Friar Miguel Ángel Hernández has visited 15 communities in Spain, highlighting the vocational richness, the fraternal testimony, and the pastoral challenge of reaching out to those who are far away.
The Prior General of the Order of Augustinian Recollects, Friar Miguel Ángel Hernández, has concluded the first part of his renewal visit to the communities of Spain, framed within his service of accompaniment to the religious of the Order. For several weeks, he has visited 15 of the 26 communities present in the country, in an itinerary briefly interrupted by his participation in the Jubilee of Consecrated Life held in Rome.
During this visit, he was able to meet with religious from the three provinces present in Spain: Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Our Lady of Candelaria, and Saint Thomas of Villanova. “We are quite similar, we are more alike than one believes”, says the Prior General, thanking everyone for the warm welcome in all the houses and the fraternal atmosphere experienced.
A Church that needs to go out
One of the key points noted by the Prior General has been the pastoral challenge in the European context: “I think it is more difficult to work in this mission, here in de-Christianized Europe, than in Latin America.” He recognizes the effort and attention that the friars dedicate to their communities, but also invites them to take a further step:
“We are missing going out. There is no clear evangelization project in most of our parishes.”
Three photographs of hope
During his visit, Friar Miguel Ángel identifies three major areas that reflect the vitality of the Order:
-
The formation houses, with a significant presence of young people: 12 novices in Monteagudo, 15 in Las Rozas, 20 in the Orfeo, and 19 in Monachil. “It is a picture of hope, of life, of illusion, and of gratitude to God who continues to send us vocations.”
-
The parishes, which remain places of welcome and sacramental service, although they need greater missionary impulse. “We are missing in some places taking the step, being more courageous, and launching ourselves to seek out those who are far away.”
-
The schools, visiting several centers in Chiclana, Motril, Granada, and Guadalajara. He has valued the commitment of the lay management teams: “I see a lot of identification with the charism and a very beautiful work with the youth. But it is necessary to further strengthen the schools as a platform for evangelization.”
Missionary agenda
After returning to Rome to participate in the assembly of the USG and being received by Pope Leo XIV, the Prior General will travel to the Dominican Republic to continue with the renewal visit and officially launch the Missionary Year 2026. He also hopes to share Christmas with the friars of Cuba, still pending approval of his visa.
With gratitude for what has been experienced and aware of the challenges, Friar Miguel Ángel insists that “working together and bearing witness together” is the path that the Order must continue to strengthen in Spain and throughout the world.
