After 13 years following the JAR itinerary, a group of young Venezuelans decided to give themselves to Christ as lay Augustinian Recollects and live their vocation in community
The faith of young people matures. That of eleven Venezuelans of the Augustinian Recollect Youth (JAR) has led them to give themselves to Christ as secular Augustinian Recollects. For the first time, a JAR community made its promises in the Augustinian Recollect Secular Fraternity on Sunday after having concluded the itinerary of the Augustinian Recollect Youths.
Fatima, Henry, Imelis, Janeth, Leopoldo, Luis, Marisol, Martha, Moisés, Orlando and Sammytier, of the JAR La Pastora, have prepared for a year and a half through the experience Pilgrims for the promise they made this Sunday. It was in an emotional celebration in which the great majority of the secular communities and young Augustinian Recollects of Caracas were present.
The preparation of the eleven new lay Augustinian Recollects has also been the 13 years in which they have been part of the JAR. They themselves were the impellers of the Augustinian Recollect youth movement in the parish of San Judas Tadeo in Caracas, constituting the community of Jeremiah.
Now they have responded to the call that God has made to them during these years in the Augustinian Recollect Youths. With their promise, they become part of the Augustinian Recollect Secular Fraternity of Saint Magdalena of Nagasaki. His decision is to follow Christ and live his faith in community under the Augustinian Recollect charism as lay people.
The experience of this group of new laypersons, between 33 and 40 years, in addition to supposing a testimony of surrender to Christ, is a relevant fact for the Order of Augustinian Recollects. It is the first time that a community of young Augustinian Recollects, after concluding their journey, decides to continue their vocation and become part of the secular fraternity.
“Always in community”
The Eucharist, which took place in the parish of San Judas Tadeo in Caracas, was marked by the memory and recognition of the path that the eleven new lay people have followed for 13 years. Especially moving was the moment when the members of the Secular Fraternity of Santa Magdalena de Nagasaki received their new members with a hug. Many young people of the JAR accompanied their predecessors in the celebration.
The vicar of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in Venezuela, José Gabriel Rodríguez, encouraged the eleven to never leave the community “no matter what happens”. “Today you show that living in a community can be a reality,” he said.
He also added: “For the JAR, it sets a precedent, as an invitation, for many young people who have lived the JAR Itinerary intensely, to take the step in community to be FSAR”.