especially the works of Cicero and Virgil.

His readings on Cicero influenced him to study

Lesson 1: The Life and Teachings St. Augustine philosophy.
Augustine moved to Carthage to be trained in rhetoric at a higher level. Augustine
1.1 Birth described rhetoric as the skill required for the effective public communication of what a
November 13, 354 - Augustine was born in Tagaste, North Africa; today – Souk- person was thinking. After his period of full-time education ended, Augustine became a
Ahras, Algeria teacher in the year 374 in Thagaste, his home town.
August 28, 430 - Augustine died on his deathbed while Africa was ransacked by the Madaura (Madauros in Latin) is an ancient town situated 50 kilometres from Thagaste in
barbarians the district of Souk Ahras.
Thagaste (or Tagaste) was a Roman city in present-day Algeria, now called Souk Ahras. The
1.1.1 Persons close to his life town was the birthplace of Saint Augustine.
Patricius, his father was a pagan and worked as a Roman official Carthage, Latin Carthago, was a great city of antiquity on the north coast of Africa, now
Monica, a devout Catholic, was very instrumental in the conversion of her son a residential suburb of the city of Tunis, Tunisia.
Navigius, his brother Birthplace: Thagaste, Numidia, North Africa
Perpetua, his sister who became a nun Map of Roman Empire at its greatest extent
Alypius, his best friend
Romanianus, a wealthy man in Tagaste who supported Augustine’s rhetoric 1.3 The Conversion
education in college; Augustine’s benefactor
Adeodatus, Augustine’s God-given son born out of wedlock 1.3.1 Augustine as a Manichean
St. Ambrose, baptized Augustine to Christianity In the year 370, Augustine at the age of fifteen years moved to Carthage for his
Bishop Valerius, ordained Augustine as a priest; later Augustine succeeded him as university studies, and it was there that the Manichean sect began its nine-year influence
Bishop of Hippo on him. In Carthage pleasure reigned supreme, and Augustine became its delighted
St. Jerome, Augustine’s biblical consultant slave. Augustine joined the wildest young men of Carthage. He took a partner, and they
Simplicianus, Augustine’s counselor before his conversion; succeeded Ambrose as soon were parents of a baby boy whom they named Adeodatus.
Bishop of Milan Augustine pushed aside the Christian faith. His mother, Monica, had raised him as
a catechumen of the Christian church. Although her religion did not hold an important
place in his early life, the Christian religion never totally lost its grip upon him. When he
1.2 Education was twenty-two years of age, the death of a close friend greatly distressed him. It caused
Augustine studied first in Thagaste, then in the nearby town of Madaura, and finally him to reconsider the claims of the Bible. He was fascinated with the problem of the origin
at Carthage, the great city of Roman Africa. of evil.
At Thagaste, Augustine received a classical Latin education in the local school. He When he attempted to find a solution for this problem in the New Testament he
loved Latin literature but hated arithmetic and Greek. was disappointed by the coarse and rustic style of his Latin Old Testament compared to
Augustine was sent to Maduara, a centre of education in Roman North Africa fifteen the elegance of the Greek classics. Instead of embracing the Christian faith, Augustine at
kilometres (twenty miles) south of Thagaste to continue his education. He was sent there the age of seventeen years in 373 joined a sect called the Manicheans.
to study rhetoric at the age of 12. Augustine became fascinated with pagan Latin literature
 The founder of the sect was Mani, a Persian born about the year 216. He claimed 1.3.3 Augustine’s Moral Conversion
that he was an especially inspired "Apostle of Jesus Christ." Mani taught that the universe Augustine became a popular and successful professor of rhetorics in the imperial
was comprised of two eternally opposing substances--light and darkness. Mani held that city of Milan. Yet he was still in the years of turmoil even at the age of thirty-two. When
there were thus two Gods. One god created good, the other created evil. The conclusion Augustine heard about the Bishop of Milan, Ambrose who was a great orator like him,
of Mani that no human being could be held totally accountable for his or her sins was Augustine attended his sermons out of curiosity. He was interested in the style, and not in
attractive to Augustine. the content. A conversion of his mind slowly took place as Ambrose led him to an
Augustine had questions about the so-called "problem of evil," especially the understanding of the Gospels. He began to attend church regularly, but was not yet
relationship between God and evil. He asked: "Where is evil? What is its origin? How did thoroughly convinced. [Confessions 6:4]
it come into the world? Where then does evil come from, if God made all things and, Augustine was baptized by St. Ambrose together with son Adeodatus and his friend
because he is good, made things to be good?“ Augustine believed that while the Christian Alypius. However, the greatest conversion of St. Augustine was the conversion of the heart.
faith was based on faith, Manicheanism was based on reason, and thus provided the truth. It was the time when he read the epistle of St. Paul to the Romans (Rom. 13:13-14 "Not
Finding the truth was, after all, the main goal of Augustine. For nine years, Augustine in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual excess and lust, not in quarrelling and jealousy.
admits, "we [Manichees] were seduced and we seduced others, deceived and deceiving Rather, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh”.
by various desires, both openly...and secretly." [Confessions 4, 1, 1] He now regretted not
only that he had been attracted to their false teaching of the Manichees but also that he
had led others to follow him. Highlights in the Life of St. Augustine

354 - Born at Thagaste (Tagaste), North Africa.

1.3.2 Augustine’s Intellectual conversion 361 - Experiences serious illness while in grammar school.
Augustine had begun to attend the church services of Ambrose, who was a gifted preacher 370 - rhetoric in Carthage, takes a concubine.
and Bishop of Milan. All Augustine sought at first was to observe the style of Ambrose as c. 371 - His father dies; his son, Adeodatus, is born.
an orator. But the choice of words and intellectual skill of Ambrose impressed Augustine. c. 372 - He becomes a Manichee "hearer."
Gradually Augustine began to be influenced by the content of the sermons of Ambrose, 376 - Teaches rhetoric in Carthage
and not just their delivery. Ambrose with skill employed the rhetorical devices of satire 383 - Sails to Rome despite the objections of his mother; he becomes disillusioned
and allegorical interpretation in his sermons. with Manicheism
It was through these sermons that Augustine learned to understand and appreciate 384 - In Rome he meets Symmachus, who appoints him official orator in Milan
allegory. This new understanding gave him a whole new perspective on the Christian faith. 386 - He converts to the Christian church; spends months at Cassisiacum.
At this time Augustine began to study Neo-Platonism. This was a philosophical movement 387 - Baptized by Ambrose; Monica, his mother, dies.
to revive many of the teachings of Plato. This study helped Augustine to move beyond a 388 - He establishes a monastic community in Thagaste.
materialistic world view, while the teachings of Christ he heard from the lips of Ambrose 390 - Adeodatus dies.
provided a tangible path to the search for spiritual truth. 391 - He is ordained a priest in Hippo.
392 - Requests biblical commentaries from Jerome, debates Fortunatus the
Manichee
c. 395 - He succeeds Valerius as bishop of Hippo.
 397 - Participates in Councils of Carthage, which defined the structure of the 1.4.2. The Enchiridion
African church Literally means a book containing essential information on a certain subject.
400 - Writes his Confessions. The Enchiridion is among the final books by Augustine. It was written after the death of
c. 411 - Attends Collatio (debates ending in the condemnation of the Donatists) Saint Jerome which occurred on 30th September 420. Augustine usually refers to this book
412 - Starts thirteen years of work on his book, City of God. by the title, "On Faith, Hope and Love," because he develops his subject under these three
416 - At a Council in Mileve he joins in condemnation of Pelagius and Celestius. headings. Enchiridion is one of the most important of all of Augustine's writings. The
419 - Begins writing against Julian of Eclanum. Enchiridion is a treatise on the grace of God. Augustine comments that the shortest
423 - Considers resigning over scandal involving Antoninus, whom he had ordained. complete summary of the Christian faith that God is to be served by man in faith, hope,
426 - He begins writing his Retractions. and love. In this book, Augustine presents the Apostle’s Creed , the Lord’s Prayer and the
430 - Augustine dies, as Vandals besiege Hippo. doctrine of Creation.
He follows under the first heading the order of the Apostles Creed, and then refutes,
without naming them, the Manichean, Apollinarian, Arian, and Pelagian heresies. Under
Four Famous Writings/Books of St. Augustine the second heading Augustine gives a brief exposition of the Lord’s Prayer. The third part
1.4.1 The Confessions is a discourse on Christian love.
The Confessions of St. Augustine have been considered his autobiography and
memoir. Augustine’s work was a complete loosing of oneself to God. Giving up completely
all of worldly possessions, including bodily and mind possession, such as emotions and 1.4.3 The City of God
intellectual thoughts. Confessions is a prayer lifted up to God; one of praise, understanding, In the City of God, Augustine claimed that there are two cities: one of humans and
and adoration. one of God. Augustine countered the Platonist idea of gods. Platonists proposed that
It narrates the crucial episodes and events in which he sees and celebrates the demons act as an intercessor between gods and humans, that gods never interact with
mysterious actions of God's provident grace. Thus he follows the windings of his memory humans and vice versa. Augustine wrote, “On the other hand, they hold that ‘gods never
as it re-presents the upheavals of his youth and the stages of his disorderly quest for have direct contact with men [humans]’ and therefore suppose that these demons are
wisdom. established midway between men [humans] and gods, to carry men’s [human’s] requests
On the one hand, it obviously refers to the free acknowledgment, before God, of to the gods and to bring back the benefits the gods have granted”
the truth one knows about oneself--and this obviously meant, for Augustine, the After this statement, Augustine continued to dispute the various ideas associated
"confession of sins." But, at the same time, and more importantly, “confessions” means to with this thought. “Are there any good demons who might assist the human soul to attain
acknowledge, to God, the truth one knows about God. To confess, then, is to praise and salvation?” Within the following passage, Augustine stated that since these men believe
glorify God; it is an exercise in self-knowledge and true humility in the atmosphere of grace demons act as mediators between them (humans) and gods, since they count on demons
and reconciliation. to reach gods, those humans will only be led astray from the one true God. For only
through God, and God alone, can the soul of humans attain salvation.
Attacking many heresies, he established the two cities, and where our priorities of
love should be set. If we are in the city of God, then we love the world, for God created
the world, but before we love these possessions, we love God. Therefore, the world is not
an evil place itself; however, the actions, or motivation behind the actions of humans,
create sin. When humans live within the city of humans, they have no concrete concept of
true virtue, passions, and justice. These humans will be lead astray from God by their 1.5.2 Existence of Evil
demons, their temptations, for they do not communicate with God alone—their demons Humans, however, possess free will, and can only tend back to God by an act of the
talk for them. will. Man's refusal to turn to God is, in this way of thinking, nonbeing, or evil, so although
the whole of creation is good, evil comes into the world through man's rejection of the
1.4.4 On The Trinity good, the true, and the beautiful, that is, God.
"On the Trinity" (De Trinitate) is most likely Augustine's most difficult work. The
theology of the Trinity is a difficult subject to explain or discuss. References to the Trinity 1.5.3 The Trinity
in the Bible are few, and their meaning is not always obvious - indeed, they can easily be Augustine taught the church that God is a Trinity of love. He certainly did not invent
read as contradictory. There is no explicit description of the Trinity in the Scriptures at all. the idea that God is love; that is clearly stated in the New Testament (1 John 4:15). Nor
The orthodox view of the Trinity (as three persons in one God) is an inferential conclusion did he construct the doctrine of the Trinity. Love cannot exist on its own because it is not
from the Bible that took generations to assemble. In light of these limitations. This a thing or an attribute possessed by a thing. In other words, God cannot be love unless
problem is sufficiently difficult that many people in the time of Augustine opted to classify there is something for him to love. But if that something were not part of himself, he would
it solely as a Mystery of Religion that would be understood in the next life but not in this not be perfect. The Bible does not teach us that God needed the creation in order to have
one. something to love, because if that were true, he could not be fully himself without it. So
Augustine undertook two tasks in writing On the Trinity. He first wished to combat Augustine reasoned that God must be love inside himself. To his mind, the Father is the
non-Trinitarian heresy by showing the support for the concept in the Bible and by showing one who loves, the Son is the one who is loved (the “beloved Son” revealed in the baptism
that the various Biblical references were not inherently contradictory. His second motive of Jesus), and the Holy Spirit is the love that flows between them and binds them together.
was to attempt to understand the Trinity more deeply. "On the Trinity" is a long book, the It is in the Spirit, moreover, who binds believers to God and makes us partakers by
second longest work that Augustine wrote. Augustine in his teaching maintains the adoption of that love which is intrinsic to the Trinity’s being.
equality of the persons: that the Son is equal to the Father, and the Holy Spirit equal to
both. The Father is the Lover, the Son is the Beloved and the Holy Spirit is the love between 1.5.4 On Grace
the Father and the Son. St. Augustine is the Doctor of Grace. He wrote many treatises on the subjects of
free choice of the will as well as grace throughout his lifetime. In Grace and Free Will,
1.5 Teachings of St. Augustine written in 427, he explained simply why he believed in free will. If there was no free will,
1.5.1 God then why did God give us the Ten Commandments, and why did he tell us to love our
God occupied the center of Augustinian thought wherein he said that one can neighbor?
discern the existence of God, the preferred name for whom is Truth. He also wrote that Augustine's arguments against the Pelagian heresy set the doctrine of grace for the
image of God is evident in the soul, which is immortal and imperishable, not an aspect of Catholic Church to the present day. Pelagius thought that man could achieve virtue and
the body. salvation on his own without the gift of grace, that Jesus was simply a model of virtue. This
Augustine believed in a hierarchy of beings in which God was the Supreme Being of course attacks the Redemption of man by Christ! If man could make it on his own, then
on whom all other beings, that is, all other links in the great chain of being, were totally the Cross of Christ becomes meaningless! But Augustine placed emphasis on man's utter
dependent. All beings were good because they tended back toward their creator who had sinfulness through the original sin of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3); the two possible outcomes
made them from nothing. in the Final Judgement of mankind (Matthew 25:31-46), and the blessing and efficacy of
grace, a free gift of God through Jesus Christ. He recalls John 15:5: "I am the vine, you are
the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without
me you can do nothing," as well as Ephesians 2:8 - "For by grace you have been saved 2.3 Followers of St. Augustine were Aplenty
through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God." Grace disposes man to raise 1139: The Second Lateran Council solemnly approved the processed of giving the
him to a life of virtue, which is the ground of human freedom. "When I choose rightly I am rule of St. Augustine an equal place with those of St. Benedict and St. Basil
free." Both grace and free will are necessary for salvation. The Council of Orange 1200: scattered cenobitic communities followed the Rule of St. Augustine
enshrined Augustine's teaching on grace and free will in 529 AD.

Lesson 2 : History of the Order of the Augustinian – Recollects and its 2.4 The Great Union
Development as a Religious Order 1215: Pope Innocent III convoked the 4th Lateran Council – decreed that all
conventual communities adopt one of the rules recognized by the Church; all existing
2.1 St. Augustine Founded Three Monasteries monastic communities should live unanimously and unite to create an association under
November 13, 354 – birth in Tagaste; today – Souk-Ahras Algeria the direction and guidance of father superior”.
387: baptized by St. Ambrose March 31, 1244: Pope Innocent IV confirmed the “first grand union” among
389: founded first monastic community Augustinian Hermits of Tuscany, thus was born officially the The Order of St. Augustine.
391: Sacerdotal ordination – founded the second monastery in Hippo; and March 1256: First General Chapter of the newly-formed “Order of Hermits of St.
monastery for women Augustine” [later: “Order of St. Augustine”]. Members wear black habit, with a cowl and
395: Episcopal ordination. Later succeeded Bishop Valerius. Founded the 3rd a leather belt.
monastery (“monastery for clerics” April 9, 1256: Pope Alexander ratified the accords of the said chapter in his bull
397: date of the composition of the “Rule”, books, sermons and letters (5 million “Licet Ecclesia Catholicae” which also “officially confirmed the Augustinian Order, as a
words in all) mendicant order.
August 28, 430: Death. Succeeded by Heraclius, youngest of his deacons
2.5 No Historical nor Juridical Link to St. Augustine’s Original Communities
2.2 Persecution and Revival of Augustinian Life
Recent studies show that the original communities of St. Augustine are not
Almost all of the “Augustinian monasteries” ceased to exist during the long
historically link nor juridically related to all the existent Augustinian families whose
persecution of the first two Vandal kings in Africa. Genseric 429-477 (African Vandal King)
canonical existence began only in the 13th century.
and his son Huneric (477-484) were Arians and both vented their fury against bishops and
The Order of St. Augustine had its direct origin in the fusion of different eremitical
religious.
groups in Italy.
Yet, it is noted, that there could be at least were at least 35 monasteries (convents)
of males and ten females in North Africa in the year 500.
2.6 St. Nicholas of Tolentine
When persecutions abated, Augustinian life was revived across the sea:
St. Nicholas of Tolentine (1245-1305), the first Augustinian Saint after the Great
c. 502: St. Fulgentius became bishop of Ruspe (Tunisia), who arrived in Sardinia “No
Union, was canonized by Pope Eugene IV in 1446. He was the first Augustinian Saint after
less than ten monasteries are mentioned in his biography”.
the Great Union. He epitomized the Augustinian way of life.
c. 570: Donatus and 70 Christians brought it, to Toledo, Spain
It was in 7th century however, when Arab scimitars wiped out traces of Augustinian
monasticism from the face of Africa
 2.7 Philippines Under Spanish Rule 2.11 Birth of the Augustinian Recollection
Spain had taught the Philippines how to become a nation because of these December 5, 1588: Birth of the Augustinian Recollection
historical facts. One is that prior to the coming of Magellan in 1521, the archipelago was The Provincial Chapter of the Augustinian Province of Castille held Toledo, Spain in
composed of various kingdoms ruled by different datus and rajas. The colonization of early December 1588 formulated 18 ordinances, one of which, “the fifth, promulgated on
these 7,100 islands by the Spaniards produced a sense of unity since there was one colony, December 5, embodied their longings and ordered that three monasteries for men and
one ruler and one religion. three for women be dedicated for those who wanted to embrace more austere system of
life”.
2.8 Augustinians in Mexico The Recollect convents:
The missionary history of the Province (of Castille), and even that of the
Augustinian Order, began in 1533 with the arrival of the seven religious in the port of 1.Talavera de la Reina, Toledo (October, 1589)
Veracruz (Mexico). Mexico would later be an important point of stop-over for Recollect 2.Portillo, Valladolid (May, 1590)
missionaries from Spain before proceeding to the Philippines. 3.Nava del Rey, Valladolid (June 1591)
4.Madrid (foundation: 1596)
2.9 First Signs of Recollection Movement 5.Later: El Toboso, Toledo (f. 1600)
Between 1540 and 1588 there appeared (Augustinian) religious who were desirous
of assimilating values of [reformation aspiring for a life of real poverty, of more prayer, of 2.12 The Forma De Vivir
more silence, of more austerity and equality] and adapt them into their Order. Among The Forma de Vivir (de los Frailes Agustinus Descalzos) composed of 14 chapter
them was Thomas de Jesus. was the achievement almost exclusively by Fray Luis de Leon (1528-1591) was approved
This Portuguese Recollection failed. Thomas de Jesus failed to obtain approval on September 20, 1589 and was incorporated in the Constitutions of the Order of
from Prior General, disbanded in 1574. Augustinian Recollects
St. Thomas of Villanova led the survival of the MEXICAN Recollection and sow the This document of the Recollects’ Way of Life “expressed the desire for greater
first seeds of Recollection in 1533. perfection … in an intensification of contemplative and communitarian life with the
emphasis on its ascetic features.
2.10 The Arrival of the 4 Religious Orders in the Philippines It was ratified by Pope Clement VIII in 1597. It was approved on Sept 20, 1589 by
1. Augustinians 1565 – (founder: St. Augustine) the intermediate Provincial Chapter and was implemented on Oct. 19, 1589 in Talavera
2. Franciscans 1578 – (founder: St. Francis of Assisi) convent.
3. Jesuits 1581 – (founder: St. Ignatius of Loyola)
4. Dominicans 1587 – (founder: St. Dominic de Guzman) 2.13 The Recollects Became a Province
5. Augustinian Recollects (1606) fifth and last group of friars to arrives in The “Discalced Augustinians” (later known as “Augustinian Recollects” or simply
the Philippines Recoletos) became a separate Province [disjoined themselves from the Province of Castile]
created by Pope Clement VII, through his Papal Bull “Apostolici Muneris” on 11 February
1602.
The First Provincial Chapter held on June 2, 1602 in Valladolid elected Fr. Juan De
San Geronimo as the 1st PRIOR PROVINCIAL who later led the pioneer missionaries to the
Philippines.
 2.14 The Recollects Crossed the Ocean for the First Time Living in a Beaterio de San Sebastian Calumpang the beatas guided with the zeal
1604 - 1st American Recollects began their journey around the Columbian by the OAR Friars, their beaterio was canonically recognized by the Archbishop of Manila,
hermitage of La Candelaria. The next year,1605, the Spanish Recollects sailed for the Most Rev. Michael O’Doherty.
faraway lands of the Philippines. November 20, 1970 - elevated the congregation to a religious institute of pontifical
right. The congregation works chiefly in the educational apostolate.
2.15 Arrival in the Philippines
12 July 1605 - On board the ship Santa Maria del Juncal, the 14 Recollects were led 2.19 Suppression of The Religious Life in Spain
Fr. Juan De San Geronimo Between September 1835 and January 1836: Spanish liberalist leader Juan Alvarez
22 February 1606 - They boarded the galleon Espiritu Santo. A fire on board that Mendizabal enacted laws that despoiled the Recollect Congregation of 32 out of 33
might have triggered a tremendous explosion, and death of Fr. Andres de San Nicolas. monasteries that it then possessed in Spain and expelled the monks. Only the formation
May 1606: 13 Recollects debarked in Cebu and were welcome by the Augustinian house in Monteagudo, Navarra which trained missionaries in the Philippines was spared.
Bishop Pedro de Agurto. Toward the end of May, they sailed to Manila where weeks later,
they founded their first convent in Bagumbayan on July 24, 1606. 2.20 St. Ezekiel Moreno Lived And Worked In The Philippines
St. Ezekiel Moreno (1848- 1906) “An Augustinian Recollect Saint among Filipinos” His
2.16 Recoletos Became a Congregation missionary work in the Philippines lasted for 15 years from 1870 to 1885. He is the Patron
Pope Gregory XV, on June 5, 1621, through his papal brief “Militantis Ecclesiae” of Cancer Patients and the Patron of the Philippine Province.
elevated the Recoletos to a Congregation.
On November 23, 1621, the congregation with 28 convents in Spain and in the 2.21 Recoletos Became An Order
Philippines was divided into four provinces: Pope Pius X through his papal brief “Religiosas Familias”, elevated the Recoletos was
1. Castille [St. Augustine] to a RELIGIOUS ORDER on September 16,1912.
2. Aragon [Our Lady of the Pillar] The official name of the Order which is the Order of the Recollect Hermits of St.
3. Andalucia [St. Thomas of Villanova] Augustine, since 1912 would be changed to Order of the Recollects of St. Augustine
4. Philippines [St. Nicholas of Tolentine] (ORSA) in 1927. Then in 1966, ORSA became OAR or the “Order of Augustinian
Recollects”.

2.17 First Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno 2.22 Foundation of the Third Order in the Philippines
February 1624 - The first Provincial Chapter of the Philippine Province planned to In 1956, SARF (or the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity) through the joint
adapt St. Nicholas of Tolentine as a Patron. Fr. Pedro del Fulgencio in 1610, asking for efforts of Fr. Martin Legarra, OAR [former rector of University of San Jose-Recoletos] and
Philippine “greater autonomy” from Spain due to distance and by reason apostolic Fr. Juan Garcia, OAR was founded. SARF is the Third Order of the Augustinian Recollects.
orientation was granted.
2.23 Coming of the OAR Contemplative nuns
2.18 Talangpaz Sisters and the Congregation of the AR Sisters The first group of OAR contemplatives (composed of Mo. Lourdes Eizaguirre, Sr.
On July 16, 1725, Talangpaz blood sisters from Calumpit, Bulacan Mo. Dionisia Cristina Gonzales, Sr. Elena Trejo, Sr. Carmen Orduňa and Sr. Maria Jose Vila accompanied
Mitas De Sta. Maria (1691-17320) and Cecilia Rosa De Jesus (1693-1731) founded the by Mother Federal maria Cruz Aznar) arrived in the Philippines on August 10, 1992. St.
Congregation of the Augustinian Recollect Sisters. Ezekiel Moreno Monastery in Brgy Tangub, Bacolod City, the first in Asia, was blessed and
inaugurated on August 19, 1995. Pioneering Filipinas in the monastery were six: Judith, 3.1. St. Nicholas of Tolentino
Emy, Teresa, Shirley, Vivien and Quiteria. Thus, “the Recollect family in the Philippines is Feast day - September 10
complete”. Patron of UNO-R Community
Patron of the Pour Souls in Purgatory
2.24 Presence of the Recollects in the World
Today, the Recollects are present in 19 countries, including: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, 3.1.1 Short Biography
Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, England, Guatemala, Mexico, Panam, Peru, 1245 September - Nicholas was born to Companon and Armada who after reaching
Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, United States, Valenzuela their middle age and still childless went to pilgrimage and prayed in the Shrine of St.
The Recollects numbered 1500 Religious spread throughout the world in 201 Nicholas at Bari. Nicholas was born in answer to his mother's prayers. When her wish was
religious houses, distributed into eight provinces (regions) in four continents. The granted, she named the boy Nicholas and he soon gave unusual signs of saintliness. At a
strongest is in Spain, the Philippines and Colombia. young age, he already felt the desire to live a life of religious and one day decided to join
the Augustinian Order. As a novice, he was under the tutelage of Fr. Reginald.
1270 - He was ordained as a priest in Cingoli. As a young priest, he already displayed
Lesson 3: Augustinian/Recollect Saints virtues of obedience, self-denial (mortification), charity and devotions to the Holy Sacrifice
of the Mass, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Blessed Souls in Purgatory. He practiced
In the Catholic Church, a saint is a holy person who is known for his or her “heroic severe mortifications and fasted strictly. He was known for obtaining healings for many of
sanctity” and who is thought to be in heaven. In the 10th century, Pope John XV, the sick who lived in Tolentino, where he spent the last 30 years of his life. St. Nicholas'
formalized a process for the identification of saints. Before that time, saints were largely bread, a roll of dough with a cross in the center, has its origin in the bread he used to give
established by public cult. There are more than 10,000 saints recognized by the Roman to the sick to eat after he had prayed for the Virgin Mary's healing intercession.
Catholic Church, though the names and histories of some of these holy men and women 1275 - At the age of thirty, he was assigned by the Superior in Tolentino.
have been lost to history. 1305 September 10 - Nicholas died at the age of 60.
The saints of the church are a diverse group of people with varied and interesting 1446 Febuary 2 - He was canonized as Saint by Pope Eugene IV.
stories. Their ranks include martyrs, kings and queens, missionaries, widows, theologians,
parents, nuns and priests, and “everyday people” who dedicated their lives to the loving 3.1.2 Titles
pursuit of God. Religious and nonreligious people alike have found inspiration from their Patron of the Poor Souls in Purgatory - His devotion to the faithful departed and his
lives, particularly in the stories of saints who devoted themselves in service to the poor prayers for their salvation earned him the title Patron of the Souls in Purgatory.
and the sick.
Catholics venerate the saints and look to them as examples of lives well lived in the 3.1.3 Miracles Attributed
faith. Many find comfort in the knowledge that holy people shared in their same struggles, Among the most celebrated cases was that of the future king of Spain, Philip II, who
sins, doubts, or hardships and ask specific saints to pray for them. Some saints are the was cured of a high fever at eight years of age after eating the “blessed rolls given to him
patrons of certain occupations or causes, and these saints are often invoked to aid people by an Augustinian Father, Luís de Montoya, at that time the prior of the convent of Medina
in those professions or situations. For example, St. Jude is the patron saint of impossible del Campo.”
or desperate causes, and many Catholics ask him to pray on their behalf for the resolution Cure of the Sick Boy - His first miracle happened before his ordination. He healed
of seemingly impossible situations in their lives. the sick boy by putting his hand on the head and said “The good God will heal you”.
 Cure of the Blind Woman - This Miracle happened at Cingoli when he uttered the One of the greatest devotions of Saint Nicholas was his devotion to the souls in
same words “The good God will heal you” and the blind woman regained her sight. purgatory. He was convinced that the living could help souls by almsgiving, mortification,
prayer and above all through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. He devoted much of his time
3.1.4 Icons and Symbols in praying for the souls. One day his cousin Gentiles de Guidiano, who lived a sinful life
Star - It was a token of his sanctity. It appeared and followed him from his died. Nicholas prayed for God’ s mercy, offered a Mass and asked God for a sign of his
hometown to Tolentino. The interpretation of the star that followed him is that his body cousin’s deliverance. After two weeks of continuous masses. He heard the voice of his
will rest someday where the star settles, and people all over the world will flock there and cousin thanking him of his sacrifice and prayers.
honor his protection. Another story relates that Nicholas, while asleep in bed, heard the voice of a
One year before departing for eternity, he saw, in a dream, a star of extraordinary deceased friar, Peregrino de Osimo who was pleading that he offers Mass for him and
brilliance rise in the sky of Saint’Angelo, his birthplace, and move toward Tolentino, other souls. This friar told Nicholas that he was in Purgatory, and urged him to celebrate
coming to rest over the altar of the oratory where he celebrated daily Mass and said his the Eucharist for him and other souls there, so that they would be set free by the power
prayers. Intrigued, Fr. Nicholas consulted a brother of good reputation and learning about of Christ. Nicholas did so for seven days. The friar again spoke to Nicholas, thanking him
the significance of the occurrence, and received this reply: “Father, this star is undoubtedly and assuring him that a large number of souls were now with God. Because of this Nicholas
a sign of your sanctity, and I am sure that it will finish its course where your body shall be was proclaimed patron of the souls in Purgatory.
buried.”
Panecillos or the Blessed loaves of St. Nicholas – These blessed loaves served as 3.1.5 Values
memorial of the Blessed Mary’s help given to Saint Nicholas during his illness Having taken St. Nicholas de Tolentino is a prayerful man and have an ardent devotion to Sacred
seriously ill because of his austerities, Fr. Nicholas’ superiors ordered him to eat a little Heart of Jesus and Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Nicholas was primarily a pastor to his flock and
meat. Having done so, his health only worsened, reaching what appeared to be the point a good leader. He possessed an angelic meekness, a guileless simplicity, and a tender love
of death. But he appealed to the Blessed Virgin, and She appeared to him accompanied by of virginity, which he never stained, guarding it by prayer and extraordinary mortifications.
St. Augustine and St. Monica. Our Lady consoled him saying that Jesus carried him in His
Heart, and that his founder and his saintly mother looked upon him with favour. Then she 3.2. St. Ezekiel Moreno
counselled him to eat a bit of bread moistened in water, assuring him that it would be an Feast day - August 19
excellent remedy for his sickness. As soon as he did so, he was cured. In this way, the Patron of Cancer Patients
Mother of God gave her stamp of approval to the Saint’s meagre diet.
This episode is the origin behind the blessing of St. Nicholas Bread, held on his feast 3.2.1 Short Biography
day, which has restored health to many sick people. When received during the feast of St. 1848 April 9 - He was born in Alfaro, La Rioja, Spain of the pious couple, Felix
Nicholas every September 10, the bread is meant to help the sick, the afflicted and the Moreno, a tailor by profession and Josefa Diaz. He was the fourth among the five offspring.
needy by invoking the maternal protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The devotion to the 1863 - At the age of 15, he entered the Augustinian Recollect convent in
blessed loaves is continued even after his death and approved by Pope Eugene VI. Monteguado, Spain.
Septenary Masses for the Poor Souls in Purgatory - It consists of offering seven 1864 September 21 - He took his Augustinian Recollect habit.
masses for seven consecutive days for the souls of deceased persons. Assistance that Saint 1865 September 22 - He professed his final vows in the Order of Augustinian
Nicholas gave to the Poor Souls in Purgatory included the following: Almsgiving, Recollects in Monteagudo (Navarra)
Mortification, Prayer, and Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 1865 October - He left Cadiz, Spain along with 17 missionaries for Philippine
mission.
 1870 Febuary 10 - Arrival in Manila, where he finished his theological studies. He 3.2.3 Miracles Attributed
was ordained deacon in Jaro, Iloilo. The miracle for Beatification - Carmela Jurado, a native of Pasto, where Saint
1871 June 3 - Archbishop Meliton Martinez ordained him as a priest. Ezekiel Moreno was bishop, suffered from a malignant palatine-nasal cancer, the same
1871 - He Started his missionary activities in the Philippines, was assigned in kind of cancer from which San Ezekiel Moreno had died. After two months of treatment in
Mindoro and exercised his first priestly ministry. hospital, the doctors advised the family to take her back home to die, as nothing more
1872 Febuary - He was assigned in Palawan. could be done for her. On the night of February 11, 1947, she was already in agony after
1873 May 3 - He was recalled to Capalan, Mindoro and became the Vicar Forane having received the last sacraments. In the weeks before, she had prayed two novenas
of Mindoro. with her family to St. Ezekiel Moreno and in a miraculous way Carmela Jurado woke up
1876 July - He was assigned in Las Piñas. that morning completely healed and without any physical damages.
1879 - He Continued his pastoral ministry in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The miracle for Canonization - Maria de Jesús Náñez, a Colombian woman, had
1880 - He became official preacher in Intramuros, Manila. been operated on for cancer in her right leg, but the cancer had already metastasized to
1881 Febuary - He became an assistant parish priest of his brother Father her left breast. She entrusted herself to Ezekiel Moreno and on the night of July 18, 1986,
Eustaqiou in Sta. Cruz, Manila. she was miraculously cured.
1881 June - He was appointed prior in Imus, Cavite
1885 April - He became a superior in Monteagudo, Spain. 3.2.4 Icons and Symbols
1888 - He collaborated in many apostolic works in Columbia; restored the province Recoletos Habit - The Recoletos Habit symbolizes St. Ezekiel Moreno’s obedience
of Candelaria and renewed the spiritual zeal of his brother-priest. to his superiors and to the Will of God.
1893 July 17 - Pope Leo XIII named him Apostolic Vicar of Casanare. Crucifix - The crucifix symbolizes his ardent devotion to God specially to the Sacred
1893 October 25 - He became Titular Bishop of Pinara. Heart of Jesus
1896 Febuary - He was named Bishop of Pasto
1906 Febuary - He contracted a malignant cancer of the palate and throat. 3.2.5 Values
1906 August 19 - Fr. Ezekiel died of Cancer He is a man of example and open spirit. As a Bishop of Pasto, he was a zealous
1975 November 1- Pope Paul VI beatified him. spiritual leader and defender of the church. He was an ardent devotee and apostle of the
1992 October 11- Pope John Paul II canonize him as saint. Sacred Heart of Jesus. He is a man of prayer and community, a perfect example and model
of the Augustinian Recollect charism and a contemplative in social ministry.
3.2.2 Titles He is a living example of holiness for bishops and an example of all pastors.
Patron of the Cancer Patient - After his death, his reputation for holiness spread His ardent charity, his apostolic zeal, his courage, and his profound interior life. St.
far and wide, particularly in Colombia. Many cures have been attributed to his intercession, Ezekiel dedicated his entire life to the service of others. His zeal for the sanctification of
especially among victims of cancer. Having been a victim of cancer himself, Saint Ezekiel is souls, his love for the poor, the sick, and the needy knew no limits.
especially close to those who suffer from the same disease. In fact, two outstanding As a former Recollect prior general once said, Saint Ezekiel “encompasses all the
miracles were given in evidence of his holiness during the process of beatification and characteristics of the ideal Augustinian Recollect: prayer, apostolic work and common life.”
canonization. Indeed, we can identify and highlight six marked characteristics of Saint Ezekiel’s
spirituality: life of intense prayer and contemplation, apostolate and care for those who
have less in life, Holy Eucharist, Sacred Heart of Jesus, “Jesus and I” spirituality and Marian
devotion.
3.4 St. Thomas of Villanova both the cathedrals of Valencia and Salamanca. He was beatified on October 7, 1618
Feast day - September 22Patron Saint of Studies Beggar Bishop and Father of the Poor by Paul V and canonized on November 1, 1658 by Alexander VII.

3.4.1 Short Biography 3.4.2 Titles

Thomas Garcia Martinez was born about 1486 in Fuenllana, Spain, and was Father of the Poor
raised in Villanueva de los Infantes. He studied at the University of Alcalá and later Seldom a day passed on which he did not provide four or five hundred poor with
at Salamanca, where he entered the Order and was professed on November 25, 1517. food and money; besides the charity he bestowed upon the bashful poor, prisoners, and
On December 24, 1518 he was ordained priest. He then taught theology in orphans. He inquired diligently for the really needy, and sent them, unasked, what he
Salamanca and was entrusted with the duties of prior of the friary there and later at thought they required. The same charity he bestowed upon the poor artisans, day-laborers,
others as well. He served also at various times as Prior Provincial and Visitator. and needy virgins. The latter he enabled, by the dower he gave them, either to enter a
Thomas of Villanova (1486-1555) was known for his promotion of studies and convent or to marry. Not many are the saints who possessed the virtue of charity in a more
missions in the Order of Saint Augustine, and for his love and care for the poor. eminent degree than St. Thomas, and God bountifully rewarded it; for, it is well known
Thomas García Martínez was born in 1486 in Fuenllana, Ciudad Real, Spain. He spent that the grain in the barns, the money in his purse, the flour and other articles destined
his childhood in the family home in Villanova de los Infantes. A gifted student, for the poor were miraculously multiplied.
Thomas entered the University of Alcala at the age of 15. He earned a degree in
Theology in a very short time, and was asked to join the faculty of this famous Almsgiver
university. In order to have a well-formed clergy, Thomas started Presentation His heart was ever alive with pity towards the poor especially; to them his palace
Seminary in 1550. gate was always open; daily he had a repast for every poor person that applied for help,
He established schools where the young would have access to a quality as many even as four to five hundred thus getting their meals at his hands. In every district
education. He turned his own home into a sort of soup kitchen and shelter, giving to of the city he had almoners appointed with orders especially to search out the respectable
the poor and the homeless food to eat and a place to sleep. For that reason, he was persons who shrank from asking alms; these he had supplied with money, food, clothing,
known as Beggar Bishop and Father of the Poor. He is also known as the Patron Saint while as to indigent workmen, poor farmers, and mechanics, he replenished their stock
of Studies. and brought them tools, thus putting them in the way of making a living. His whole life as
His reputation as an excellent teacher spread, and the prestigious University of replete with acts of practical kindness.
Salamanca offered Thomas a professorship in 1516. He refused the position, instead
seeking admission into the Order of Saint Augustine. He professed his vows as an Model of Bishops
Augustinian in 1517 and was ordained a priest in 1518. Recognizing his leadership Thomas was not like most bishops. He had no interest in the fanfare associated
ability, his fellow Augustinians chose him to serve as Prior (local superior) and later with becoming a bishop. For instance, after he was ordained bishop, he slipped out of
as Provincial (regional superior). In this position, Thomas encouraged a more faithful town with only a fellow Augustinian priest and a servant in order to avoid any festivities.
adherence to the principles of Augustinian life. He also promoted missionary activity The three of them walked the 300 mile trek from the city of his ordination in Valladolid to
by Augustinians in the New World. Thomas grew into a deeply spiritual life. He lived his new see in Valencia.
simply, giving away the small fortune that he inherited from his parents. He ran his household in a very simple way. When he first arrived in Valencia, he
Thomas died on September 8, 1555 at the age of 67, and was buried in our friary was given 4,000 gold pieces as a gift in order to furnish his residence. Although very ap-
of Our Lady of Help in Valencia as he had desired. Later his remains were moved to preciative of the gift and the thought for him, he, instead, took the money and donated it
to the poor noting that he would not need much in terms of furniture. The poor were when they laid him there, not even his habit being decayed or corrupted, there was a
always welcome to come to the bishop's residence for assistance. He daily provided for universal cry of joy and admiration at the wonderful spectacle; and they blessed the
the needs of hundreds by insuring that they received a meal, a cup of wine, and a coin. infinite power of Him who had done this for the glory of His faithful servant and Saint.
For his own person, he cared very little. Thomas would wear the same habit and
vestments having them patched as necessary. For many around him, this was a bit of an
embarrassment. Nonetheless, Thomas stuck to his principles that his exercise of the office Saint Thomas with The Sign of the Cross Cures a Lame and Paralytic Man
of bishop was not much dependent upon the state of his patched-up clothes. One day, as the good prelate looked from his chamber into the court where alms
Although he would spend as much time in prayer as he could, Thomas had made it were given, he perceived a man who walked with crutches, having lost the use of his limbs,
clear to others, that they should always interrupt him when his presence was requested. who, after receiving an alms on one side, went over to the other to obtain a second. S.
Thomas explained that his time did not belong to him, it belonged to his flock. As he had Thomas called him, and asked him if he had not already received an alms. The man
expressed before, he took the accountability in his office very seriously. Consequently, acknowledged that he had. “How comes it, then,” said the Saint, “that you try to get an-
Thomas worked very hard to help form his clergy into faithful priests who would served other?” “It is true, my Lord,” replied the poor man, “ that what I have received is quite
their flocks rather than serve themselves. enough for myself, but it is not much my family.” “Now then,” said the Saint, “have a great
faith and confidence in God;” and raising him upright, he gave him his blessing and perfect
3.4.3 Miracles attributed health at the same time ; recommending him to return thanks to Almighty God for what
he had just done. The poor man quitted his crutches upon the spot, walked without pain,
Incorruptible Body of St. Thomas of Villanova and as perfectly well as if he had never been afflicted with any disease. This miracle is very
In the year 1588, twenty-three years after the death of S. Thomas, the devotion of similar to that which S. Peter performed on the lame man cured at the gate of the Temple,
the people at his tomb increased daily, from the continual miracles which God performed excepting that the holy apostle excused himself from granting any other aid than that of
for the benefit of those who had recourse to his merits and suffrages. health, saying that he had neither gold nor silver to bestow, while Saint Thomas, who had
A canon of the cathedral, Don John Baptist Vivas, who revered him much, resolved both for the poor, gave some to this poor man, as well as his restoration to health. This
to give him fresh proofs of his devotion and remembrance by providing, at his own happened the year before the death of the holy prelate.
expense, a silver lamp of great value, and a railing of bronze richly worked to inclose his
tomb, which until then had remained open to the church. To lay down this railing it was A Blind Girl received her Sight at the tomb of St. Thomas of Villanova
necessary to raise the tomb and the marble figure upon it, and to dig the earth around it. This miracle, so much the more worthy of the Saint’s compassion, the subject of it
While this was being done there issued from the tomb an odour so sweet and agreeable, being of so tender an age, was wrought on a little creature named Marcella, daughter of
that in the judgment of some perfumers who were present, there was nothing to be Anthony Mathieu, Doctor of Laws, who from the age of three years had suffered from a
compared to it, either amongst the most excellent perfumes, or flowers the most rare and disease of the stomach, which caused her to vomit blood from her mouth, and to return
exquisite. In this exhalation there was a something divine and inexpressible, which whatever nourishment was given her. Three months she continued in this state, noth- ing
elevated the mind and feelings beyond what was natural. All judged unanimously that this that was done for her seeming to give her any relief. The disease increased, so that at
odour came from heaven, since there was nothing to he found like it upon earth, and that times she was almost suffocated, and at length her eyes were affected, and she entirely
God, through His goodness and justice, began to make this holy body enjoy, in some sort, lost her sight. Some time afterwards, her mother, who was deeply afflicted at her state,
the happiness that the soul which had animated it already possessed. But when, upon going to make her devotions at the tomb of St, Thomas, determined to take her child with
seeing and touching him, it was found that his body was still entire, and almost as fresh as her ; and laying her little hands upon the tomb whilst she knelt by her side, she humbly
invoked the assistance of the Saint for her. Then leaving the church, she gave some money
to the sacristan that mass might be said for that intention. It is most remarkable, that at money being spent on the poor in the hospital. What does a poor friar like myself want
nine o’clock the next morning, the very hour when the holy sacrifice was being offered for with furniture?”
her daughter, she recovered her sight, and was cured of her disease and all her infirmities, He became well known for his personal austerity and for his continual and untiring
from which she had suffered so much. charitable efforts, especially towards orphans, poor women and the sick. He possessed an
especially wise notion of charity, so that while he, himself was very charitable, he sought
A Wounded Man, after having kept in his bed for Two Years, is miraculously cured to obtain definitive, structural solutions to the systemic problem of poverty. He created
through the Intercession of Saint Thomas of Villanova work opportunities for the poor, thereby making his charity bear fruit.
One day, when the people of Valentia were diverting themselves in the
bull -ring, a shoe- maker, named Peter Assentio, had his side pierced by the horns of one 3.5 St. Magdalene of Nagasaki
of those beasts, which threw him to the ground with so much violence that he lay there Feast Day -October 20
dreadfully hurt. He was carried upon a ladder to his house, and every means taken for his Patroness of the Secular Augustinian Recollects
recovery, for two years, without effect. For this reason, finding all human remedies use-
less, and only exhausting his purse without restoring his health, he resolved to have re- 3.5.1 Short Biography
course to heavenly remedies by a special vow, which he made to S. Thomas of Villanova. Magdalene was born in 1611 near Nagasaki, Japan, the daughter of devout
From the first day of the Novena which he made at his tomb, he felt himself considerably Christian parents. While she was still young her mother, father, and siblings were
better, and before it was finished, was entirely recovered. martyred for the faith.
In 1624 she became acquainted with two Augustinians, members of the
3.4.4 Icons and Symbols Recollect Congregation, Francis of Jesus and Vincent of Saint Anthony, and was
Spear and Ruler - Spear represent his martyrdom and Ruler represents his attracted by their deep spirituality.
profession as a builder St Magdalene of Nagasaki, also known as Magdalena, was a tertiary of the Order
of Augustinian Recollects who served as a translator and catechist, teaching catechism
3.4.5 Values to the young, seeking alms for the poor, encouraging her people in times of
Renowned for the works of charity and love for the poor. He started a boarding persecution. When these two friars were martyred, she placed herself under the
school so that poor children could get an education. He sheltered orphans who had no spiritual guidance of two other Augustinians who eventually also received the cro wn
place to go. He was deeply committed to the poor, established care for orphans. of martyrdom.
The love of our Saint towards the poor was displayed very early, and from his little In 1629 she sought refuge in the hills of Nagasaki, sharing the sufferings of her
alms it was easy to judge how much he would afterwards do to solace their afflictions. fellow Christians, baptizing the young and visiting the sick. Because many Christians
Instead of eating his breakfast, he generally gave it to the poor whom he met on his way were renouncing their faith in the face of torture, she decided to encourage them
to school; and not content with taking the food from his own mouth for their support, he through her own acceptance of persecution.
often pulled off his clothes and gave them to poor children, as a protection against cold In September 1634, dressed in the habit of a tertiary, she turned herself into
and nakedness. the anti-Christian civil authorities. In October of that same year she was subjected to
The money his cathedral chapter gave him to furnish his house was given to a the torture of the pit for 13 days. On the last day the pit was filled with water and
hospital instead. His explanation to them was that “our Lord will be better served by your she was drowned. St Magdalene of Nagasaki died as a martyr on October 15 1634 at the
age of 23. Her body was burned and her ashes were scattered on the sea in Nagasaki
Bay to prevent the Christians from having any relics of her. St Magdalene of Nagasaki Unswerving Faith
was beatified by Pope John Paul on February 18 1981 in Manila, Philippines, and canonized Her faith held strong and she continued to exercise a ministry of catechizing, caring
by Pope John Paul II on October 18 1987 at St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City. and encouraging among the persecuted Christian community that gave her the reputation
of a deaconess.
3.5.2 Titles The Augustinologist Enrique Eguiarte admires “her love for the Augustinian Recollect
Patroness of the Secular Augustinian Recollects, Virgin and Martyr way of life, her passion for the Holy Scriptures, her imitation of Saint Augustine and her
From the start she found herself well-disposed to Augustinian spirituality, courage to confess her faith, including giving up her own life.” She is venerated as the
characterized as it is by the search for God, interiority, and the living of faith in communion patroness of the Secular Augustinian Recollect Fraternity.
with others. She found their Augustinian spirituality appealing, with its emphasis on the Brave spirit and conviction
search for God, interiority, and community. She asked to be accepted into the Order of The brave spirit and conviction of this Augustinian Tertiary moved her to go
Saint Augustine, and in 1625 she was formally received and made her profession into the voluntarily to the jailers and declare herself a follower of Jesus Christ. There were threats,
Augustinian Recollect Third Order. tortures, promises of exposure to public scorn, taunts, ridicule all the usual procedures in
such cases. But Magdalene had a clear knowledge of her faith and of the obligation which
3.5.3 Miracles Attributed she had freely taken on.
Magdalene was left hanging for several hours by her arms until the ropes broke
and she fell to the ground. Then she had bamboo spikes stuck under her fingernails and
she was forced to scratch and claw the ground. Next came sadistic variations on the water 3.6 St. Rita of Cascia
torture, forcing the victim to swallow large quantities of water and then applying pressure Feast day -May 22
to force the water, tinged with blood, out of mouth, nose and other organs. Eventually the Patroness of Impossible Causes
torturers had to give up.
3.6.1 Short Biography
She was said to have survived in this terrible state and without food or drink for
Rita Lotti was born in 1381 in the little village of Roccaporena, Italy, the only
thirteen days. She was let fall into the pit which had partly filled with rainwater and she
child of a devout and humble Christian couple. She was given in marriage at a young
died from drowning.
age to Paolo Mancini and together they raised two sons.
When Paolo was murdered as the result of a long-standing family rivalry, Rita
was moved to forgiveness because of her strong Christian convictions, but her sons,
3.5.4 Icons and Symbols teenagers by now, were determined to avenge their father's death. Her words were
For the Augustinian Recollects, she is depicted wearing the habit of an Augustinian unable to change their hearts, but her prayers to God prevented them from exacting
Recollect Tertiary – a black long habit, a white stylized wimple covering only her neck, a revenge. Both boys died of natural causes, leaving Rita without a family, but not
black Augustinian cincture, her hair short with a small black head covering (although in without hope.
recent years, her hair is now tied in a bun in accordance to Japanese culture), holds a bag After several years and various requests, she succeeded in gaining admittance
of books that alludes to her life as a catechist and an interpreter for the missionaries, and to the convent of the Augustinian Nuns in Cascia where she lived the remaining forty
the diagnostic palm branch which is the symbol of martyrdom. years of her life in prayer and simple works of charity. At the age of 61, while at prayer
on Good Friday before an image of Jesus crowned with thorns, she received the
3.5.5 Values stigmata in the form of a single wound in her forehead. This remained until her death
at 76 years of age on May 22, 1457. Rita of Cascia was canonized on May 24, 1900 by share in the suffering of Christ. The wound remained visible on her forehead for the rest
Leo XIII who proclaimed her 'The Precious Pearl of Umbria.' Her body is venerated in of her life, a symbol of her connection to the Crucified Christ.
her basilica in Cascia.
The Incorruptible Body of St. Rita of Cascia
3.6.2 Title St. Rita of Cascia passed away in 1457, and her remains were interred at the
Patroness for Impossible Causes Cascia convent. Her body was found to be incorruptible, or to have not decomposed,
St. Rita certainly had a difficult life, yet her heartbreaking circumstances drove her when the tomb was uncovered a number of years later. Her body was moved to a shrine
to prayer and helped her to become a holy woman. She began her work of intercession in the church because this was interpreted as an evidence of her holiness. Many
for sinners while she lived, starting with those closest to her heart. Through her love and individuals have prayed at Saint. Rita of Cascia’s shrine over the years, pleading for her
prayers she won the grace of conversion for her husband and both of her sons. intercession in their lives.
Although her life was filled with sorrows and disappointments, Rita persevered Many individuals seek the assistance of St. Rita of Cascia when facing challenging
through her trials and was consoled by closely uniting herself with the sufferings of Christ. circumstances because she is now revered as the patron saint of impossibly noble
And he did not abandon her; rather he granted her profound and intimate graces. Now a causes. Her story serves as a reminder that even in the midst of hardship, faith can give
saint in heaven, she helps those who are in great need, just as she once was in her earthly us hope and fortitude. Her narrative is one of tenacity, forgiving others, and most
life. importantly, the strength of love.
St. Rita of Cascia is the patron saint of impossible causes, sterility, abuse victims,
loneliness, marriage difficulties, parenthood, widows, the sick, and bodily ills and wounds.
She is also one of the Church's incorruptible saints; her body is venerated at the basilica Three miracles leading to her Canonization
named for her in Cascia, Italy. The following were the three miracles that were approved, as we may learn from
the Decree of St. Rita's Canonization.
3.6.3 Miracles "The first miracle consists of that pleasing scent emanating from the remains of
The Rose Miracle the Saint's body, the existence of which is confirmed by many reliable witnesses and
Another miraculous event associated with St. Rita is the Rose Miracle. According trustworthy tradition, so that to doubt concerning this fact would be absurd; moreover no
to the accounts, while she was lying on her deathbed in the convent, she asked a relative natural cause can be given for the existence of this odor, as we see from the physical
to bring her a rose from her childhood home’s garden in Roccaporena. Despite it being research which has been made by men most skilled in such things. Furthermore this odor
winter, the relative found a rose blooming in the garden as if by divine grace from God. diffuses itself in a manner above the usual laws of nature. Hence we should be persuaded
The rose was brought to St. Rita, who then offered it to the other nuns as a symbol that this fragrance has its origin through Divine intervention.
of her love and devotion to the holy life. The rose became a symbol of St. Rita’s miraculous "The other miracle happened to Elizabeth Bergamini, a young girl in danger of
works, and she is often depicted holding roses in her portrayals. losing her sight from smallpox. Her parents, assured by the physicians that the child's
condition was so serious that medical aid could be of no avail, decided to send her to the
Stigmata Augustinian Convent at Cascia, beseeching St. Rita fervently to deliver their daughter from
Saint Rita of Cascia is known for her stigmata, a visible manifestation of her approaching blindness. Arriving at the convent, the child was clothed with a votive dress
profound devotion to Jesus Christ. The stigmata appeared as a wound on her forehead, in honor of St. Rita. After four months Elizabeth cried out one day that she could see.
resembling a thorn from Jesus’ Crown of Thorns. This miraculous event took place at the
convent where she resided, and it is believed to have occurred after praying fervently to
Together with the nuns she immediately began to give thanks to God, who had wrought Thorn
such a miracle through St. Rita. The gash on St. Rita of Cascia’s head, which is claimed to have been brought on by a
"The third miracle happened to Cosimo Pelligrini, suffering from chronic catarrhal thorn from Jesus’ crown, is another well-known image of the saint. Legend has it that while
gastroenteritis and hemorrhoidal affection so serious that there was no hope of recovery. St. Rita of Cascia was praying in front of an image of the crucified Christ, a thorn from the
Returning one day from church he became so weak from a new attack of his excruciating image’s crown fell and pierced her forehead. She was in excruciating pain from the wound,
malady that he was near death. Doctors, being summoned, ordered him to receive the last yet she handled it gracefully and sacrificed it to God. She bore the stigmata for over 15
Sacraments, receiving which he lay in the bed with every appearance of approaching death, years.
when suddenly he seemed to see St. Rita in the attitude of greeting him. Thereupon his St. Rita’s skull wound is a representation of her strong spiritual ties to Christ. It stands
former strength and appetite returned to him, and within a very short time he was able to for her readiness to endure pain in order to maintain her faith and her steadfast commit-
do the work of a young man, although he was advanced in years, being a septuagenarian." ment to the crucified Christ. The injury serves as a reminder of the value of prayer and the
In consideration of the approval of the virtues and miracles of the humble necessity of turning to God in difficult circumstances.
Augustinian nun, Pope Leo XIII issued the Decree of Canonization, and appointed Strong memories of St. Rita’s life and legacy can be found in the symbols of the rose
Ascension Day, May 24th, 1900, for the happy event. On this memorable day, two blessed and the wound. They stand for her innocence, her love, her steadfast faith, and her will-
servants of God were canonized: Blessed John Baptist de La Salle, Founder of the Brothers ingness to suffer for others. St. Rita’s life serves as an example for those who want to lead
of the Christian Schools, and our own Blessed Rita of Cascia, known throughout the entire a life of piety, and her symbols are proof of the effectiveness of prayer and self-sacrifice.
Catholic world as the Saint of the Impossible.
3.6.5 Values
3.6.4 Icons and Symbols Perseverance
She is depicted holding a thorn (a symbol of her penance and stigmata) St. Rita of Cascia says: “Praise be to Jesus.”“I have come to speak to you concerning
Holding a Palm leaf with three crowns (representing her two sons and husband, perseverance. Think of a flower. The roots are firmly planted in the soil of Holy Love. The
flanked by two small children (her sons) plant that rises out of the soil is HolyHumility. The leaves that surround the bloom, adding
Holding a skull (a symbol of mortality) to its beauty, are faith, hope and trust. The flower – the ornament of the whole plant – is
Holding a flagellum whip (a symbol of her mortification of the flesh) perseverance; for it is through all of these other virtues, perseverance blooms. Without
Holy Love, Holy Humility, faith, hope and trust, the soul is unable to persevere in prayer or
Rose good works. Understand, then, that when you persevere in anything spiritual, all of these
One of St. Rita of Cascia’s most famous symbols is the rose, which she is frequently virtues are at work.”
pictured clutching in art. The Virgin Mary is said to have given St. Rita of Cascia a rose as a St. Rita of Cascia says: “Praise be to Jesus.”“For any soul to persevere in his pursuit
sign that her prayers had been heard. Saint. Rita of Cascia prayed for a sign that her abusive of personal holiness, he must be courageous. He must not give in to or listen to Satan’s
and adulterous husband would change his ways. She received a thorn from Jesus’ crown, words of discouragement, which lead away from prayer and good works. He must allow.
and it magically changed into a rose in her hand. St. Rita of Cascia is frequently referred to Holy Love to be the guardian of his heart in every present moment; thus protecting the
as the “Saint of the Rose” for this reason. soul from distractions.” “The soul is assaulted in every possible way by his arch-enemy –
Satan – through accusations, lies and every sort of temptation; but within the ‘heart of the
soul’ must be courageous perseverance in Holy Love. This is Christ’s weapon and His Vic-
tory. If Holy Love is present, perseverance is also present.”
 St. Rita of Cascia says: “Praise be to Jesus.”“When you make a soup, the broth be- Chastity
comes part of the vegetables and meat and vice versa. These flavor each other. So it is St. Rita, by a miracle of God's grace, was a perfect model of chastity, for this beautiful
with perseverance. The virtues are flavored with perseverance, and perseverance be- virtue as professed and practiced in the religious state is really a miracle of grace. Nature
comes part of the virtues. Perseverance holds the virtues together just as the broth em- cannot give it, it is truly a gift of God. True, we cannot place St. Rita in the number of those
braces the parts of the soup.” “Or let me put it this way. The mortar that holds the bricks virgins who form an assemblage apart in Heaven; still, because she preserved always the
in place, in the house of holiness within the soul, would be perseverance.” “Perseverance virginity of her soul, she was like to the Angels in purity. We know that from her earliest
in truth must be in the center of every heart for the soul to progress through the Chambers childhood, it was St. Rita's ardent desire to consecrate herself wholly and entirely to God,
ofthe United Hearts.” and that she had the greatest horror of anything which might, in the least, mar the
Poverty untarnished whiteness of virginal purity. Having embraced the marriage state, not because
St. Rita, who knew well that the excellence of holy poverty consists, not so much she wished it, but rather in obedience to the will of God and that of her parents, St. Rita,
in despising riches, as in renouncing the desire of possessing them, she made such rapid while living in that state, observed the most perfect conjugal chastity. Even when St. Rita
progress in the practice of this virtue that after she had made her vows, she never had the was wife and mother, the desire of embracing the more perfect state of life was ever
least affection for riches. We have already learned that before St. Rita began her novitiate uppermost in her mind. And when death had bereft her of husband and children, we know
in the convent of the Maddalena, she sold all she possessed in the world and distributed how promptly she hastened, and how she succeeded in a miraculous manner, to bury
the proceeds among God's poor. Thus, in order to be poor, she renounced everything in herself, so to speak, in the cloister, to become first a domestic of God and then a bride of
the world and of the world so that she might follow her Divine Spouse, Jesus Christ. So the Son of God. Once within the walls of the cloister, St. Rita became an angelic woman,
filled, indeed, was St. Rita with the desire of belonging entirely to God, and of seeking for she acquired, aided by the grace of God and the strict observance of the vow of chastity,
nothing but the things of God, that when she made her solemn profession she consecrated that purity which is characteristic of the Angels.
herself without reserve to God. Her heart thus stripped of every affection to temporal To subjugate her body, she punished it with fasting and abstinence. She observed
things, and so free was her soul from every inclination to worldly interests, that she three Lents in the year, fasted the vigils of the feasts of the Blessed Virgin and all the vigils
considered them the enemies of her eternal salvation. of the feasts of her particular patrons, St. John the Baptist, St. Augustine and St. Nicholas
Because St. Rita loved holy poverty so much, she never wore but one habit, the very of Tolentine. She ate but one meal a day, and this meal consisted, for the most part, of
one she received the day of her entrance into religion. This habit she never laid aside bread and water. By weakening her body St. Rita became spiritually stronger and better
during all the long years she lived in the convent, and when she died she was buried with able to defend herself against the Evil One, hence she was accustomed to say: "We must
the same habit. And even to this day, though centuries have passed since her pure soul not have any pity for our bodies; the more we pander and fondle them, the more
ascended to Heaven, it serves as her shroud, a splendid monument of her heroic poverty. rebellious they will become against the spirit."
Many and many a time was she asked by the nuns why she continued to wear such an old
and patched habit. St. Rita always answered with humility: "Sisters, I wear this old habit to
imitate the poverty of my Spouse, Jesus Christ." She meditated every day on the poverty
of Jesus, and many times while at meditation in the chapel she was heard to cry out: "O
my good Jesus, to clothe me, You stripped Yourself. To make me rich, You lived and died
in extreme poverty."
3.7 Our Lady of Consolation represented by the disciple, to console and care for his mother. At the same time he was
Feast day - September 4 asking his mother to console and care for the Church. From this arose the tradition that
Patroness of Augustinian Family and Community/ Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a source of consolation for the whole Church.
Consoler of the Afflicted
3.7.1 Short Biography Patroness of the Augustinian Recollects
The title of Our Mother of Consolation has been the principal devotion to Mary The Blessed Virgin Mary is venerated as Mother of Consolation because through her
within the Order at least since the 17th Century. Its origin among the Augustinians is «God sent the Consoler, Christ Jesus, into the world». Her share in the suffering of the
directly tied to the life of Saints Monica and Augustine who are commonly depicted Passion of her Son and in the joy of His Resurrection make her able to console her children
together with the figures of Mary and the Child Jesus in renditions of the image. The other in whatever affliction may come their way. After the Ascension of Jesus Christ, in union
title of the devotion is Our Lady of the Cincture. with the Apostles, she ardently implored and trustfully awaited the coming of the Spirit,
According to tradition, Monica, immersed in sorrow because of the death of her the Consoler. Now, taken up into Heaven, «she is the resplendent sign of sure hope and
husband and the waywardness of her son, was granted a vision of Mary and the Child Jesus, comfort to the People of God on their pilgrimage» ( LG 69 )
who sought to offer her comfort or consolation. Mary handed her a leather cincture which At least since the 17th century, «Mother of Consolation» or «Mother of the
she asked Monica to wear as a continual reminder of her presence and thus, a visible sign Cincture» is the principal title by which the Augustinian Order honours the Virgin. In 1439
of encouragement. From that moment Monica wore the cincture and, after his conversion, it obtained the faculty to set up the Confraternity of the Cincture for lay people. An ancient
recommended it also to her son as an indication of Mary’s abiding protection. Thus, by this legend which arose within the Order related that the Virgin had appeared to St Monica,
same tradition, it became historically, the principal and common symbol for all who follow who was saddened by the life Augustine was leading. She consoled her and gave her a
Augustine’s Rule. cincture, the same which Augustine and his brothers would wear. Usually, iconography
The traditional depiction of Our Mother of Consolation shows Mary holding the child represents the Virgin and the Child in the act of giving cinctures to both St Monica and St
Jesus on her lap. Jesus and Mary both hold the Augustinian cincture in their hands. Augustine respectively. In 1495 there arose, in the Augustinian church of Bologna, the
Her feast day is celebration every September 4. confraternity of «St Mary of Consolation». In 1575 both confraternities merged in a single
Archconfraternity of the Cincture, which the popes enriched with an abundance of
3.7.2 Titles indulgences. In the latter and approved liturgical calendars, she is declared Patroness of
Patroness of Augustinian Family and Community the Order.
The various titles by which the Order venerates Mary – Help, Grace, Good Counsel,
Consolation – all suggest an understanding of the Mother of God as benefactress or 3.7.3 Miracles Attributed
patroness of her people, as one who responds to the many needs which humanity Monica’s Prayer for the Conversion of her son, Augustine: Monica, the mother of
experiences. Mary is truly mother and sister to us, because as faithful disciple of her Son, Augustine, suffered much from her wayward son's early life of sin. According to an ancient
she learned well the lessons of selfless love and generous service. As Mother of story, she confided her distress to Mary, who appeared to Monica wearing a leather
Consolation she is particularly near to those in need of companionship and comfort. cincture (a type of belt). As a pledge of her support, Mary removed the cincture and gave
it to Monica to wear. Monica gave it to her son, who, after his conversion to Christ, gave
Consoler of the Afflicted it to the members of his monastic community. Devotion to the mother of Jesus under the
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near the Cross, title Mother of Consolation has been an Augustinian tradition for centuries, since the
he said to his mother, "Woman, behold your son." Then he said to the disciple, "Behold cincture that is part of the Augustinian habit reminds them of the compassionate
your mother."--(John 19: 26-27) With these words Jesus was asking his Church,
consolation she offers to the Church. (https://www.midwestaugustinians.org/our- 3.7.5 Values
mother-of-consolation) We can find the Ten Evangelical Virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary recorded in the
Gospels. There, she is presented as the Most Holy Virgin Mary — an evangelical model for
3.7.4 Icons and Symbols the whole Church: Most Pure (Mt 1:18, 20, 23; Lk 1:27,34)
The icon of Our Lady of Consolation is said to be painted by Saint Luke the Evangelist. - Most Prudent (Lk 2:19, 51)
It was eventually given to Saint Maximus, the first Bishop of Turin, Italy by Saint Eusebius - Most Humble (Lk 1:48)
in the fifth century, who had brought the icon from Palestine. The icon was placed in a - Most Faithful (Lk 1:45; Jn 2:5)
small oratory and pilgrims from all over Europe came, seeking the consolation of Mary. - Most Devout (Lk 1:46-7; Acts 1:14)
The title of Our Mother of Consolation has been the principal devotion to Mary - Most Obedient (Lk 1:38; 2:21-2, 27)
within the Order at least since the 17th Century. Its origin among the Augustinians is - Most Poor (Lk 2:7)
directly tied to the life of Saints Monica and Augustine who are commonly depicted - Most Patient (Jn 19:25)
together with the figures of Mary and the Child Jesus in renditions of the image. The other - Most Merciful (Lk 1:39, 56)
title of the devotion is Our Lady of the Cincture. According to tradition, Monica, immersed - Most Sorrowful (Lk 2:35)
in sorrow because of the death of her husband and the waywardness of her son, was (https://marian.org/mary/prayers/chaplet-of-the-ten-virtues-of-the-bvm)
granted a vision of Mary and the Child Jesus, who sought to offer her comfort or
consolation. Mary handed her a leather cincture which she asked Monica to wear as a 3.8 Saint Joseph
continual reminder of her presence and thus, a visible sign of encouragement. From that Feast Days
moment Monica wore the cincture and, after his conversion, recommended it also to her March 19 – Joseph, Husband of Mary
son as an indication of Mary’s abiding protection. Thus, by this same tradition, it became May 1 – St. Joseph the worker
historically, the principal and common symbol for all who follow Augustine’s Rule. Protector of the Augustinian Order
3.8.1 Short Biography
Augustinian Cincture: Cincture, the long black leather belt tied around the waist. St. Joseph, (flourished 1st century CE, Nazareth, Galilee, region of Palestine; principal
This Augustinian cincture is always black in color, even though the habit itself may either feast day March 19, Feast of St. Joseph the Worker May 1), in the New Testament, Jesus’
be white or black, depending on the region. The cincture is, however, always black in color. earthly father and the Virgin Mary’s husband. St. Joseph is the patron of the universal
The story behind the Augustinian black cincture is amazing. Tradition has it that it was a church in Roman Catholicism, and his life is recorded in the Gospels,
gift from the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Monica, the mother of St. Augustine. Monica was particularly Matthew and Luke. Joseph was a descendant of the house of King David.
gifted with that cincture in her moment of anxiety and worries over the waywardness of After marrying Mary, he found her already pregnant and, “being a righteous man
her son Augustine. Our Lady who was honoured under the title of “Our Lady of consolation” and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace” (Matthew 1:19), decided to divorce her
appeared to the anxious and worried mother of St. Augustine, and in a way of consoling quietly, but an angel told him that the child was the Son of God and was conceived by
and assuring her of her Maternal intercession gifted her with a cincture and with a promise the Holy Spirit. Obeying the angel, Joseph took Mary as his wife. After Jesus’ birth
to console who so ever wear the cincture. Monica later narrated her vision to Augustine at Bethlehem in Judaea, where the Holy Family received the Magi, an angel warned
and eventually handed the cincture to him. The black cincture eventually became part of Joseph and Mary about the impending violence against the child by King Herod the
the Augustinian habit, a religious community formed by St. Augustine. Great of Judaea, whereupon they fled to Egypt. There the angel again appeared to Joseph,
informing him of Herod’s death and instructing him to return to the Holy Land.
 a nearby shrine was eventually combined with a separate apparition of the Blessed Virgin
3.8.2 Titles Mary and St. Joseph that occurred in 1519 under the title of Our Lady of Graces
Many of us know St. Joseph as the earthly father of Jesus and the husband of Mary,
but to the Augustinians, he is the Protector of the Order. He was made the Protector of 3.8.4 Icons and Symbols
the Augustianian Order in 1491 . Everything we know about St. Joseph is from Joseph was a virtuous man that was pure and obedient to God. He had the difficult
Scripture. We know that he was a carpenter and a provider for Mary and Jesus. He came large task of caring for and protecting the Holy Family, and he did so always listening for
from very humble means, which can be seen when he takes Jesus and Mary to the temple the voice of God. He also remained pure and chase while loving and caring for his wife,
and uses two turtle doves as an offering. These were only allowed for those who could not Mary ever virgin. Even though they were married they remained celibate, “he had no
afford a lamb. Despite his limited income, he came from a royal lineage. In both the book relations with her” (Matthew 1:25a).
of Luke and Matthew, his descent is from King David, the greatest King of Israel.
3.8.5 Values
1.the Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Just, faithful, righteous, silent, chaste, obedient, and devotion to our Blessed Virgin.
2.the Foster-Father of Jesus;
3.The Worker; [ www.catholic.org titles of Saint Joseph]
4. The Patron of the Universal Church
5. the Patron of a Happy Death
6. Protector of the Order of the Augustinian

3.8.3 Miracles Attributed

When St. Joseph appeared in France he left a miraculous spring of water. The spring
of St. Joseph in Cotignac has been known for centuries as a place of healing and
refreshment. Compared to the numerous apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, there are
relatively few approved private revelations of St. Joseph. But there are some. One of those
approved appearances of St. Joseph occurred in Cotignac, France, on June 7, 1660. On an
extremely hot summer day, the humble shepherd Gaspard Ricard was parched with thirst.
His flask of water was dry and he was no where near a stream or body of water. Ricard sat
down on the grass in agony. At that point an older man suddenly appeared to him and said,
“I am Joseph. Lift it and you will drink.” Joseph was pointing to a large boulder nearby, a
rock that Ricard knew he couldn’t lift by himself. Yet, he tried, and somehow he was able
to lift the boulder with ease. Underneath it was a fresh spring of water. Overjoyed, Ricard
looked up to thank the mysterious stranger, but he had already vanished. Ricard rushed
to the village to tell everyone about the miraculous spring. Soon enough the spring became
associated with countless miracles, both physical and spiritual, and a shrine was built at
the location. The spring of St. Joseph in Cotignac has been a pilgrimage site ever since, and