On Saturday, November 29, the Augustinian Recollect Secular Fraternities (FSAR) of Mexico celebrated their Advent retreat at the Saint Pius X House in Querétaro, which welcomed members of the FSAR from Mexico City, State of Mexico, Morelos and Querétaro, around 90 people, who received a souvenir from the hosts as soon as they arrived at the facilities of the former aspirancy.
The welcome address was given by the Augustinian Recollect Sergio Sánchez, in charge of the FSAR in the Province of Saint Nicholas of Tolentine; also participating in this first speech were Lourdes Laraque, president of the FSAR Mexico, and Sylvia Chávez, local coordinator of the FSAR Querétaro.
In the opening prayer, in an atmosphere of recollection, everyone asked the Lord to enlighten them during the retreat and throughout Advent, the season of waiting for the coming of the Savior. Prayer and reflection were interwoven with hymns proper to this liturgical season.
The Augustinian Recollect Honorio Calvo, the local prior, shared the first conference, entitled “Advent, a Time of Hope,” which concluded with a video promoting hope. Following this, the SAR of the Augustinian Postulancy in Mexico City led a three-part activity: individual reflection, group reflection, and a plenary session for sharing and mutual enrichment through dialogue.
The second talk, “From Silence to Joy: Waiting with Certainty,” was given by Yasmín Aguirre of SAR Querétaro. She emphasized the value of silence in daily life for creating the space to hear God’s voice. She presented Mary as a model of waiting and silence. Finally, in preparation for the 2026 Missionary Year, each participant was invited to consider how they could collaborate and join in the mission of the Church.
The meal, accompanied by live music, unfolded in a cheerful atmosphere filled with conversation and enthusiasm, fostering mutual understanding. The Augustinian Recollect Martín Luengo, Vicar of the Province of St. Nicholas of Tolentine for Mexico and Costa Rica, blessed the food and offered words of gratitude, encouragement, and affection.
The retreat culminated in the Eucharist presided over by the vicar, accompanied by the provincial assistant of the FSAR and the religious assistants of the Fraternities of Querétaro, Hospitals and Saint Monica (City of Mexico), who were present throughout the day.
At all times the objective was promoted to renew the commitment to work together in each of the local Fraternities, forming, at the same time, a single and large community that collaborates in the mission of the Augustinian-Recollect Family in the world from the Augustinian-Recollect lay vocation.
