Day 1:
On 1 September 2025, the Ordinary General Chapter of the Order of St. Augustine was inaugurated with a solemn opening Mass at St. Augustine’s Basilica in Rome, presided over by Pope Leo XIV. In his homily, the Holy Father emphasized listening, unity, and humility, urging chapter members to let dialogue be marked by openness to the Spirit and mutual respect. Prior General P. Alejandro Morà l expressed gratitude to the Pope, renewed the Order’s fidelity to the Holy See, and highlighted the call to peace and communion. The celebration concluded with photographs, personal greetings and rosaries from the Pope, and a fraternal meal shared with the chapter participants.
Day 2:
On 2 September 2025, the day began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Prior General, Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton OSA, who reflected on Christ’s authority that unites and frees, contrasting it with the divisive power of evil. In the morning session, Bishop Luis MarÃn de San MartÃn OSA offered a reflection on the synodal and Augustinian meaning of the chapter, highlighting the challenges of crisis and opportunities of kairos, calling for coherence, credibility, and visibility in religious life. He emphasized synodality, communion, and the unique Augustinian contribution to the Church’s mission, urging courage, reform, and inclusivity. The day continued with Eucharistic adoration, prayer, and meditation in the chapel, and concluded with a pilgrimage to St. Peter’s Basilica for prayer, reconciliation, and personal reflection.
Day 3:
On 3 September 2025, the General Chapter began with Mass presided over by Fr. Michael Bielecke, OSA, who celebrated his profession anniversary and reminded the assembly that such milestones reflect God’s fidelity. The day’s agenda included Fr. Joseph Farrell’s discourse, urging an Augustinian response to modern challenges through truth-seeking, fraternity, and synodality, while calling the Chapter a time of grace and renewal. Elections were held for key Chapter roles, including scrutineers, moderators, and committee members, alongside the appointment of the Prior and Economo. Bishop Wilder Vasquez shared about the missionary life of his prelature in Peru, and Mons. John Joseph Kennedy gave a significant intervention on protecting the vulnerable, urging formation in Canon Law and greater transparency with victims’ families. The day ended with small group discussions that highlighted the Order’s responsibility in formation and safeguarding.
Day 4:
On 4 September 2025, the Chapter celebrated Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of Consolation, with P. Luiz Antonio Pinheiro urging members to be consoling presences in the world after Mary’s example. The morning session featured reports from regional federations, highlighting both challenges—such as secularization, low birth rates, and funding for vocations—and strengths, including collaborative formation programs and growing numbers of candidates in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the afternoon, commissions presented their work: Augustinians International at the UN emphasized global solidarity, the Patristic Institute raised concerns about student numbers and Augustinian presence, and the Augustinian Foundation reported reaching over 250,000 beneficiaries worldwide. The Curia’s communications office also shared its efforts to strengthen unity and visibility, including a documentary on Augustinian missionary work in Tijuana. The day concluded with prayer and supper.
Day 5:
On 5 September 2025, the Chapter opened with Mass presided by Fr. Javier Barba, OSA, who reflected on the power of one’s gaze, urging renewal and hope in Christ as the true measure of all newness. The morning session included greetings from the Augustinian Missionary Sisters and the Bishop of Timika, followed by reports: Fr. Joseph Farrell on the international General Houses, Fr. Edward Daleng on canonical cases and procedures, and Fr. Franz Klein on the Order’s financial situation. In the afternoon, language-based groups met to discuss topics covered since the start of the Chapter and to identify key challenges for the next six years, submitting their findings to the Secretariat. The day closed with evening prayer and dinner.
Day 6:
On 6 September 2025, the Chapter began with Mass and Morning Lauds presided over by P. Kosmas Baltazar Asenga, who reflected on renewal and adaptation, emphasizing love as the highest law and the guiding principle for the Order. The outgoing Prior General, P. Alejandro Moral Anton, delivered a heartfelt farewell address, highlighting his 12 years of service as a Prior General, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of fraternity, ongoing formation, missionary spirit, and Gospel simplicity. The Chapter then conducted the exploratory voting for his successor, with 73 capitular friars submitting their preferred candidates while being reminded of canonical requirements. In the afternoon, delegates visited the Basilica of Our Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, engaging in prayer and reflection before the Madonna and Child, marking a spiritual preparation for the upcoming election.