Opening of the 21st Provincial Chapter, Saint Augustine Province

St. Augustine Priory, Oxnard, CA – Monday, June 15th the religious convoked for the 21st Provincial Chapter gathered at Saint Augustine Priory, Oxnard, California for a day of prayer with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and praying of the Rosary. In the evening there was a fraternal celebration on the occasion of the birthday of Fr. Jesús Villaseñor, during dinner.

On Tuesday, June 16th the 21st Provincial Chapter of Saint Augustine Province, officially began with the Mass of the Holy Spirit at 8:00 am presided by our Prior General, Javier D. Guerra. During his homily he encouraged the religious to be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit not only during this provincial chapter but throughout the days that are ahead of us as religious, as a Province. He mentioned our Holy Father St. Augustine and quoted him by saying: “we follow Christ faithfully to the degree that we imitate him.” He urged the religious to be generous imitators of Christ.

The capitulars convened for the first chapter session at 9:45am. After singing the Veni Creator Spiritus. Bro. Anthony was assigned to call the brothers to the sessions as bell ringer. Tellers: Fr. Alfredo de Dios, Bro. Mario Alvarez, Fr. Francisco Sandoval. Moderators elected were Frs. John Oldfield and Joseph Gallardo. Fr. James McGuire was elected as counselor and elected secretary Fr. Michael Rafferty.

In the second session at 2:30pm the counsel of the chapter appointed as members of the liturgical committee Bros. Anthony Torretti, Eric Crelencia and Fr. Fidel Hernández. The communications team appointed consist of Frs. Charles Huse, Marlon Beof, Eliseo González, Francisco Sandoval.

Fr. Charles Huse, Prior Provincial, then proceeded to give his report on the State of the Province. He expressed his gratefulness for the support he has received on the part of the religious during this triennium. He reported on the challenges facing the province currently, specifically the personal shortage and lack of vocation candidates.

At the conclusion of Fr. Provincials’ report, Fr. Domingos Machado president of the Secretariat of Spirituality proceeded to give his report on spirituality. He was followed by Fr. John Oldfield who presented the proposal to continue the promotion of the cause of beatification and canonization of Bishop Alphonse Gallegos, OAR. He was assisted in his presentation with some input from Fr. Eliseo González, notary of the cause. Fr. José Antonio Arias then presented one of the proposals that religious be given the opportunity for sabbaticals. He was followed by the proposal entrusted to Fr. Michael Rafferty regarding the coordination of Secular Augustinian Recollect activities.

In the evening session the topic turned to Vocation/Formation. Fr. Marlon Beof president of the secretariat of Vocation/Formation gave his report. Fr. Eliseo González reported on what has been done to promote vocations on the west coast. Fr. Fidel Hernández reported on promotion of vocations in the east coast and future prospects.

For dinner the meal was prepared by Filipino members of St. Ezekiel Moreno Guild at St. Augustine Priory. We enjoyed the Filipino delicacy they prepared. Even our Prior General was able to express his gratitude to them in Filipino, Salamat Po.