Informations mainly from the OSA website
The Augustinians of the Assumption, along with 105 other congregations and societies of apostolic life, are affiliated with the Order of Saint Augustine. What does that mean?
The Religious Institutes aggregated to the Order represent a significant part of the wider Augustinian family, consisting of male and female congregations of apostolic life that share a spiritual bond with the Order. While they maintain their own distinct structures and constitutions, they are formally united to the Order by a decree of the Prior General (Const. 48). As counted in the Constitutions, 106 Congregations form part of this rich spiritual network.
Congregations of the Assumption Family affiliated with the Order of Saint Augustine:
The Sisters of the Assumption, Paris; The Augustinians of the Assumption, Rome (recognized on November 27, 1866; recognition renewed on March 25, 1929); The Little Sisters of the Assumption, Paris; the Orantes of the Assumption, Paris (September 10, 1929); Oblates of the Assumption, Missionary Sisters, Paris (September 10, 1929); Sisters of Saint Joan of Arc, Quebec (June 24, 1930); Little Sisters of the Presentation, Butembo-Beni (December 15, 1949); Little Brothers of the Assumption, Butembo-Beni (March 3, 1954)
Nature and Identity
These institutes are characterized by their commitment to the Rule of Saint Augustine, which serves as the “firm foundation” of their lives. Key aspects of their identity include:
- Shared Spirituality: They accept and live by the fundamental principles of Augustinian spirituality.
- Spiritual Unity: They are considered to be part of “one body under our father, Saint Augustine,” united by an intimate spiritual bond and the common goal of “building up the body of Christ”.
- Consciousness of Belonging: A requirement for aggregation is a “profound consciousness” that the institute belongs to the Augustinian family.
The aggregation process
The Constitutions describe two pathways by which these institutes become part of the family:
- Historical Evolution: Many congregations of apostolic life sprang up from earlier Augustinian communities or evolved from communities of contemplative life to better serve the needs of the Church.
- External Union: Other institutes that already existed outside the Order chose to unite with it through a formal decree of aggregation.
Aggregation is granted either by the General Chapter or by the Prior General with the consent of his Council.
Spiritual and Liturgical Connections
Aggregated institutes enjoy several shared benefits and practices with the Order:
- Liturgical Rites: They are permitted to use the Ritual of the Order, the liturgical calendar, and corresponding texts approved by the Apostolic See.
- Spiritual Graces: Members of these institutes share in the same spiritual graces as the rest of the Order.
- Affiliation of Parents: The parents of brothers and sisters in aggregated congregations can be granted affiliation to the Order (sharing in its spiritual benefits) if their respective Superiors General request it from the Prior General.
Governance and Collaboration
While these institutes have their own internal governance, the Prior General serves as the supreme moral head of the entire Augustinian family. He, along with other superiors, may convoke international or regional gatherings with the Superiors General of these aggregated branches to promote renewal, apostolic collaboration, and harmony in divine worship. These institutes contribute greatly to the mission of the Church and the Order through their varied apostolic works.
