Main Stream: Augustinians

The charism of the Augustinian Recollects is rooted in living the Gospel with a deep spirit of interior prayer, communal fraternity, and apostolic service, inspired by the Rule and example of Saint Augustine of Hippo and the particular emphasis of the Recollect movement on simplicity, contemplation, and love of God and neighbor. Members seek to be witnesses of Christ’s love, living in community and serving in various ministries — including parish work, formation, education, and mission — wherever the Church calls them.

The Order of Augustinian Recollects came into being on December 5, 1588, at Toledo, Spain, as a group of Augustinian friars who felt called to renew their life according to a more intense observance of the Rule of St. Augustine, emphasizing prayer and evangelical simplicity. Over time, this reform grew and, after missionary expansion and ecclesial development, the group was formally recognized in 1912 by the Church as an autonomous mendicant order of pontifical right. Since its founding, the Recollects have spread to various parts of the world, especially Spain, the Philippines, and Latin America, as well as mission territories across Africa and Asia, witnessing to Christ through community life and service.

General Curia of the Order of Augustinian Recollects Address: Viale dell’Astronomia 27, C.P. 10760, 00144 Rome, Italy Phone: +39 06 592 65 34 Order’s Safe Environments / Secretariat Contact (which often can forward vocations inquiries to the appropriate office) Email: safeguardingoar@oar.it