Reflecting on the formative process proper to the Novitiate, according to the means and criteria of our Ratio, on this particular occasion it is convenient and necessary to focus on and emphasize our PRAYER LIFE. The living of our charism and spirituality has as its source the Evangelical Counsels. God's Grace strengthens the joy and freedom of the consecrated life, in service to the Church and to the world in Christ's name. The emphasis on a life of prayer does not minimize other aspects of the formative process. Instead it is the source of our being and action.
In the context of our lives and the formation of our friars it is no easy task to teach and promote basic Christian prayer, which is dialogue, listening, interiority and unconditional faithfulness (set times every day), moved by faith in God. We will see and recall the double foundation for prayer in conformity with Augustinian thought. Sacred Scripture and its view on human beings (their anthropology), which comprises basic elements that should not be neglected. We must passionately respect human beings and the Word of God, which will always be like an arrow which pierces the heart and renews the love of God in his children. The text will remind us of the urgent need to emphasize conversion and interiority united in prayer, to make such an exercise fully Augustinian.
In the second part of this presentation, emphasis will be placed on interiority as a place of encounter between the individual and God, whose objective is to be grafted into Christ, to become Him. Consequently, prayer demands the capability to interiorize and know one’s self. This two-fold requirement which we must seek to engender in our candidates is human and spiritual maturity.
The readings will encourage us to become aware that prayer is meant to stimulate charity and that charity makes prayer consistent. We are called to integrate prayer and commitment, inseparable aspects of Christian life which moved Augustine deeply, requirements of faith clearly recognizable in Christ’s teachings.
Finally, my brothers, we will be reminded that Prayer-Interiority-Contemplation are inseparable in Augustinian thought and Christian spirituality. There is such richness in our Charism and Spirituality that we cannot but assume the commitment to develop earnestly both aspects in initial formation, which by the Grace of God will accompany an Augustinian throughout his entire life.
The methodology is familiar as you will notice upon reading this document. The questions will help to seek ways to fortify this phase so loved by us all.
It is crucial to read and meditate on: The RULE AND CONSTITUTIONS OF THE ORDER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE, second Part, Chapter V, and the Canon Law Code (CIC), Book III, Part III, Section I, Chapter III, Canons 641 through 661. A brief bibliography is included at the end as a complementary reading.
As you will notice, the Ratio Institutionis (Augustinian Plan for Formation) 94 – 99 has been transcribed. The text in italics is a literal copy of the original text and subdivisions are purposely added for a better reflection of the texts.
A servant of our Order whom I knew once said that a serious consideration of the Rule and Constitutions would suffice for the faithful observance of our Augustinian way life. I do believe that he was right. The theme surely is not something new nor does it pretend to be the final word on the matter.
94. The Novitiate is: a privileged moment of formation in Augustinian religious life.
Basic purpose: to make known and to live out the essential requirements of this life through a personal discovery of Christ, interior Master and saving Word.
Means: true conversion, the following of Christ, in keeping with Augustine's experience and that of our tradition, as the ultimate norm of our religious life.
The Means
95. - 1.- Without other tasks getting in the way, to dedicate unhurried time to:
97. Important means of encouraging all the goals of formation are:
98. Although the most important asceticism for Augustinians is community life itself when lived in love, it is important not to overlook:
99. The Master of Novices and his assistants shall make a periodic evaluation of:
In the context of our lives and the formation of our friars it is no easy task to teach and promote basic Christian prayer, which is dialogue, listening, interiority and unconditional faithfulness (set times every day), moved by faith in God. We will see and recall the double foundation for prayer in conformity with Augustinian thought. Sacred Scripture and its view on human beings (their anthropology), which comprises basic elements that should not be neglected. We must passionately respect human beings and the Word of God, which will always be like an arrow which pierces the heart and renews the love of God in his children. The text will remind us of the urgent need to emphasize conversion and interiority united in prayer, to make such an exercise fully Augustinian.
In the second part of this presentation, emphasis will be placed on interiority as a place of encounter between the individual and God, whose objective is to be grafted into Christ, to become Him. Consequently, prayer demands the capability to interiorize and know one’s self. This two-fold requirement which we must seek to engender in our candidates is human and spiritual maturity.
The readings will encourage us to become aware that prayer is meant to stimulate charity and that charity makes prayer consistent. We are called to integrate prayer and commitment, inseparable aspects of Christian life which moved Augustine deeply, requirements of faith clearly recognizable in Christ’s teachings.
Finally, my brothers, we will be reminded that Prayer-Interiority-Contemplation are inseparable in Augustinian thought and Christian spirituality. There is such richness in our Charism and Spirituality that we cannot but assume the commitment to develop earnestly both aspects in initial formation, which by the Grace of God will accompany an Augustinian throughout his entire life.
The methodology is familiar as you will notice upon reading this document. The questions will help to seek ways to fortify this phase so loved by us all.
It is crucial to read and meditate on: The RULE AND CONSTITUTIONS OF THE ORDER OF SAINT AUGUSTINE, second Part, Chapter V, and the Canon Law Code (CIC), Book III, Part III, Section I, Chapter III, Canons 641 through 661. A brief bibliography is included at the end as a complementary reading.
As you will notice, the Ratio Institutionis (Augustinian Plan for Formation) 94 – 99 has been transcribed. The text in italics is a literal copy of the original text and subdivisions are purposely added for a better reflection of the texts.
A servant of our Order whom I knew once said that a serious consideration of the Rule and Constitutions would suffice for the faithful observance of our Augustinian way life. I do believe that he was right. The theme surely is not something new nor does it pretend to be the final word on the matter.
- Let us relish it in the common life.
- May your work go well!
94. The Novitiate is: a privileged moment of formation in Augustinian religious life.
Basic purpose: to make known and to live out the essential requirements of this life through a personal discovery of Christ, interior Master and saving Word.
Means: true conversion, the following of Christ, in keeping with Augustine's experience and that of our tradition, as the ultimate norm of our religious life.
The Means
95. - 1.- Without other tasks getting in the way, to dedicate unhurried time to:
- A life of prayer
- Fraternal community
- to the practice of the vows
- It is a time of growth in the concrete, personal experience of the faith, through:
- instruction in prayer, which is seen as:
- a dialogue and friendship with God
- a meditation on the Word, and
- a discovery of the love of God in one's own life
- The Liturgy and the sacraments,
- especially the sacraments of Reconciliation and of the Eucharist
- frequent retreat days in surroundings where friendship and faith sharing are experienced, so that the Novitiate becomes a genuine initiation into the Augustinian religious life.
97. Important means of encouraging all the goals of formation are:
- To facilitate the understanding and experience of the Augustinian religious life by means of:
- Classes or individual tasks on:
- The Word of God
- The liturgy,
- Community life and the life of the apostolate
- Consecration to God in religious life through the vows
- The life and work of Saint Augustine
- Augustinian spirituality
- The history of the Order and of the Provinces
- Conversion and apostolic commitment in the Augustinian life and its influence in the world today.
98. Although the most important asceticism for Augustinians is community life itself when lived in love, it is important not to overlook:
- A certain simplicity in our lifestyle
- A healthy austerity
- A sensitive love for comminity tasks, and the other means which Augustine recommends - with such human understanding in the Rule and in his other writings.
99. The Master of Novices and his assistants shall make a periodic evaluation of:
- The progress of the Novitiate Program
- Of each of the novices, and
- The various objectives and goals of Formation
- Growth in the life of prayer, in faith-sharing, and in the desire to make progress in one's own formation
- Active participation in the life of the community and in its works
- A maturity appropriate to one's age in living the vows
- Evangelical freedom in the face of today's consumerism, and sensitivity in the face of injustice
- Appreciation for the life of the apostolate in community.