More than 500 members of the Augustinian Family begin their pilgrimage with Pope Leo XIV with a prayer vigil

More than 500 people from the Augustinian Family took part in a moving prayer vigil that marked the start of their pilgrimage during the apostolic journey of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. The gathering, held at Monsa, brought together religious men and women, young people and lay people in an experience of faith, communion and witness that helped them prepare spiritually for the days they will share with the Holy Father.

Prayer opens the way of the pilgrimage

The vigil became the Augustinian Family’s first great moment of encounter. United by prayer and the desire to walk together as Church, the participants placed in God’s hands this pilgrimage that will allow them to accompany Pope Leo XIV during his apostolic journey.

The celebration was marked by songs, moments of silence, reflection and several personal testimonies that showed how God still acts today in the lives of so many people.

Ángel Catela: «I discovered a new way of living the faith»

One of the testimonies was that of Ángel Catela, who recalled how important his parents and grandparents were in passing on the faith. However, he said that the Holy Week missions were a turning point in his spiritual life.

«There I discovered a new way of living the faith,» he explained. In that experience he learned that accompanying others during Easter can be lived with joy and hope.

Recently graduated, he said that his Christian life rests on the daily experience of God’s love. He also highlighted the role of music on his spiritual path, as it lets him feel closer to God and express the love he receives from Him.

Fr. Martín: a story of searching, baptism and vocation

The vigil also heard the testimony of Fr. Martín, an Augustinian Recollect, who recalled that «we all have a story with God» and a concrete experience that brings us closer to the God of mercy.

He explained that, as a young man, he met someone who taught him to love authentically. Although he was not yet Catholic, that experience awakened deep questions in him about the meaning of life.

At 23 he began catechesis for Christian initiation and, after a time of searching and discernment, he was baptized eight years ago on the feast of Saint John.

Later, the pandemic became a decisive moment to go deeper into his inner life and clearly discover God’s call to consecrated life. That process finally led him to enter the Order of Augustinian Recollects.

A family united around the Pope

The testimonies shared during the vigil revealed the richness and diversity of the paths along which God leads people. Family, mission, community, discernment and vocation were some of the themes that resonated during the celebration.

With this prayer vigil, the Augustinian Family officially begins its pilgrimage in the context of the apostolic journey of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, a path they wish to walk in a spirit of communion, listening and renewed commitment to evangelization.