WHO ARE THE AUGUSTINIANS?

The Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine (Augustinians) is a religious order of brothers (many of whom are ordained priests) within the Catholic Church.

The Order was founded in two successive stages (1244 and 1256) when groups of religious living in Tuscany were united to form the Order under the Rule of Saint Augustine. The Order is one of the mendicant religious orders that originated in 13^th century Europe to minister to the people of emerging urban centres.

In the centuries the Order quickly spread to many parts of the wold. Today there are over 2,700 Augustinians serving in around 40 countries in the various continents.

There are a variety of ministries in which Augustinians are involved . What unites Augustinians is the living of religious life under the Rule of St Augustine with its emphasis on community life, prayer and service motivated by love.

The brother who is entrusted with the leadership of the Order is the Prior General who resides in Rome. The current Prior General elected at the General Chapter of 2001 is Fr Robert Prevost OSA.

The Augustinian logo unites the heart pierced by the burning arrow (symbol of our deepest selves being absorbed by God's powerful love) with the book (symbol of the intellect searching for Truth).

There are also groups of Augustinian Contemplative Sisters who are united to the Order as well as other apostolic congregations of sisters who are affiliated to the Augustinians.

Countries where Augustinians reside and/or minister:

Augustinians-A Brief History
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