Augustinian Friars

The Order of Saint Augustine is a religious family of the Church composed of men who have responded to a divine call to follow Jesus Christ with greater freedom. Recognizing Saint Augustine as our "father, master, and spiritual guide," we receive from him a unique doctrine and spirituality rooted in the ideal of the early Christian community in Jerusalem.

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A Single Apostolic Brotherhood

The identity of the Augustinian friar is defined by "apostolic brotherhood". This charism is a fusion of monastic ideals, eremitical roots, and a mendicant structure, all centered on life in common. The foundation of our life is to share ourselves and our goods, constructing a path to God in service to others.

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A defining feature of our fraternity is fundamental equality. Brotherhood in the Order admits no privilege or honorary title; all friars are equal, regardless of social or economic background. This equality is reflected in our governance: all friars are eligible for all offices, and no one is superior to others except by reason of an office assigned for a specific time.

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Consecrated by Vows

An Augustinian friar manifests his total self-offering to God through the profession of the evangelical counsels, which are embraced through public vows. These vows are the source of our common life and apostolic activity.

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• Chastity: We undertake this vow for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven, allowing our hearts to become capable of a universal and undivided love for God and others.

• Poverty: Following the "poor Christ," we call nothing our own and hold all things in common. This requires not just a sharing of goods but a heart free from the desire for material things.

• Obedience: An act of love and a sacrifice of our will to God, obedience is lived "not as slaves living under the law but as persons living in freedom under grace".

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One Vocation, Diverse Ministries

Within our one religious family, friars serve the Church through different roles, yet always as brothers first.

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• The Brotherhood: Many friars live out their vocation as non-ordained brothers. They are fully incorporated into the Order, sharing the same spiritual benefits, rights to formation, and obligations of the common life. They are essential witnesses to the "holy leisure" and service that define our tradition.

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• The Priesthood: Some friars are called and advanced to sacred Orders when judged suitable for the ministry. Friars who are priests have as their primary duty the proclamation of the Word of God, the offering of the Eucharist, and the sanctification of the faithful through the sacraments. Their ministry is carried out in the name of the community, always offering the witness of our common life to the people of God.

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A Prophetic Sign in the World

Whether a priest or a brother, every Augustinian friar is called to be a prophetic sign. By living harmoniously with one soul and one heart intent upon God, we witness to the unity of the Church and work to transform the world from within through the power of the Gospel.