Friar Javier González Velázquez met with the Board of Directors of Colegio San Agustín, the religious community, and the Pastoral Council of San Lucas Evangelista Parish during the day on October 6.
The renewal visit of the Vicar General of the Order of Augustinian Recollects to Panama continues with meetings dedicated to learning about the life of the communities and accompanying their mission. On Tuesday, October 6, Friar Javier González Velázquez shared a day of dialogue in Costa del Este, addressing Augustinian Recollect identity in education, community life, and lay participation in parish ministry.
Living the charism in the school
The morning began with a meeting with the Board of Directors of Colegio San Agustín. The encounter allowed for a conversation on the experience of the Augustinian Recollect charismatic identity and how to integrate evangelization into the overall educational task.
The challenges posed by the use of artificial intelligence and social networks among students were also addressed, as well as the work to promote safe environments in the school setting.
The management team expressed their desire for a greater presence of religious in the school, where Friar Jorge Chaparro currently serves as rector. In this context, the dialogue highlighted the importance of the laity deepening their knowledge and experience of the charism, assuming their responsibility in the shared mission.
Reviewing life and mission together
At three in the afternoon, the Vicar General met with the community of friars. The religious reviewed the implementation of the Life and Mission Project of the Order and the Province in their various areas of service: the school, the parish, and the local community itself.
The meeting allowed for an assessment of the path traveled, the responses given to situations in community life, and pending issues for the immediate future, especially following the provincial chapter.
A vibrant and participatory parish community
At six in the evening, Friar Javier shared the Eucharist with the faithful. Afterward, he held a meeting with the Pastoral Council of San Lucas Evangelista Parish, in which around twelve people participated.
In his assessment of the day, the Vicar General highlighted the vitality of the parish, which has numerous groups and pastoral services. He also underlined the atmosphere of harmony and collaboration between its members and the pastor, Friar Martín Berástegui.
The new parish website also caught his attention as an expression of an active and committed community. Although he noted that a visit allows one to know only part of the daily reality, Friar Javier expressed a satisfactory assessment of the meetings and the shared work he was able to observe.
Next stage in Río Abajo
According to the program announced at the end of the day, the visit to Costa del Este would conclude on Wednesday, October 7, with the prayer of Lauds, the renewal of vows, and the closing. After breakfast, the transfer to Río Abajo was scheduled to begin the final stage of the journey at the Stone Church.
