What we do

The Order of Saint Augustine is an apostolic brotherhood whose mission is an essential part of its identity. Following the example of Saint Augustine, we are called to be preachers of God’s Word and dispensers of the sacraments, seeking to "transform the world from within" through the work of evangelization. Our activity is a "service of charity" that must spring from a deep and strong interior community life; we are all apostles, whether through prayer, study, or direct action.

 

 

Our Life & Community

(What it looks like to live as an Augustinian)

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• Formation & Religious Life: The foundation of our life is the common life, where brothers share themselves and their goods to construct a path toward God. We manifest our consecration through the public vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, lived "not as slaves under the law but as persons living in freedom under grace". The process of formation is a journey of discerning a divine vocation, moving through the pre-novitiate, novitiate, and temporary profession until reaching definitive incorporation through solemn profession.

• Protecting the Vulnerable: A sacred duty of the Augustinian apostolate is the care of the poor, the sick, and the dying, visiting and comforting them in the Lord. This commitment is rooted in a "preferential option for the poor," leading us to stand in solidarity with those on the margins of society and to witness against social structures of sin.

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Augustinian Studies & Heritage

(Our intellectual and spiritual tradition)

Study is not a temporary task but a "permanent attitude of reflection upon reality" and a search for truth conducted with love. We promote the ecclesiastical disciplines and keep alive the doctrinal legacy of Saint Augustine to respond to the concerns of the modern world.

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• Augustinian Patristic Institute: Located in Rome, this institute offers a vital contribution to the Church in the field of theological and patristic studies.

• Historical & Spiritual Heritage: We prioritize research into the history of the Order to reinforce our identity and sense of belonging. Specialized centers of research are established to offering contemporary responses to modern problems based on the teaching of Saint Augustine.

  • Institute of Augustinian Spirituality​ (ISA)

  • Institute of Augustinian History (IHA)

 

 

Education

(Schools, universities, and learning)

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• Our Global Education Network: The Order views education as a "special mission" and a beautiful vocation. Our schools and universities aim for the promotion of the human person on the foundation of Christian principles, teaching the truth with love. We collaborate with lay professors, providing them with Augustinian formation and fostering "amicable harmony" within the educational community.

 

 

Ministry & Outreach

(How we serve the Church and the world)

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• Parishes, Shrines & Families: We accept the care of parishes to help the faithful form authentic Christian communities, offering the witness of our common life in every pastoral setting.

• Youth Ministry: Special attention is given to the pastoral, catechetical, and liturgical care of youth, encouraging them to follow Christ through Augustinian spirituality.

• Missions & Volunteering: Missionary activity is part of the Order's nature, focusing on the inculturation of the Gospel and the establishment of local churches where they do not yet exist. We promote volunteer activities and collaborate with sisters and the laity in these mission areas.

• Digital Evangelization: While prioritizing the proclamation of the Word, we use modern media and all suitable means to ensure the Gospel is heard in contemporary culture.

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Justice, Peace & Creation

(Our prophetic voice in the world)

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• Social Justice Work: Our apostolic activity demands a social commitment to transform social structures and promote human rights, justice, and peace.

• Augustinians at the United Nations: The Order participates in global advocacy through its Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) at the UN, addressing concerns such as the defense of life and the conservation of nature.

• Augustinian Foundation: The Fondazioni Agostiniani nel Mondo channels the Order's long-standing commitment to justice and solidarity into concrete action — supporting social and development projects carried out by Augustinian communities across the world, from Africa and Asia to Latin America.