The International Multicultural yet

From the Grand Union in 1256, the Augustinian Friars were already an international Order with 180 communities established in a dozen countries. Now, 767 years later, we are present in over 40 countries and originate from just over 50 nations. The term, globalization, which we hear more and more frequently in the news, has always been a part of the Order of Saint Augustine. Now, more than ever, we realize how interdependent we are as an Order as we encourage each other to share the gifts, talents, skills and experiences that we bring to the Order and to the global church.

The diverse reality that exists in the Order was most clearly evident at the Intermediate General Chapter 2022 in San Diego, California. The physical presence of friars from around the globe along with many virtual presentations, songs, music, and encounters with our Augustinian Contemplative nuns and our lay collaborators, parishioners, students, seculars, affiliates and members of fraternities contributed to the multicultural and multi-national atmosphere and was a living affirmation of the global community in which the Augustinians minister.

Although language differences can sometimes create a barrier to communication, we were able to surpass this obstacle by challenging each other to discover ways of communicating with each other at small group working tables and during times of prayer, recreation and meals. It was not an uncommon occurrence to have eight friars sitting at a table from eight different countries. We found ways of communicating and sharing in a language that was, at times, very different from our mother tongue. The beauty of our Augustinian fraternity is that we were able to assist each other as brothers in learning about each other and