Who are the Augustinian Recollects: a missionary Order with a global presence
The Augustinian Recollects are a Catholic religious order founded in the 16th century, with a strong missionary vocation and a presence in 22 countries. Inspired by the spirituality of Saint Augustine, they work in fields such as evangelization, education, parish life and social outreach, especially among the most vulnerable.
Who are the Augustinian Recollects
The Order of Augustinian Recollects is a religious family of the Catholic Church born in 1588, in the context of the spiritual renewal that followed the Council of Trent. It arose within the Order of Saint Augustine out of the desire to live community life, interiority and mission more intensely.
Today, the Augustinian Recollects are a missionary order with a global presence, made up of some 920 friars living in 159 communities across 22 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
Origins and history
The Order was officially born in 1588 in Spain, when a group of Augustinian friars launched a movement of “recollection”, that is, a more austere way of life, lived in community and centred on prayer.
From their origins, the Augustinian Recollects have been deeply linked to mission. Their early expansion went above all to the Americas and the Philippines, where they carried out an intense evangelizing work that has shaped their identity to this day.
Over the centuries, the Order has built a significant presence on several continents, adapting to the challenges of each age without losing its spiritual core: seeking God in community and serving the Church.
Charism and mission
The charism of the Augustinian Recollects is rooted in the spirituality of Saint Augustine, centred on interiority, fraternal life and communion.
Their mission is built around three core pillars:
Community life: sharing faith and life in fraternity.
Interiority: cultivating a deep relationship with God.
Mission: proclaiming the Gospel, especially where it is most needed.
This identity translates into a concrete commitment to people, particularly those living in situations of vulnerability, exclusion or poverty.
Presence in the world
The Augustinian Recollects are currently present in 22 countries, with a network of 159 religious communities.
Present in:
- Latin America
- Asia
- Europe
- Africa
This international dimension reflects their missionary vocation and their ability to adapt to diverse cultural contexts.
Areas of work
The work of the Augustinian Recollects covers several areas:
- Evangelization and parish ministry: serving Christian communities in parishes and missions.
- Education: running schools and educational projects.
- Social outreach: accompanying people in vulnerable situations.
- Vocations and youth ministry: promoting consecrated life and accompanying young people.
- International cooperation: through the ARCORES solidarity network, present in several countries.
Outstanding figures of holiness
The Order of Augustinian Recollects has a rich tradition of holiness, recognized by the Church:
- Saint Ezequiel Moreno, bishop and missionary, a model of pastoral dedication.
- Saint Magdalene of Nagasaki, martyr in Japan, a symbol of faithfulness unto martyrdom.
- Mariana de San José, a key figure in the origins of Recollect spirituality.
- Blessed Alphonse Gallegos, a bishop devoted to migrants and the poorest.
- Martyrs of Motril, witnesses of faith during the religious persecution in Spain.
These figures express the Order’s radical commitment to the Gospel.
Key facts
- Founded: 1588
- Friars: 920
- Communities: 159
- Presence: 22 countries
- Spirituality: Augustinian
- Solidarity organization: ARCORES
Frequently asked questions
What are the Augustinian Recollects?
They are a Catholic religious order of Augustinian spirituality, devoted to community life, evangelization and mission in countries around the world.
What do the Augustinian Recollects do?
They work in parishes, missions, schools, social projects and pastoral accompaniment, especially with people in vulnerable situations.
Where are the Augustinian Recollects present?
They are currently present in 22 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
What is their spirituality?
They are inspired by Saint Augustine, focusing on interiority, life in community and the search for truth in God.
They are a Catholic religious order of Augustinian spirituality, devoted to community life, evangelization and mission in countries around the world.
They work in parishes, missions, schools, social projects and pastoral accompaniment, especially with people in vulnerable situations.
They are currently present in 22 countries in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
They are inspired by Saint Augustine, focusing on interiority, life in community and the search for truth in God.
Today the Order of Augustinian Recollects continues its mission in the Church as an international community at the service of the Gospel, faithful to its tradition and committed to the challenges of today’s world.