What would you like to tell the members of the Order? Do you have a dream for new forms of ministry? of our structures at the local community or province levels? Share your ideas here.

Walking Together.....
....towards the General Chapter 2013

Nov. 27th

POOR SHARING THEIR GOODS

For not to that end are the rich, in this Christian warfare, brought low unto piety, that the poor may be lifted up unto pride. As indeed it is by no means seemly that in that mode of life where senators become men of toil, there common workmen should become men of leisure; and whereunto there come, relinquishing their dainties, men who had been masters of houses and lands, there common peasants should be dainty.

De Opere Monachorum 25,33

Through this sharing of goods, we give evidence that we are steeped in that love, according to which we no longer seek what is our own, but rather the common good, and prefer what is of advantage to the many before our own interests. Thus the greatest wealth of the Augustinian community is ever “that vast and extremely rich estate, common to all, which is God.” Consequently, we must earnestly cultivate poverty and, where possible and appropriate, express it in forms that are new and more suited to the understanding of today’s society, as well as particular cultures. It is not sufficient that we depend on the permission of the superior in the use of goods; rather we must be poor both in spirit and in fact (Mt 5:3), storing up our treasure in heaven (see Mt 6:20).

Const.66

The unity of hearts and souls in community is based upon the search for the

common good. Sharing material goods in common is just a first step that initiates

and expresses the dynamics of a life in common. But sharing also prepares and

educates hearts to set aside the private love that separates us from communion

with others (Gen ad lit. 11,15,19).

Our Augustinian life embraces poverty as a disposition of hearts free from

the desire for material things(CC 65), and expresses this freedom when it is able

to share other goods, such as dreams, projects, relationships, missions, duties,

troubles, intellectual and spiritual gifts, etc.

What goods –material or otherwise – am I not able to share with the

community?

Is it still valid the criterion that our communities may live “slightly below the

level of the people to whom our immediate service is directed” (CGI

74, 77)?

You can share your reflections if you want
by email: [email protected]

on the blog http://dreamosa.weebly.com/

Walking Together…..

….towards the General Chapter 2013

                  Nov. 13th

BEING μόνος


Those who live in unity in such a way that they form but one person are rightly called “μόνος”.

Sermon on Psalm 132, 6

 In order to promote deep communion of mind and heart among the friars in community, we should be mindful that our personal relationships require the same qualities that are needed in all genuine human relationships. Sincere communication is an essential human factor that can strengthen fraternal life in community.

 Const.110



Augustinian life presents on the first place the duty of making from the different individual, different longings, souls, desires and hearts, just one. The word one (μόνος - μοναχος - monk) is used not because the person lives isolated, not even because he or she has achieved a certain level of balance and unity between his or her passions and will. The person is μόνος / monk insofar he is making himself one with the other members in the community; insofar the many became just one.

On the light of the commentary to psalm 132 Augustinian communities, in which diversity comes into unity, offer a light of hope to a world where diversity hurts becoming division.



Do people sees us as individual friars or as one community?

You can share your reflections if you want

                          by  email:        [email protected]

                          on the blog       http://dreamosa.weebly.com/

Resources and training: Going beyond email

If the membership wants to communicate and share ideas, a network must be set up and people need to know how  to use its tools. Obviously, the Internet serves this purpose as well as the tools for social media. Perhaps the first  goal is to assist those friars who need to know more about the Internet and go beyond receiving and sending email. Here are some possible steps for goal #1:

1) Identify those friars who understand the Internet and social media.
2) Invite the membership to attend a workshop. The provincial can send a letter emphasizing the importance of the workshop as a way for communicating with the order, and possibly, with the General Chapter in 2013.
3) Participate in the workshop before September 2012. The workshop should cover topics as how to navigate the Internet, Facebook, and Twitter. Knowledge  on the use of Skype is helpful.

Is this a realistic goal? What is your opinion?

Last month the Prior General and his council created this commission to explore new possibilities on several levels for the order. The commission does not pretend to tell the membership what direction the order ought to take. Rather, its hope is to create a process with Internet tools in which the membership can manifest its opinion. A blog will serve as a beginning for the process. This blog is a work-in-progress. With your input, we can refine the process.

Do you have any suggestions?