Chronicle: 13 September 2025
The Ordinary General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine concluded its second week of deliberations with renewed commitment and fraternal spirit.
Chronicle of the Ordinary General Chapter
Order of Saint Augustine
Rome, 13 September 2025
The Ordinary General Chapter of the Order of Saint Augustine concluded its second week of deliberations with renewed commitment and fraternal spirit. The day’s events combined spiritual reflection with significant administrative decisions that will shape the life of the Order in the years to come.
The day began at 7:30 a.m. with Mass and Lauds, presided over by Fr. Jose Alberto Escobar, OSA, from the mission in Cuba. In his homily, he invited the capitulars to live authentically and coherently, rooted in daily conversion and obedience to God’s Word. He encouraged them to acknowledge their own weaknesses so that God’s grace might transform them, leading to lives of gratitude, simplicity, and service to the Church and those who suffer.
At 9:30 a.m., the Chapter gathered for a session focused on the Augustinian Laity. Fr. Edward Daleng, OSA, chaired the discussion on “Lay Members of the Order of Saint Augustine: An Overview and Challenges for Continuing.” Presentations were offered by Luis Arana Tagle (Province of St. John Stone, England and Scotland), Rachael Kama (Province of Australasia) and Liliana Tapia (Province of Our Lady of Grace, Peru).
Their report covered three main areas:
1. Developments of the past six years, including the 2019 proposal for an international, regional, and local structure for the laity, aimed at strengthening connection rather than authority. Initiatives such as cross-border groups and courses on Augustinian spirituality were also highlighted.
2. Current challenges and opportunities, particularly regarding youth and young adult ministry. Issues such as fragmentation, formation gaps, and lack of structure were discussed, along with opportunities for strengthening digital presence, vocational pathways, and participation in global events like WYD 2027 and the Augustinian Youth Encounter.
3. Future recommendations, including granting permanent status to the lay statutes, creating permanent regional links, developing common projects, and supporting lay fraternities in areas with fewer friars.
A time of reflection and open discussion followed, with capitulars expressing gratitude for the contributions of the laity. One participant remarked: “When everyone is working together, we can get where we want to go.”
A short break was taken at 10:45 a.m.
At 11:15 a.m., the Chapter reconvened for the election of the General Council and General Curia Officials. Fr. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA, the newly elected Assistant General (VIL), arrived that morning and exercised his right to vote.
The elections resulted in the selection of Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA (CAE), Fr. James Mwangi Wambugu, OSA (KEN), and Fr. Benjamin Garcia Franco, OSA (MEC) as members of the General Council. For the General Curia Offices, Fr. Pasquale di Lernia, OSA (ITA) was elected Procurator General, Fr. Jose Maria Herranz, OSA (SAH) was appointed and confirmed as Economo General, and Fr. Javier Barba, OSA (SAH), former Assistant General, was elected Secretary General.
With the elections completed, the morning’s session concluded. The capitulars then gathered for lunch at Collegio Santa Monica, closing a day marked by fraternity, prayer, and important decisions for the life and mission of the Order.