Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yopal (Fides Service) - From 25 January to 2 February Recollect Augustinian Missionaries from all over the world met at Yopal-Casanare, Colombia, for their second meeting in the framework of Mission Year 2006 convoked by the order’s superior general, Fr Javier Guerra Ayala to mark the centenary of the death of Saint Ezechiele Moreno and the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Recollect Augustinian Missionaries in the Philippines (see Fides 3/2/2006)
Delegations of Augustinians Missionary fathers came for the meeting from America, Asia and Africa, as well as a delegation of Augustinian Missionary Sisters and three bishops Bishop Javier Pizarro Vicar Apostolic of Trinidad Casanare, Bishop José Luis Azcona of Marajo Brazil and Bishop Misael Vacca of Yopal Colombia.
The meeting opened on 25 January with a Mass presided by Fr José David Niño Gómez, Provincial Prior of the province of Our Lady of Candelaria. Speakers included Fr. Maz Vita Orsuna who illustrated the new Recollect Augustinian Missionaries statutes and said that the general house considers mission an important priority; Fr. Miguel Rialza who spoke about "the missionary dimension of the charisma of the Recollect Augustinian Missionaries" with reflections on evangelisation and mission and the apostolic dimension of the Augustinian charisma; Fr. Vittoriano Sánchez spoke on “Spirituality of the Recollect Augustinian Missionaries " and Fr. René Paglinawan, on mission in Sierra Leone, reflected on the figure of Saint Ezechiele Moreno as "example of missionary, evangeliser and bishop, 100 years after his death "; Fr. Ángel Herrán spoke about integral promotion of men and inculturation of the Gospel and Sr. Ester Lucía Uribe spoke about “history, identity and evangelising presence of Recollect Augustinian Missionary Sisters”. Several missionaries gave testimonials.
At the end of the meeting the participants issued a message addressed to the members of the Order expressing determination to follow in the footsteps “of our elder brothers who were sanctified in the missions”. The religious also urged their brothers and sisters to “continue in the most difficult frontier and prophetic ministries and to maintain a demanding spirit of mission instead of a certain easy-going attitude”. They asked all provinces to make a firm option for missionary work and suggested that meetings with the whole Recollect Augustinian Missionaries family be held every six years.
The missionaries confirmed their commitment to “serve the poorest and most neglected people, promote inculturated evangelisation and integral development of the countries”, to work to strengthen their identity and charisma underlining that they are ready to go “wherever the Church needs us”. Lastly they called for commitment to mission and perseverance in evangelisation “with new missionary ardour because many have still to encounter Jesus Christ or have gone cold in their faith." (RG) (Agenzia Fides 21/02/2006 Righe: 35 Parole: 457)
