From Wednesday 7 February to Friday 9 February, the bishops of the Order of St. Augustine assembled at the General Curia in Rome for a meeting organised by Prior General, Fr Alejandro Moral Antón, and his Council.
A key aim of this meeting was to enable each Augustinian prelate to share and present the state of play of the diocese in which he works with his pastoral team, as well as share current experiences and future plans for their apostolate and works of charity.
The bishops also had the opportunity across the three intense days to offer suggestions and expectations about the mission of the Order in the different continents where it operates.
"The diversity of origins of the Augustinian friars engaged in episcopal service offers us the unique opportunity to broaden our vision of the Church and approach to present challenges," pointed out Pasquale di Lernia, Secretary General of the Order, at the conclusion of the meeting.
All present were particularly grateful for the opportunity to hear a contribution from Cardinal Prevost, prefect of the dicastery for bishops, and to then discuss with him the issues he raised.
Within the broad-reaching programme, there was an opportunity for Monsignor Luis Marín, undersecretary of the recently concluded Synod of Bishops, to share his reflections on this synodal journey, as a constitutive dimension of the Church, and on which Augustinians have a long history of engagement.
"Augustinian bishops express closeness and communion with the Magisterium of the Church"
Following the Wednesday General Audience of the Holy Father, the bishops - together with the Father General - were able to have some time to greet and chat with Pope Francis, and "express their closeness and communion with the Magisterium of the Church."
In all, 15 Augustinian bishops out of a total of 20 accepted the Prior General's invitation to meet at the General Curia for these few days of “fraternity” and to focus their gaze on the common challenges and opportunities that the Order in particular, and the Church in general are facing. Of these 20 Augustinian bishops, 10 carry out their ministry in dioceses and two in Roman dicasteries, while the remaining eight are emeritus and share our consecrated life within communities of the Order.
