In addition to providing an atmosphere of exceptional fraternity and communion, the encounter served as a platform for examining the principal challenges that have to be faced in Augustinian Recollect educational centers in the context of the process of revitalizing and restructuring in which the Order is currently involved.
Some of the principal changes identified, through joint constructinve analysis of the present situation, were the following: the need to establish common plans focusing on central activities, such as pastoral ministry, the training and formation of teachers, and the establishment of standards of quality that will assure a minimum level of the conditions required for the good functioning of the shools, always aiming to impart the values of Saint Augustine.
Mixed Working Commissions
One noteworthy feature of the encounter was the work in mixed commissions, comprised of dedicated religious and lay educators in the various participating countries. This was the characteristic mode of procedure of the encounter and gave rise to important debates that noticeably enriched the results obtained. Both the religious and the lay members were able to express their concerns and expectations, which were then translated into general and specific objectives for each one of the central topics discussed.
Resulting Commitments
These mixed commissions made up of educators from the several countries took on specific assignments, with deadline dates for completing them and with the full awareness that in their hands is a delicate and important process, that of responding, through their joint constructive efforts, to what the General Curia is asking of them: to revitalize and restructure Augustinian labor, in order to reinfuse the values that motivate them, the values that Saint Augustine teaches, which are inevitably translated into education focused on the person, on the students, the very reason for being of these schools.