On November 15, around 60 members of the Augustinian Recollect Secular Fraternities of California (United States), accompanied by their advisor, the Augustinian Recollect Alberto Fuente, and by the vicar of the Province of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine of the Augustinian Recollects in the United States, Marlon Beof, met in Montebello (California) for a day of prayer, formation and fellowship.
The special guest was the Augustinian Recollect Francisco Javier Monroy, member of the General Council of his Order and in charge of the management of the Augustinian Recollect Spirituality Centers (CEAR) throughout the world.
The Regional Council of the Secular Fraternity in California wanted the members of the Fraternities to learn firsthand how these CEARs work and the special role of the members of the Secular Fraternity in showing society the lay way of living the Recollect charism and spirituality.
On the other hand, the new Statutes of the Augustinian Recollect Secular Fraternity were presented during the meeting. This document is of singular importance for an active and committed living out of baptismal promises according to its own charism and for the regular development of a local Fraternity. This document, which has just been approved by the Holy See, contains both general spiritual and charismatic descriptions of the Recollect lay identity and the rules of procedure for each local Fraternity.
The meeting culminated in a Eucharist. The local Fraternity, led by its president and Council, prepared everything necessary for the success of this training event, including meeting rooms, refreshments, and any other needs of those present.
