Affiliated Faithful

The Order of Saint Augustine is not limited to those who live in monasteries or cloistered communities. It is a vast spiritual family composed of friars, contemplative nuns, and secular fraternities, but it also extends to a special group known as the affiliated faithful (Const. 40). These individuals, while living their vocations in the world, are intimately united to the Order through a spiritual bond of beneficial collaboration (Const. 40).

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Who are the Affiliated Faithful?

Affiliation is a unique status granted to laypeople who have demonstrated distinguished cooperation for the good of the Order. It is a way for the Augustinian community to formally recognize and embrace those who have walked alongside the friars in their mission and ministry. (Const. 50).

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There are two primary ways one becomes an affiliated member of the family:

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• By Recognition of Service: The Prior General, either on his own initiative or at the request of an Augustinian community, grants affiliation to those who have significantly aided the Order. This is often marked by the solemn presentation of a certificate of affiliation. (Const. 50).

• Through Family Ties: In a beautiful tradition of the Order, the parents of friars and sisters of solemn vows are automatically considered affiliated from the very day of their child’s solemn profession. Additionally, the Prior General may grant this same status to the parents of members of aggregated Religious Congregations upon request from their respective Superiors General. (Const. 50).

 

A Shared Spiritual Life

To be affiliated is to become part of "one body under our father, Saint Augustine". This is not merely an honorary title but a deep spiritual reality. Affiliated members:

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• Share in all spiritual benefits: They participate in the spiritual graces and prayers of the entire Order.

• Are united in prayer: They are encouraged to use similar liturgical rites and share the same goal of "building up the body of Christ" with one mind and one heart intent upon God.

• Are held in gratitude: The Constitutions explicitly state that all friars should show gratitude in their hearts and actions to those who are affiliated.

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A Bond That Endures

The connection between the Order and its affiliated faithful continues even after death. The Order honors the memory of its affiliates through prayer, strengthening the faith in the resurrection. Specifically, when an affiliate passes away, at least one Mass is offered for them in the house of the circumscription that originally requested their affiliation.

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The affiliated faithful remind us that the Augustinian charism is a gift to the whole Church. By sharing in the life, prayer, and mission of the friars, they help manifest the mystery of the Church and cooperate in the renewal of society, proving that we are all pilgrims traveling together toward the same "heavenly city".