Cardinal Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is the first American pope and the first from the Order of St. Augustine. The Order of St. Augustine has approximately 2,800 members across 47 countries. Augustinian spirituality is rooted in the teachings of St. Augustine, who lived from 354 to 430. The Order was formally founded in 1244 by Pope Innocent IV, uniting various groups following the Rule of St. Augustine. Central to Augustinian spirituality are the concepts of community, friendship, and unity, as emphasized in the Rule of St. Augustine.
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The Order of St. Augustine traces its roots back to St. Augustine (354-430) but was formally founded in 1244 when Pope Innocent IV brought together various groups living by Augustine's rule 1. The Augustinian rule of life, written by Augustine around 400 AD, emphasizes living together in community 1. This rule was passed down for 800 years before the order's formal establishment 1.
Community and friendship are central to Augustinian spirituality 1. Augustinians strive to build community within their friaries and extend it to those they minister to 1. This focus stems from Augustine's own life and teachings, where he emphasized the importance of friendship and companionship in the search for God 1. The concept of "restlessness" is also key, representing a constant striving for progress and a dissatisfaction with the status quo 1.
Augustinian spirituality offers solutions to modern issues like loneliness by emphasizing authentic human encounter and community building 1. The order's values encourage individuals to move forward, support one another, and address the needs of those around them 1. Augustinians aim to be authentically Catholic, prioritizing mercy, love, and community in their interactions 1.
Pope Leo XIV's election has sparked increased interest in Augustinian vocations 1. His emphasis on caring for people and being a true pastor reflects core Augustinian values 1. The Augustinian order is excited to share Pope Leo, whom they know as a brother, with the Church and the world 1.
The Catholic Church defines the Augustinian Order's charism.
The charism of the Augustinian Order, deeply rooted in the teachings and life of St. Augustine, is characterized by a focus on interiority, community, and the search for God . Several key aspects define this charism:
Interiority and the Search for God: St. Augustine understood that deep within every person's restlessness lies a longing for God . The Augustinian charism emphasizes the importance of turning inward to find God, who is "more interior than our own interiority" . This involves a process of self-examination, freedom from external distractions, and attentive listening to one's conscience . Augustinians are considered "teachers of interiority," guiding others to Christ through this path .
Community Life and Fraternal Charity: A central aspect of the Augustinian charism is community life, marked by genuine, sincere, and generous fraternal charity . This communal experience reflects the life of St. Augustine and his clergy, who lived a monastic life together, sharing everything in common . The Augustinian Rule emphasizes being "cor unum et anima una in Deum" ("of one heart and one mind in God"), fostering a community modeled on the first apostolic community .
Contemplation andasceticism: Contemplation, which involves fixing one's gaze on Christ to be transformed by His Spirit, is a core value . This contemplation is closely linked to community life and involves a constant effort to understand and practice the Gospel . The emphasis on contemplation aligns with St. Augustine's understanding of religious life, where dedication to the eternal is seen as a "rest of the spirit" .
Study and Intellectual Apostolate: The Augustinian Order has a strong tradition of study and intellectual engagement . They possess a "priceless doctrinal patrimony" from St. Augustine and are encouraged to be actively present in the religious-cultural field . This intellectual apostolate involves using the rich resources of Augustinian thought to address contemporary issues and guide people towards a deeper understanding of the faith .
Service and Evangelization: The Augustinian charism extends to active service and evangelization . By living out their charism, Augustinians contribute to the Church's missionary goals, impressing upon their lives the drive for the new evangelization . This includes a commitment to addressing both the material and spiritual needs of others, always linking charity with the proclamation of the Word and the celebration of the Sacraments .
In summary, the Augustinian charism is a multifaceted call to seek God through interiority, live in community with fraternal charity, engage in contemplation and study, and actively serve the Church through evangelization . It is a way of life that invites both religious and lay faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ and contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God .