The joy and fraternity of the Augustinian Recollects were present in La Junta (Chihuahua, Mexico), a place that hosted the 2025 Interparish Meeting of the parish ministries of the Augustinian Recollects in the Mexican State of Chihuahua on November 8.
More than 200 faithful from the parishes of San Juan Diego in Ciudad Delicias, Cristo Sumo Sacerdote in Chihuahua, San Martín de Porres in Ciudad Cuauhtémoc and Sagrado Corazón in La Junta, were summoned by the Augustinian Recollects for a day of formation, prayer, fellowship, mutual knowledge and encouragement and building of that communion that characterizes the Augustinian Recollect charism.
Under the motto “Shared Charism and Mission Wherever We Are Called,” the day began at 10:00 a.m. with prayer and songs of praise, preparing the hearts of those present for the day ahead. Augustinian Recollect Gustavo Camarena gave the official welcome, thanking everyone for their presence and their indispensable work as collaborators and pastoral agents.
The first training session was led by Recollect friar Efraín Cervantes: “The Importance of the Laity in Pastoral Ministry.” He emphasized the need to walk together, shared responsibility in the evangelizing mission, and the active role of the laity within the life of the Church.
Gustavo Camarena gave the second presentation, focusing on the Augustinian Recollects’ pastoral motto for the 2025-2026 academic year: “Proclaim Christ wherever you can.” At 1:30 p.m., this same friar presided over the Eucharist. During his homily, he emphasized the universal vocation of the baptized to proclaim the Gospel “wherever, whenever, and however possible,” reminding everyone that all Christian life is a permanent mission.
The gathering concluded with everyone sharing a meal, which had been lovingly prepared by the Recollect community of La Junta. Amid smiles, expressions of gratitude, conversation, and new bonds of friendship, all returned to their parishes strengthened in their Recollect charism and their commitment to living out the mission God entrusts to them through the spirituality they share.
God invites each person to a specific mission in their environment, which is important to embrace with courage, availability, and a spirit of service in temples, hospitals, homes, workplaces, social networks… The Church belongs to everyone, and everyone must put their own and community charisms that they wish to live into service.
“No one is superfluous; we must come together, prepare ourselves, and be active in the Church. The task of a layperson is to live and act in the world to sanctify it. I am Catholic, I live in unity, and I am at the service of my neighbor,” summarized one of the participants, Flor Domínguez.
