ARCHIVES OF THE GENERAL HOUSE OF THE CONGREGATION OF THE AUGUSTINIANS OF THE ASSUMPTION
“Archives are nothing without the fresh eyes of all those who explore them and give documents a new lease of life through their work, prayer and research. The archives are nothing without the many people who come to consult them. They are a place for intellectual, spiritual, social and anthropological research.
(Vademacum of the archives of the Religious of the Assumption p. 5)
The archives of the Generalate of the Congregation of the Augustinians of the Assumption contain well-collected, classified and preserved documents. Like a buried treasure, these documents serve as a source and living memory for the history of the Congregation’s life and mission. Letters from the Venerable Father Emmanuel d’Alzon, correspondence from his successors, a collection of the newspaper La Croix, bulletins and many other precious Assumption documents are here, linking the past, present and future of the Congregation.
This heritage is rooted in the daring time of the foundation and the different moments in history. It awakens the boldness and creativity of the Assumption family members of today and tomorrow. In this way, this treasure inspires creative fidelity in its heirs.
The General House archives are also of service to academics and authorized researchers. With the agreement of those in charge, they can draw on the archives for historical material. One of the requirements is that they leave a copy of the results of their research for the archives.
Wishing to explore the archives more fully in the service of the congregation’s charism and spirituality, the 34th General Chapter asked that the function of general archivist be placed among the congregation’s “key positions” (cf. 34th GC 231). Pending the appointment of an Assumptionist religious to this post, a part-time archivist works in the archives from Monday to Wednesday…
Those responsible for archives at the general level of the Augustinians of the Assumption, the Oblates of the Assumption, the Orantes of the Assumption, the Little Sisters of the Assumption and the Religious of the Assumption have organized themselves into a group called AGFA (Archives Générales de la Famille de l’Assomption), since October 2023. Quarterly meetings are held to share information and training on archives. From time to time, this group publishes its activities on the website of the general house of each Assumption family congregation…
