Early morning on 2 August 2022, a group of Augustinian youths started its walk from Viana do Castelo, in Portugal, towards the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Every day for nine days, we used to make an early start, loaded on our backs with all our possessions brought with us from Malta, advancing towards our destination. Before we left, we had thought that our destination was Santiago but, after the initial steps of our walk, we realised that getting to our next stop was as important as our aim to get to our final destination as only that way would we finally get there.

This was one of the first things we realised as running parallel to one’s life; everyone is walking towards God. We started every morning with a period of prayer and reflection and we used to seek a nearby coffee shop after walking for about three hours. This in itself reminded me how important it is that one finds even a few moments of silence in one’s life when one can nourish himself and reflect on where he came from and where he is going, and to plan the rest of his journey. During our journey we met various other pilgrims, all walking towards the same destination, yet all carrying with them their own bag of experiences and thoughts. We talked with many of these pilgrims and, during our walk, we appreciated the sea, forests and mountains but also love and respect that was shown by the pilgrims amongst themselves and towards nature.

There were those who were prepared to sleep out of doors as they were accompanied on their walk by their dog. This was an example to us of unconditional love; love that gives and expects nothing in return. The route chosen by us was characterised by various uphill paths. Some complained and were afraid of these stiff climbs but we soon realised that going downhill was even more dangerous. In one of the uphill walks that was paved with pebbles we saw the footprints of those who had walked there ahead of us. Those of us who chose to follow those same footprints suffered less. This fact reminded me also of the humility that one should experience in life and that, when one feels the need to seek help, one should quickly do so.

At last, we arrived at Santiago, but when we speak about this experience, we do not retain in mind only Santiago but all that we came across on our way towards that destination. This continues to strengthen the fact that the walk is as important as its destination.  Therefore, let us appreciate every moment of our life; let us appreciate one another (including those not close to us); let us help one another so that, one step after the other, everybody will arrive at the destination of one’s walk!

Typical Day during Camino de Santiago

Last Day of Camino de Santiago

Whoever wishes to have more information on the Camino de Santiago or other experiences or may wish to join the group of Augustinian Youths, can send a message through the facebook Page of Augustinian Youths or to contact Fr Terence Spiteri osa by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Charlon Abela

During these days the Augustinian Family in the Czech Republic, together with the world of Science studies are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of P. Johann Mendel, an Augustinian who engaged in the study of genetics and contributed with important discoveries, so much so that he is known as the Father of Genetics.

Johann Mendel was born on July 20, 1822, in Hyncice (Heinzendorf), Silesia, today in the Czech Republic. At the age of 21, he embraced the Augustinian Religious life in the Abbey of Brno, where he was not only given religious training, but there, he also found a good ground to continue improving and strengthening his skills in natural sciences, especially studying biology and mathematics. In the Augustinian Order he was given the name of Gregor.

As an Augustinian he was given the possibility to continue his studies at the University of Vienna where he took the opportunity to dedicate more time to the studies of natural sciences, mathematics, and physics. Back in Brno he devoted himself to teaching and research.

Mendel chose to further deepen the study through experiments on a very common plant, that of the pea (pisum sativum). For 10 whole years he sowed, grew and compared a number of seeds of all shapes and types of peas. After a large number of experiments that he carried out with great care, Gregor was able to support the foundations of what is today known as the science of Genetics, published in his writing Versuche über Pflanzen -Hybridization. This manuscript is conserved in the archive of the Augustinian Community of the Abbey of Brno. In the last years of his life he was also Abbot of the same Abbey of Brno where he died on January 6, 1884.

 

A group of youths spent two days with the Augustinian Community at Tal Pieta’. During these couple of days, the Tagaste Youths had the opportunity of giving some of their time to others through their work that entailed cleaning and refurbishment work at the Millennium Chapel. After this, the youths had lunch with the Augustinian Community, Paceville.

The theme for these days was ‘Arise and Celebrate’ inspired by this year’s Pope Francis’ message to youths. Amongs other activities including moments of prayer and games, Tagaste Youths also went to Gozo and spent some time together there. These activities are organised by the Provincial Commission for Youth ministry and vocational discernment together with various religious and other young people who offer their time and help.

A group of eight youths, together with Fr. Terence Spiteri osa, are heading for an experience in different ways by way of a long walk towards Santiago. The group is leaving on Monday 1st August for Porto (Portugal) and, from there, they start their walk towards Santiago (Spain).

During this year, the group held various activities including long walks, in preparation for this experience. Towards the end of June, these youths lived together for a couple of days so as to get to know one another better and to prepare themselves physically for these long walks one after the other.

On Sunday 31 July at 10 a.m. a send-off mass is being celebrated at the Church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Ħal Tarxien as a blessing to this spiritual pilgrimage towards Santiago.

After the Celebration of the Ordinary Provincial Chapter that was held last March/April, the Prior Provincial continued discussions with the Provincial Council and with various friars individually. The work and discussions that normally take place during this period are a continuation to what was discussed at the Provincial Chapter and an evaluation is undertaken of certain changes that become necessary in the friars' responsibilities in particular communities. It was exactly within the spirit of these matters that, on Wednesday 8 June, the Augustinian friars met at the Augustinian Oratory Dun Ġwann Mamo at Ħal-Tarxien.

The meeting commenced with evening prayers. Thereafter, the Prior Provincial shared his thoughts on the work carried out over the past few weeks and concerning some proposed changes. Then he read the list of Formation of each Community, the Provincial delegates, and the resonsibilities assigned to other of the Province’s entities. Over the coming weeks other entities, involving various lay persons, will continue to be formed and approved.

Thus, the Provincial Chapter is being brought to an end. This website augurs fruitful work to all Augustinian friars in their respective responsibilities. Above everything, it would be very appropriate for us to keep in our prayers also all the Communities, whilst also praying harder for Vocations in the Augustinian Family. 

  1. A beautiful moment...The Augustinian Family Celebration 2022
  2. Augustinian Family Meeting in Gozo
  3. Celebrations in honour of Saint Rita
  4. Official Inauguration of the Restoration of the Organ in St. Mark's Church, Rabat
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