards God.”
The session concluded with applause and a deep sense of gratitude for the legacy and mission that the Augustinian Orders continue to offer to society, contributing to the construction of a more just and fraternal community founded on the values of the Gospel.