From December 1 to 3, 2025, the Dominican Republic will host a key meeting for the present and future of the Augustinian Recollect Youth. The General Team of the ARY meets in a space of fraternal dialogue, active listening, and community discernment. The call arises from the desire to stop the pace, look at each other again, recognize each other as brothers in mission, and project together the path that remains to be traveled.
During these days, the participants share the local realities of the ARY, analyze the way in which the chapter decisions are being implemented in each province, and assess the way in which the General Team is developing its animation work. Proposals for the future are also addressed: the next WYARY, the revision of the Statutes, the possible approval of the ARY Identity Manual, and the definition of a work agenda for the 2026–2028 triennium.
Project to boost youth ministry
Friar Ismael Xuruc, head of the ARY, shared with recoletos.org that, within the framework of this meeting, he has worked together with the advisors of the Province of Candelaria on a new pastoral project for the ARY. The provincial head has already presented this proposal to the Prior General, with the aim of boosting the pastoral commitment to young people in the various ministries of the province, based on the evangelizing offer provided by the ARY Itinerary.
The international team has also structured its action plan for the coming years of the six-year term. “We have organized the team’s work into secretariats, inspired by the proposals of the past Synod of Youth,” explained Friar Ismael. This new model seeks greater coordination, closeness, and shared leadership.
The meeting on December 5 will be dedicated exclusively to the internal work of the General Team, where the reflections, proposals, and assessments shared with the advisors will be collected, with the aim of consolidating a common and synodal vision of the youth path.
One of the central themes is the evaluation of the ARY Itinerary as a formative tool. In addition, there is reflection on the role of advisors in the life of the groups, the link with the Secular Fraternities, the vocational dimension of youth ministry, digital evangelization, and the experience of a culture of good treatment. All these aspects are illuminated by the Province’s Project of Life and Mission, which remains the shared frame of reference.
Each province has previously sent detailed reports that collect updated data on the reality of the ARY, the number of young people, the formative stages experienced, the links with the religious communities, and the pastoral proposals developed. This preparation has allowed for a deep and concrete dialogue, which does not remain in ideas but is rooted in life.
On the horizon: a new WYARY
One of the most anticipated moments was the conversation about the next World Youth ARY Day. Although the details have not yet been made public, it has been confirmed that the venue will be in Asia and that the experience will include an international pilgrimage. “We are working on a proposal that is in tune with the Year of Accompaniment,” said Friar Ismael Xuruc. The WYARY will be a new opportunity to strengthen communion among young people from all over the world and continue walking together in the truth of the Gospel.
In short, the meeting is being a privileged opportunity to renew enthusiasm, strengthen communion, and revive the passion for youth evangelization. The ARY continues to be a living presence in the Church and in the Order, a young voice that, from the Augustinian Recollect charism, wants to continue telling the world that the heart is thirsty for God and that it is worth walking together.
