Nativity of John the Baptist

Wednesday, June 24th, the day began with prayers at 7am followed by breakfast. The first session began at 9:15am with a prayer led by Fr. Fidel Hernández. Fr. John Oldfield proceeded to read some messages sent to the capitulars by Fr. Francisco Javier Jiménez, Prior Provincial of Saint Nicolas Province, Fr. Julio Chacon, Fr. Miguel Miro, Fr. Juan Manuel Torrecilla.

During the session we were informed that the mother of Fr. Michael Stechmann, Mrs. Rose Stechmann had passed away. Fr. Provincial led us in prayer for the repose of her soul and the consolation of her family.

The work of the day was the election of the Provincial Council. The Councilors elected were as follows: First Councilor, Fr. Domingos Machado, Second Councilor, Fr. Fidel Hernández, Third Councilor, Fr. Michael Rafferty and Fourth Councilor, Fr. Eliseo GonzÛlez Jr.

The Capitulars also elected the Province’s delegate and substitute to the next General Chapter of the Order of Augustinian Recollects which will be held in Monachil, Granada, Spain in October, 2010: Fr. James Mcguire, OAR as delegate and Fr. John Oldfield, OAR as substitute

Fr. Javier Guerra, OAR, Prior General and president of the Chapter then proceeded to thank the whole Province for actively and fraternally participating into the process of preparations, elections, and holding of the Provincial Chapter itself. He also thanked the local prior and community for the welcome, love and care shown to all the capitulars during these chapter days. He encouraged everyone to entrust the Province to Our Lady. Among other things he exhorted the members of the Province not to lose hope but to be hopeful in the Lord while passionately and intensely living the community life. He reminded us to support our new Prior Provincial.

Speaking on behalf of the capitulars, First Moderator, Fr. John Oldfield, thanked the Prior General for helping us in many ways to make this Provincial Chapter a successful one, and a good round of applause ensued.

At 11:00am we proceeded to the chapel for the formal installation of the new Provincial and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided by Fr. Joseph Gallardo, Prior Provincial. We were joined in this celebration by friends of the local community and other religious of the Province who came from Santa Ana and the Los Angeles area to be part of this joyous occasion and to congratulate Fr. Joseph Gallardo, Prior Provincial.

In his homily Fr. Provincial stated that we are to walk together with of Our Lady and Saint Augustine; they will guide us on our way and lead us to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. He also said that with Our Lady at our side we have nothing to fear. Fr. Provincial entrusted the Province of Saint Augustine to Our Lady. He also invited the religious to be faithful, rather than successful.

After the Holy Eucharist we had some pictures taken and then headed to the refectory for a delicious lunch prepared by friends and benefactors who faithfully helped prepare our meals during these days. God bless all of their hard work.