Algeria, land of encounter and hope: the Augustinians’ experience with the Pope

The Holy Father’s visit to Algeria is leaving a deep spiritual and ecclesial mark, especially among members of the Augustinian family who have had the grace of accompanying him these days. From this land marked by the memory of Saint Augustine, testimonies resound that highlight unity, shared faith and hope amid diversity.

Fr. Martin Davakan, OSA, General Councillor of the Order of Saint Augustine, has shared his experience of this historic moment in words full of emotion and gratitude. “It is a great grace for me to be able to live this so closely”, he says, highlighting in particular the meetings between Christians and Muslims that have marked these days.

One of the most significant moments was the prayer in the Basilica of Our Lady of Africa, where believers of different faiths gathered in one spirit. For Fr. Davakan, this experience is deeply revealing:

“Religion, in its diversity, can be a true sign of unity, even though the mind can sometimes also become a cause of division.”

The living legacy of Saint Augustine

Being in Algeria has a special meaning for the Augustinians, since it is the homeland of Saint Augustine. “This land makes me think of him every day and of everything Algeria has given the world”, says the General Councillor, recalling the Augustinian teaching on diversity as a richness.

In this context, the call to unity becomes particularly eloquent: “We are called to seek unity in diversity and to walk together.” The visit to Hippo (today Annaba), where Saint Augustine lived and preached, was for him “an immense blessing”, lived in communion with the Holy Father, also a son of Saint Augustine, and with the brothers of the Order.

Fr. Davakan also stresses the universal character of this ecclesial moment:

“Here, gathered around the Holy Father, we carry in our hearts the whole Augustinian family, the whole Church, all of humanity in its great diversity, which we entrust to the Lord.”

Days of joy and grace for the Order

For his part, Fr. Joseph Farrell, OSA, Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, has described these days as “days of joy and days of grace”, reflecting on the experience lived with the Pope in Algeria.

During the visit, they shared meaningful moments both in Algiers and in Annaba, including meetings with the Augustinian missionary sisters and with the friars who carry out their ministry in the country. “We give thanks to God”, says the Prior General, highlighting the witness of Sisters Esther and Caridad, whose example continues to proclaim the Gospel with strength and simplicity.

A witness of peace and unity

One of the most eloquent signs of the visit was the celebration in the Basilica of Peace in Annaba, a place full of symbolism. “A basilica that rises on a hill as a sign for this community that peace is possible”, explains Fr. Farrell, stressing that peace is the path to building unity among peoples.

The joint participation of the civil and religious community in this place was a visible witness of communion and hope. In this regard, the Prior General wished to highlight the value of the message the Holy Father carries with him: the proclamation of the Gospel, the celebration of the Christian faith and the Easter joy that flows from it.

Prayer for the Pope and his mission

The Order of Saint Augustine continues to accompany the Holy Father spiritually on his journey through Africa. “We keep praying for Pope Leo and for all those accompanying him on his journey”, said Fr. Farrell, trusting that this message of unity, faith and hope will continue to bear fruit in every place he visits.

From Algeria, the land of Saint Augustine, the Church is reminded once again that diversity is not an obstacle but a path towards deeper communion, where peace and fraternity become a credible sign of the Gospel in the world.