Sister Amparo Costilla Jiménez: a new challenge at the head of the Federation of Augustinian Recollect Nuns in Spain

Sister Amparo Costilla Jimenez has been elected president of the Federation of Augustinian Recollect Nuns of Spain during the Assembly held in the convent of Marcilla (Spain). Her election represents a new chapter in a trajectory marked by her dedication and contemplative vocation. Let us know more about her history, her vision and the challenges she assumes in this new service to her community.

Andalusian roots and a journey of faith

Born in Medina Sidonia (Cadiz) on May 4, 1966, Sister Amparo grew up in a simple family. Her father emigrated to Germany for many years in search of better opportunities. She was baptized on May 22, the feast of St. Rita, and is the third of seven siblings. At the age of four, her family moved to Chiclana, where her religious vocation took shape.

The discovery of his vocation and his entry into the contemplative life

In Chiclana, Sister Amparo grew up attached to the Parish of San Sebastian, run by the Augustinian Recollects. At the age of fifteen, she began her preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, an experience that marked a before and after in her spiritual life. It was then that he experienced a profound conversion and began to live his faith with a renewed commitment.

Regular attendance to the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation became a spiritual necessity, beyond a simple obligation. Her participation in the youth group and in a prayer group called “Vivencia de fe” allowed her to discover the peace and strength she found in prayer before the Tabernacle.

Thus, little by little, without realizing it, his relationship with Jesus grew stronger until he understood that his life had meaning only with Him.

When she shared this concern with Father Jesús María Mauleón, he was not surprised; it seemed that he was expecting this decision and encouraged her to follow his call. Thus, on September 4, 1985, she entered the convent of the contemplative Augustinian Recollect Sisters of Chiclana. Since then, her life has been marked by the joy of her vocation and the certainty of having been born to be an Augustinian Recollect.

A leadership service at the head of the Federation

Being named president of the Federation of Augustinian Recollect Nuns of Spain is for Sister Amparo one more service in her journey of surrender to God. “It is a way of continuing to say yes to God’s plan for my life,” she says humbly. Although she recognizes her limitations, she fully trusts that it is the Lord who will guide her steps in this new mission.

Her role will be to accompany her sisters, encourage them and strengthen unity among the communities, faithfully guarding the charism of the order.

Beyond the administrative challenges, Sister Amparo takes on this service with the desire to foster joy, passion and enthusiasm for the contemplative vocation.

An Assembly marked by diversity and fraternity

One of the aspects that has most caught Sister Amparo’s attention in this 2025 Assembly is the presence of young sisters from diverse cultures. ” It’s a richness, a marvel,” she says. Beyond the differences, there is a positive atmosphere, with a desire to overcome difficulties and grow in formation, fraternity and mutual help.

Challenges and dreams for the future

Sister Amparo is aware of the challenges facing the Federation, among them the shortage of vocations, the need for solid formation and the urgency of walking with greater unity among the communities.

Her greatest dream as president is that all the sisters will reach the goal of holiness, walking the path of conversion, love, dedication and humility.

A petition to the Augustinian Recollects

As federal president, Sister Amparo also addresses a request to the Augustinian Recollects: greater availability to accompany the nuns in their spiritual journey. Some communities have the grace to count on her presence, but many others lack this possibility. “One of the problems that concerns us is the difficulty in finding speakers for Spiritual Exercises and retreats, as well as for formation,” she explains. She also encourages the strengthening of the bonds between the nuns, the Secular Fraternity and the Augustinian Recollect Youth (JAR), creating a network of mutual support within the great Augustinian Recollect Family.

With humility and determination, Sister Amparo Costilla Jimenez faces this new challenge with the hope of continuing to serve God and her community, guiding her sisters in the pursuit of holiness and fidelity to the Augustinian Recollect charism.