The Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR) calls for peace amidst the escalating armed-conflict involving Ukraine and Russia.
“We, Augustinian Recollects, further raise our voice and demand PEACE,” the statement read.
OAR runs the Recoletos schools in the Philippines including the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City.
The statement was originally published on the OAR Website during the 56th General Chapter in Rome this March 2022.
Read: COMUNICADO DEL 56º CAPÍTULO GENERAL DE LA ORDEN DE AGUSTINOS RECOLETOS
This was translated from Spanish to English by Professor Emmanuel Luis Romanillos. Here is the full text of the translated statement:
MESSAGE OF THE 56TH GENERAL CHAPTER OF THE ORDER OF AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECTS
We, who comprise the religious family―Order of Augustinian Recollects―whose 56th General Chapter is assembled in Rome, join the clamor of men and women of good will from all over the world, who in the face of the horror being caused by the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia, cry out for peace.
We make Pope Francis’ words our own and we want, on this Ash Wednesday when we begin our Lenten journey, “to be close to the sufferings of the Ukrainian people, to feel that we are all brothers and sisters and to beseech God for an end to the war”(Angelus, 27 February 2022).
We, Augustinian Recollects, further raise our voice and demand PEACE. As the Pope also says, “the logic of war responds to the diabolical and perverse logic of arms, which is the farthest from the will of God and dissociates itself from ordinary people who want peace; and who in every conflict are the true victims, who pay in their own skin the follies of war.” We are aware of the pain and suffering caused by this conflict.
We walk together with all men and women of peace, fixing our gaze and hope in a world without wars nor arms. We find the words of the Prophet Isaiah very timely: “With their swords they shall beat plowshares and with their spears pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nor shall they train for war any more” (Isa 2:4). So timely too are the words of Saint Augustine: “The true lover of peace loves even those who love war.”
Written by Lorraine Mitzi A. Ambrad
