By Junno Arocho
ROME, JULY 19, 2012 (Zenit.org).- Last Wednesday, more than 200 delegates from 28 nations representing the Augustinian Lay Fraternities (FAS) from around world gathered in Rome for the III International Congress for Lay Augustinians.
Prior General Father Robert Prevost expressed joy at the presence of so many young laymen who follow the spirituality of the revered saint of Hippo.
Reflecting on the theme of the International Congress, «On the way with St. Augustine: Being the Body of Christ for the World Today,» Father Prevost spoke to participants on the unity of the Order of St. Augustine. “Various embodiments may be priests, religious sisters of contemplative life, religious engaged in the apostolic work in the world: each of these forms is important and belong to us,” he said.
“The Lay Augustinians share with us religious the wonderful figure of St. Augustine. They are all important ways, it is necessary to develop their [role] specifically because together we form one body united in Christ.”
The prior general thanked the organizers of the six-day event, which included Father Luciano De Michieli, now Prior Provincial of the Augustinian Province of Italy, and Father Alejandro Moral, Assistant General of the Augustinian General Curia with responsibility for the Laity. Both were recognized “for this initiative which has made it possible to understand and know better St. Augustine and the Augustinians.»
Father Prevost concluded the event applauding the participation of youth at the congress. He thanked the youth present and invited them to continue spreading the Good News. “We have come together, present and future of the Order of St. Augustine, to talk and exchange experiences and opinions. I would like to extend my thanks to the young people who will, in the future, continue to live the Christian message with the Augustinian spirituality.»
