The Augustinians have always been involved in the field of scholarship. Many of them worked and are still working at Universities both in Malta and abroad. They also work in various other cultural institutions.
“It’s worth remembering the element that we recognize as particular, or almost so, of the wisdom of the Augustinian Order, in its ability to promote the intellectual apostolate… You have in your hands a priceless legacy of St. Augustine, and before you have an uninterrupted tradition of studies… therefore you cannot avoid not being present in the religious and cultural field.” (Paul VI, letter to the Prior General O.S.A. on the occasion of the General Chapter, 14th September 1977)
From its birth in the 13th Century, the Augustinian Order drew inspiration from the experience and wisdom of St. Augustine who made scholarship as part of his charism in the service of the Gospel. The early Augustinians found themselves in the university towns (Paris, Bologna, Padova, Oxford, Cambridge, Salamanca…..) in order to contribute adequately in the various fields of wisdom. In many places, the Augustinians founded universities and colleges of higher education in order to contribute towards a more human society.
As Augustinians, there will be the study of art, science, of ecclesial and secular matters for the benefit of the Church and human society. Scholarship isn’t understood as a temporary activity that ends with the time of the initial formation, but as a permanent attitude of reflection on reality by means of intelligent questions.
Nowadays too the Augustinians provide their services inspired by the thoughts of St. Augustine that man makes of his life an experience of the internal search for truth. Various brothers in the Province have had the opportunity to pursue their ecclesiastical studies (amongst which: theology, philosophy, morals, holy scripture, history of the Church, spirituality, patrology and pastoral work with young people….)in various universities abroad. In addition they also pursued social studies (pedagogy, psychology, and social sciences) as well as the humanities (art, music and literature). Amongst the notable contributions of the Augustinian Province in the academic and cultural fields we find: The Patristic Institute for Study and Research, the Augustinian Publications and the Pastoral work of Cultural Dialogue.
The Santa Rita Priory
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The Institute was originally set up in the Augustinian convent of Valletta. In 1988 the Institute was transferred to a more spacious, central and accessible place, St. Joseph House (Pieta’)
In the year 2000 the Institute achieved international recognition as a Research and Teaching Centre of the Augustinian Order. Other Centres in Europe are found in Leuven (Belgium), Perugia (Italy), Palermo (Sicily), Wurzburg (Germany), Valladolid (Spain) and Eindhoven (Holland)
One of the aims of the Institute is to disseminate the teaching of St. Augustine and to create an awareness of the Augustinian tradition. Every year from September to December the Institute organizes a course for the general public which year by year is attracting a lot of people. Another contribution to both civil and religious culture is the translations of the works of St. Augustine being made by the Province together with specialized studies on this Doctor of the Church.
