The major superiors of the Organization of Augustinians of Europe are gathering in Košice, Slovakia, to elect a new president and discuss the care of the elderly and the formation of the professed

The annual meeting of Major Superiors of the Organization of Augustinian Superiors of Europe (OAE) was held in Košice (Slovakia) from June 3 to 5.

Prior to the meeting, on Sunday, June 1, a solemn thanksgiving Mass was celebrated in the context of the anniversary of the Augustinians' arrival in the city. The Mass was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio in Slovakia, with the participation of the local community, the Provincial Council of the Province of Italy, and distinguished guests such as the former General of the Order, Fr. Miguel Ángel Orcasitas.

The sessions were held at the hospitality house of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers in Košice, in a relaxed yet productive atmosphere, and included the participation of superiors from various European jurisdictions, accompanied by the Assistants General for Europe, Fr. Ian Wilson and Fr. Javier Pérez Barba.

The venue had been chosen in the previous assembly, held in June 2024 in Valladolid, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Augustinian presence in the Slovak city.

"Caring for Our Elderly and Ill Brothers"

The opening greeting was delivered by the outgoing OAE president, Fr. Robert Marsh, who introduced the first workday, dedicated entirely to the care of elderly and ill brothers. The reflections were guided by Fr. Damian, Provincial of the Dominicans in Slovakia, and addressed topics such as the current context of religious life in Europe, different models of care implemented in each jurisdiction, decisions on limiting activities or transfers, as well as logistical, financial, and human aspects related to supporting brothers in this stage of life.

On Wednesday, reports were presented on the state of the different jurisdictions. Later, the delegation visited the convent of Saint Augustine, where the auxiliary bishop of Košice presided over the Eucharistic celebration. In his homily, he emphasized the value of active testimony beyond words, drawing from the Acts of the Apostles, and the call to unity inspired by Jesus’ priestly prayer in the Gospel of John. Following the celebration, participants shared a fraternal meal with the local community and visited the city’s cathedral, as well as the only ancient church built by Augustinians that remains standing in Slovakia, located in Bardejov, where they enjoyed a dinner featuring traditional Slovak dishes.

A Common House of Professed for European Jurisdictions: An "Interesting" Proposal on the Table

On Thursday, the reports were completed and Fr. Enrique Martín, Master of Professed Students at Colegio Santa Mónica (Rome), presented the work done by a commission delegated for formation in Europe with the aim of establishing the foundations for a future common House of Professed Students. The document was received with interest, and it was agreed to allow time for study before its validation in an upcoming virtual meeting. Additionally, a statement was drafted encouraging superiors to utilize the currently active Houses of Professed Students in Europe (Belgium, Valladolid, and Santa Mónica). It was also decided to establish regular meetings among formation leaders to collectively address current challenges, such as exchanging best practices, setting minimum objectives per stage, training formators, and jointly resolving issues.

New Leadership Positions in the OAE

That same day, the election of new leadership positions for the OAE took place. Fr. Martin Davakan, Provincial Superior of Belgium, was elected as the new president, and Fr. Gladson Dabre, Provincial Superior of England-Scotland, was named vice president. Additionally, it was decided to maintain the current composition of the secretariat for one more year.

As proposals for future meetings, the possibility of reviewing the OAE’s legal framework, along with a general revision of its statutes, was discussed, as well as exploring new vocational pastoral strategies.

The next OAE meeting will take place from May 25 to 29, 2026, in Ghent, Belgium.

Gratitude to the Community of Košice

Frs. Javier Pérez Barba and Ian Wilson highlighted the "warm welcome extended to all participants" by the community of Košice and praised the excellent organizational work of the secretariat, which was highly appreciated. Alongside the other OAE members, they also wished to express gratitude to Fr. Robert Marsh for his service as president over the past three years.