Augustinians – The Order that reached the throne of St. Peter
The Augustines have activities in over 40 countries, focusing on education and social work, with a presence in urban communities.
Augustine from Hippon – or Augustine Blessed – is a patron, but not the founder of the Order that arose at the merger of spontaneous hermit movements arising in Italy in the 12th century, and the church’s desire to consolidate them under general rule.
Pope Innocent Fourth is the one who, on December 6, 1243, issued a papal veil calling on Tuscany’s hermit to unite in a single religious order, under the leadership of St. Augustine. The meeting was held in March 1244 in Rome and agreed on the use of a black habitat with a leather belt from the new order. The next pope includes hermit communities from other regions and changes the name of « High School brothers of St. Augustine ». This is how one of the four beggars of the church was officially born.
Pope was chosen on the second day of the strangest conclave of decades
It is rapidly operating in Southern Europe, Africa and America. In the United States, there has been a presence in the United States since 1794.
- The rule of St. Augustine, written in the 5th century, is based on three pillars: common life, inner demand for God and brotherly love.
- They are highly engaged with the community.
- The Augustines live from the mercy of those who serve, combining contemplation with the apostolic action.
- This structure distinguishes them both from the monks – anchored in a monastery – as well as from the diocesan clergy – located in parishes under episcopal rule.
