December has been filled with special programs for young people in the ministries of the Augustinian Recollect Family in Mexico. The month began with a jubilee pilgrimage in Querétaro, marking the close of the Holy Year, in which members of the Augustinian Recollect Family in the city participated, from both the Fray Luis de León School and the Lomas de Casa Blanca Parish.
Augustinian Recollect Youth played a prominent role with their flags and banners, accompanied by Recollect religious, Augustinian Recollect missionary sisters, members of the Secular Fraternity, and the educational community. The day consisted of a pilgrimage from Fray Luis de León School to the Querétaro Cathedral. After passing through the Holy Door, a Eucharistic celebration took place.
From December 12 to 15, eleven young people from five Mexican states participated in a vocational retreat held at the Centenario Farm of the Augustinian Recollects near Cuernavaca, Morelos. There was time for formation, prayer, and sports. A film forum and a special session on the Augustinian Recollect Missionary Year were also included.
Also in mid-December, the contemplative Augustinian Recollect nuns organized various activities focused on lay vocations. In Ahuacatlán, a new Secular Fraternity was established with the professing of vows by its new members and the beginning of a probationary year for two more people; and in Tlaxcala, a formation meeting was held with the aim of creating a ARY Milan group based at the monastery.
On Saturday, December 20, the candidates from Mexico City offered their families a Christmas carol recital during the end-of-year gathering.
In Chihuahua, from December 17th to 21st, the ARY Chihuahua group conducted a Christmas mission in rural communities of the La Junta parish. They spent time with the residents, paying special attention to the children and organizing various community celebrations.
From December 20th to 22nd, the ARY Hospitals held a year-end retreat in Malinalco, State of Mexico. They had the opportunity to volunteer, caring for patients at the House of the Good Samaritan, and joined the local Christian community for their posadas (traditional Christmas celebrations). Some of their parents accompanied them, and a fraternal gathering concluded the three-day retreat.
And at the end of December, the members of ARY Querétaro, from the Milan and Casiciaco stages, participated in an Oasis retreat at the House of Recollection near Cuernavaca.
