Taking Care of Ourselves in the Consecrated Contemplative Life

Protection and care, both personal and communitarian, are the central themes of the ongoing formation course which, since the beginning of December, is being developed, organized by the Commission for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults of the Order. This program, directed to the 46 contemplative communities of the Federations of Augustinian Recollect Nuns of Spain and Mexico, seeks to foster a culture of care in the different dimensions of consecrated life.

Course objectives

The course, entitled Taking Care of Ourselves in the Consecrated Contemplative LifeIts main goal is to promote the integral wellbeing of consecrated women, considering their cognitive, affective, volitional, physical and relational dimensions, all of which are enlightened by spiritual transcendence. Within this framework, the specific objectives include stressing the importance of personal, relational and community care at every stage of consecrated life, rediscovering the foundations of Augustinian fraternal life in the key of care, deepening affective education in consecrated life, reflecting on the Church’s commitment to care, good treatment and the prevention of all types of abuse, and reviewing and promoting the personal and community life project from a perspective of integral care.

Methodology and development

The course, which began on December 7, 2024 and will run until early March 2025, is conducted through the In Imum Cordis training school platform, which provides access to interactive content such as readings, videos and other resources. The sessions, held weekly, last approximately one and a half hours and are divided into two parts: an initial presentation by the speaker and a phase of questions and dialogue.

Each theme includes previous texts for personal study and guiding questions for community reflection. At the end, participants are asked to prepare a summary applied to their personal and community life.

Themes and keynote speakers

The course develops essential content ranging from the importance of personal and community care to reflection on the future of contemplative life. Topics such as the anthropology and spirituality of care, the experience of affectivity in consecrated life, and healthy aging in community life have been explored. The importance of self-care and community relationships from an Augustinian perspective have been analyzed, as well as the Church’s commitment to caring environments. Also discussed were aspects such as the balance between power, authority and obedience, prayer as a spiritual foundation, and the elaboration of personal and community life projects. Among the speakers were Dr. Carmen Montejo, Friar Javier Monroy, Friar Alicia Nicás, Friar Enrique Eguiarte, Sister María Torres, Friar Luciano Audisio, Friar Águeda Nougués, Friar Antonio Carrón, Sister Isabel García, and the Prior General, Friar Antonio Carrón. Miguel Ángel Hernández.

Towards a culture of care

This course represents a significant step for the Augustinian Recollect communities in their commitment to integral care, in harmony with the values of Augustinian fraternal life and the needs of today’s world. With initiatives such as this, the Order reinforces its mission of accompanying consecrated women in their personal and spiritual growth, fostering a healthy and resilient community life.