Chronicle : 17 September 2025

ORDINARY GENERAL CHAPTER 2025
Chronicle – 17 September 2025 (Wednesday)

The penultimate day of the 188th Ordinary General Chapter was marked by a deep spirit of prayer and discernment. It started, as usual, with the Eucharistic celebration at 7:30 in the chapel of the Collegio Santa Monica, presided over by Father José Luis del Castillo Campos, OSA, from the Province of San Juan de Sahagún in Spain.

In his homily, Father Castillo invited the brothers to a profound discernment, asking whether, like Jesus, they too are sometimes misunderstood or feel out of place. He reminded the capitulars that the Order was born from the Church—the house of God and pillar of Truth—and is called to serve her unconditionally. This service, he emphasized, requires a passionate and compassionate commitment to the world, embracing its joys and sorrows, and above all standing with the poor and the most vulnerable. Drawing inspiration from Saint Hildegard, a witness of creative courage, and Saint Robert Bellarmine, a model of fidelity to the Church and humble service, Father Castillo exhorted the Augustinians to live three fundamental virtues: to listen to the cry of the poor, in whom they encounter the face of Christ; to practice humility by viewing reality from the perspective of the defenseless; and to pursue unity, which he called “Augustine’s love” and his “divine and existential dream,” so that the world may believe.

The morning session began at 9:30 in the auditorium of the Augustinianum with an invocation of the Holy Spirit. The day’s work was moderated by Father Anthony Pizzo, OSA. The Prior General, Father Joseph L. Farrell, OSA, presented to the capitulars the proposals that had been carefully prepared by the listening commissions, based on the themes outlined in the Instrumentum Laboris. These proposals, once examined, were submitted to the vote of the Chapter for possible inclusion in the final voting session.

The first part of the morning focused on the thematic section concerning Structures, followed by the remaining sections on the Communion of Temporal Goods, Community Life, Apostolic and Missionary Activity, and Collaboration among Circumscriptions. Each proposal was examined individually and submitted to a vote by a show of hands to determine whether it should be retained as a chapter proposal. Special attention was given to proposals concerning common celebrations among friars, the wider Augustinian family, and lay collaborators, as well as initiatives to strengthen ties with lay confraternities.
The capitulars also reflected on proposals encouraging greater collaboration with other Augustinian families (OAD, OAR) and religious congregations, recognizing that such cooperation takes diverse forms depending on cultural contexts. These collaborations could include shared liturgies, joint meetings, exchange of experiences, collaborative formation programs, and even the pursuit of educational credentials.

Following a short break at 10:47, the session resumed at 11:20. Conscious of the limited time available, the capitulars sought to balance efficiency with respectful dialogue in order to advance the Chapter’s work. Among the proposals discussed were the updating of the Manual of Functions of the General Curia and the manual for secretaries, as well as several modifications to the Constitutions of the Order. These included the inclusion of Saint Joseph as Protector of the Order—approved for final voting—as well as measures to prevent the accumulation of offices by the same friar and adjustments to the number of capitular representatives. Proposals concerning the opening of new missions and the revision of the Ritual of the Order were also presented. More than 50 proposals were reviewed, each carrying significant implications for the life and mission of the Order in the coming six years.

The Midday Prayer was recited at the Augustinianum, after which the capitulars returned to Santa Monica for lunch.

In the afternoon, work resumed at 16:00 with the plenary session moderated by Father Marco Antonio Luna Medrano, OSA, following the same process as in the morning. Discussion continued on constitutional matters, including revisions related to vicariates, while the redaction committee worked to finalize the texts of the proposals. After a short break, the Prior General presented the redacted texts for a final round of interventions, including a proposal on Augustinian studies.

The session also heard the reading of a proposed statement of the Chapter, prepared by Fr. José Luis del Castillo. While not a final declaration and not subject to vote, the text reaffirmed the Augustinians’ commitment to living authentic fraternity grounded in dialogue, respect, and charity. The proposed statement called for justice as a Gospel imperative, pledged solidarity with the vulnerable, and appealed for peace in all regions afflicted by war. Inspired by the election of Pope Leo XIV, the capitulars encouraged the Augustinian family to work for a world where truth, humility, and communion foster the peace that God desires.

The day’s session concluded earlier than usual, allowing the redaction committee to continue their work in preparation for the final vote. Before adjourning, the capitulars approved by a show of hands that the final session would begin at 9:00 a.m. instead of 9:30. The day concluded with the celebration of Vespers at 19:30, followed by dinner.