Renewal, closeness and hope: first days of the Prior General’s renewal visit to Argentina

A start marked by prayer and fraternal communion

Tuesday, April 1, was the starting point for the renewal visit of the Prior General of the Order, Friar Miguel Ángel Hernández, to the communities of Argentina, accompanied by the Secretary General, Friar Luciano Audisio. The day began in the community of the Assumption and St. Andrew with the praying of Lauds. Miguel Ángel addressed some words of closeness to the religious, encouraging them to live this time as a space of encounter and interior renewal.

At mid-morning, the visit moved to St. Joseph’s College, an institution still managed by the Order, where they were warmly welcomed by students, teachers and staff. In an atmosphere of deep spirituality, a prayer was shared with the students of the primary level. Afterwards, there was a tour of the school facilities, concluding with a fraternal meeting with the directors and those responsible for the CARPE project (Augustinian Recollect Community of Pastoral Education), a propitious moment for dialogue on the challenges and dreams shared in the educational and pastoral work.

The day culminated with a Eucharist at the Parish of the Assumption and St. Andrew, accompanied by the faithful and the religious community. It was a vibrant celebration of faith and communion, followed by an informal gathering that reinforced the spirit of family and belonging.

Enthralling encounters and community spirit

Wednesday, April 2, a national holiday for the Day of the Veterans and the Fallen in the Malvinas War, began with the recitation of the Divine Office and Lauds. At mid-morning, the religious participated in a community meeting of mutual listening and reflection together with the Prior General.

One of the highlights of the day was lunch with Bishop Martin Fassi, Bishop of San Martin, a diocese that hosts three Augustinian Recollect communities. The conversation, marked by affection and memory, included shared memories of the mission in Banes, Cuba, where Bishop Fassi ministered in times past.

In the afternoon, the atmosphere was one of celebration and community: a “mateada” with the Secular Fraternity, the Monica Mothers and representatives of the JAR offered a relaxed space, full of testimonies and shared life. The day concluded with the celebration of the Eucharist, closing the day with spiritual unity and renewed hope.

A day to celebrate history and plan for the future

Thursday, April 3, was dedicated in a special way to the Augustinian Institute, as part of the commemoration of the centenary of the arrival of the Augustinian Recollects in Argentina. In the morning, a festive meeting was held with the children of the infant level, followed by an emotional Eucharist with the students of 4th and 5th grades of primary school, where they expressed their gratitude for the legacy received and prayed for the future of the educational mission.

Later, the Prior General held a meeting with the school’s management team, sharing a joint look at the school’s current challenges. The afternoon was focused on dialogue with the pastoral coordinators, CARPE delegates and student representatives, who enthusiastically contributed their vision on how to make the Augustinian charism grow in the school environment.

In the late afternoon, the community gathered for the recitation of Vespers and a penitential celebration, where Friar Miguel Ángel offered words of encouragement and gratitude for the witness of the religious. The day ended with the Eucharist and a meeting with the Parish Pastoral Council, consolidating a visit full of significant moments of unity, renewal and hope.

A path of renewal that continues

These first days of the renewal visitation have been marked by an atmosphere of fraternal welcome, mutual listening and communion, both in the religious communities and in the educational institutions and lay people linked to Augustinian Recollect spirituality. The presence of the Prior General is being a living testimony of the closeness of the Order and the desire to continue walking together, with hope and commitment.

The visit will continue in the coming days, strengthening the bonds between the friars and opening new horizons for the mission in Argentina.