Celebrating the OAR anniversary at St. Benedict’s Church, Montebello, California, December 2008

To mark in a fitting and solemn way the anniversary of the Augustinian Recollection (Dec. 5), the OAR friars of California, the AR Sisters of Sun Valley, California, together with the SAR Chapter of St. Benedict Parish, Montebello, California, gathered at St. Benedict’s on Thursday, December 4, 2008, for prayer, remembrance and a gala meal.

After the group had assembled in the church, the Prior/Pastor, Father Joseph Gallardo, welcomed them warmly and led the opening prayer.

Father James D. McGuire then read the letter of Father General dealing with this year’s anniversary celebration. It touched on the historic importance of the Monastery of San Millán de la Cogolla, La Rioja, Spain, and meetings then taking place there: Father General with the OAR bishops from around the world together with His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, and immediately following with the Order’s eight priors provincial. The letter also spoke of the Augustinian Recollect Vocation Year which would end on December 5, 2008.

From an attractive leaflet adorned with Pinturicchio’s Saint Augustine and the Order’s Coat of Arms, the assembly antiphonally recited midday prayer and concluded with the Vocation Year’s prayer for vocations.

Since Father Francis Moriones, OAR, who played such an outstanding part in the establishment of St. Augustine Province and the education and formation of its members, had just recently died, the assembled Recollects wished to remember his soul at prayer.

After taking the customary commemorative photos, the group moved to St. Augustine House adjacent to the rectory for food and fellowship.

Fr. James McGuire, OAR