The Prior General of the Augustinian Recollects continues his visit to Brazil, passing through Vitória and Castelo, where he highlighted the vitality of the communities, the participation of the faithful, and the importance of “sharing life” as an essential characteristic of the Recollect charism.
A visit marked by communion and shared life
The Prior General of the Augustinian Recollects continues his visit to the communities in Brazil, strengthening fraternal bonds and encouraging pastoral mission. Between April 7 and 9, he was present in the community of Vitória, in the state of Espírito Santo, where he was able to learn firsthand about the pastoral reality and share significant moments with the religious and the faithful.
The presence of the Augustinians in Vitória dates back to the 1930s, shaping a history of nearly 90 years of dedication to the local Church. Since 1935, the religious — especially the Augustinian Recollects — have played a significant role in the pastoral and educational life of the region.
In that same year, the Santa Rita de Casia parish was founded, entrusted from its beginnings to the care of the Order. In 2025, the parish celebrated its 90th anniversary, consolidating itself as a true center of faith, service, and evangelization in the capital of Espírito Santo.
A vibrant, organized parish and a community of communities
During his visit, the Prior General participated in meetings with the various pastoral ministries and with the Parish Pastoral Council (CPP). At the end of these meetings, he highlighted three fundamental characteristics of the Santa Rita de Casia parish:
- A vibrant parish, marked by the intense participation of the faithful
- An organized parish, which diligently cares for its mission
- An authentic community of communities, where everyone walks together
“It is a blessing from God that needs to be cared for and cultivated,” emphasized Friar Miguel, stressing the shared responsibility of sustaining the life of faith and pastoral commitment.
Castelo: encounter with youth, fraternities, and pastoral councils
The visit continued in Castelo, where the Prior General maintained an equally intense agenda. There he met with the Augustinian Recollect Youth (JAR), with the local fraternity, with the Monica Mothers, and with the pastoral councils.
These meetings were a privileged opportunity for listening, dialogue, and shared discernment, reaffirming the importance of co-responsibility in the Church’s mission and communal living according to the spirit of Saint Augustine.
Sharing life: the essence of the Recollect charism
Among the various reflections shared throughout the visit, a phrase from the Prior General synthesizes the core of the Recollect charism and stands as the axis of this pastoral journey:
What characterizes an Augustinian Recollect: sharing life.
This expression is not limited to an ideal, but defines a concrete way of living the faith: in fraternal communion, closeness to the people of God, and commitment to the evangelizing mission.
The Prior General’s visit to Brazil continues to be a sign of unity and renewal, encouraging communities to remain firm in faith, open to the Spirit, and committed to building a vibrant, participatory, and missionary Church.
The Prior General continues his renewal visit in Brazil: Vitória and Castelo.
Meeting with communities, Secular Fraternity, and Monica Mothers.
The mission is built in daily life.#AgustinosRecoletos #VisitaDeRenovación #MiradaMisionera #Brasil pic.twitter.com/GC3pthCERm— Augustinian Recollects (@oarecoletos) April 13, 2026
