EUROPE - Augustinian Recollects Vocation Year to promote a culture of vocations begins today; activities all over the world

Roma (Agenzia Fides) - The Augustinian Recollects Vocation Year AVAR 2008 announced by Prior General, Fr. Javier Guerra Ayala begins today 5 December. The aim is to diffuse the Augustinian charisma, promote and spread of culture of vocations and present to society the option for Jesus Christ, through religious life and especially the Augustinian recollects vocation, an option which can fill a whole life. AVAR will close on 5 December 2008.
AVAR 2008 initiatives have been planned all over the world from the Philippines to Spain, from the United States to Argentina.... The Order also has its own web site http://www.avar2008.org / with information, news, photo, material, testimonials, messages etc..
Today the Order ofAugustinian Recollects has about 1200 members. With a contemplative dimension, community life and apostolic mission they serve in 209 parishes, 53 schools and 9 mission territories. The Order is present in 19 nations: Spagna (39), Brazil (29), Colombia (21), Mexico (18), United States (15), Philippines (14), Venezuela (14), Peru (9), Panama (8), Argentina (7), Costa Rica (6), United Kingdom (6), Dominican Republic (5), Guatemala (4), Italia (3), Taiwan (3), Chile (2), China (2), Sierra Leone (1). Their charisma is shared by Augustinian sisters founded at the same time and with the same spiritual aspirations. The congregations, Augustinian Recollect Sisters, Agostiniane Recollette del Cuore di Gesù e Missionarie Agostiniane Recollette have their own identity and mission and are part of the Augustinian Recollects family. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 5/12/2007; righe 21, parole 271)