News
AA-Info n.9 - July 2025
" Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum : Habemus Papam ! "
EDITORIAL
Fr. Ngoa Ya Tshihemba
Superior General of the Augustinians of the Assumption
This expression, rich in history, tradition, and emotion, resonates today in a very special way for us, Augustinians of the Assumption. Yes, we have a Pope. In a letter addressed on May 29 to the great Augustinian family, Fr. Alejandro Moral Antón, Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, recalls an exceptional time of grace experienced within the Order and the entire Augustinian family. He emphasizes how the election of "our brother" Fr. Robert Francis Prevost to the ministry of Supreme Pontiff is, for all of us, a source of immense joy.
Just a few days after his election, the Holy Father visited the General Curia of the Order of Saint Augustine, where he had served as Prior General for twelve years, to celebrate the Eucharist. During the fraternal exchange with the members of the community, he confided: "All of a sudden, my life completely changed and I had to give up many things, but I will never give up being an Augustinian."
We all rejoice in the election of a pope from the Order of Saint Augustine. The connection with Saint Augustine is deeply meaningful to us. We call him "our patriarch." The 34th General Chapter presented him as an asset we already possess:
"To be faithful to its mission, the Assumption has a solid foundation and many assets that are reasons for thanksgiving. A Founder, whose holiness it hopes the Church will recognize; a charism, which invites its members to be 'men of faith, men of communion, in solidarity with the poor' (...); a 'Patriarch,' Saint Augustine, who inspired a spirit of unity and charity through his Rule." (Acts of the General Chapter #4)
The election of Cardinal Prevost as Pope was a surprise, certainly, but a happy one. One cannot control the Spirit of God: he passes, surprises, and renews in his own way. We have all undoubtedly followed his initial statements and interviews, which suggest a continuity with the path traced by his predecessor, Pope Francis, which many already consider a reassuring sign. Moreover, the Augustinian influence is already being felt, and it is certain that he will also leave his own mark. On behalf of the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption and in my own name, I have already sent him a message to assure him of our prayers and our fraternal closeness (see page 5).
Fraternal life in community remains one of the essential foundations of the great Augustinian family. Without it, the unity and communion so desired would remain a dream. Our General Chapter strongly emphasized this, going so far as to propose this fraternity as a true path to holiness.
As Assumptionists, our way of supporting Pope Leo in his ministry will be expressed through our charism and the apostolates specific to our congregation in service to the universal Church. In the continuity of our founder, Fr. Emmanuel d'Alzon, and moved by the love of Christ, we will remain steadfast in the faith, committed to unity, and in solidarity with the poor.
"Habemus Papam" has a triple meaning for us, Augustinians of the Assumption. First, as members of the universal Church, we give thanks for the gift of a pastor, a sign of God's faithful care for his people. Then, as members of the great Augustinian family, we are deeply happy to see one of our own called to carry out this mission that is both great and noble: to strengthen his brothers in the faith and to guide the Church on the paths of holiness. Finally, as Fr. Benoît Grière so aptly expressed in an article for the Osservatore Romano (see page 20), we rejoice to have as Pope "a profoundly augustinian Augustinian," that is, a Pope rooted in the thought, spirituality and heart of Saint Augustine.
To read the full AA-Info #9, follow this link...