The Augustinian Friars in Britain
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From One Spring Flows Many Streams: II Augustinian Youth Ministry Congress
Suzanne Cabral, an active member of St Monica's Parish, and Confirmation Catechist, shares her experience of this year's Augustinian Youth Ministry Conference held at the Augustinian college in Rome:
The Second Augustinian Youth Ministry Congress was an international event, with 80 delegates from around 18 countries in attendance. Every continent was represented and translation was provided in 3 languages – Italian, Spanish and English – so we were immediately reassured that this was going to be no Babel!
The opening ceremony on Wednesday evening started with a quote from St Augustine: “From one spring flows many streams”; and an invitation was extended to each of us to draw, as best as we were able, from these “clear streams of truth”. We acknowledged Christ’s presence in our gathering of “two or more”, we invoked the Holy Spirit and we asked for the intercession of St Augustine as we came together in fellowship and with the intention to be enriched by the Congress in such a way that it would strengthen us to go back to our communities and live out the Word.
The programme for the Congress itself was very well thought out. On each of the three main days (Thursday – Saturday) a theme was established and a talk was given, after which we were invited to divide into groups and discuss the day’s topic in terms of its application, taking into account the various social backgrounds and cultures in which the theme needed to be implemented. On the first day, Fr Joe Farrell OSA from the USA talked about Augustinian spirituality; on the second, Fr Oscar Gonzalez OSA from Panama presented the theme of social engagement; and on the third day Fr Luciano de Michieli OSA from Italy expounded on the theme of vocational ministry, all as it related to young people. Each of these speakers presented their topics with such empathy and understanding of the problems faced by young people all over the world today, that any forebodings I may have had that we were about to be subjected to the thoughts of “ivory tower” intellectuals, out of touch with reality, were wiped clean away. It was here that I first heard the term “youth animator”, a term that these speakers so obviously embraced and embodied that there really could not be any room for accusations of any sort, except perhaps that their exuberance could be a little overwhelming for us mere mortals!
And this was only the start! On each of the three days we attended various workshops prepared by some of the delegates, so that we could get an idea of the kind of projects being run by Augustinian Youth Animators throughout the world. This fit in very nicely with the first clause of the Mission Statement for this conference: “To share experiences of Augustinian Youth Ministry”. A growing sense of wonder overtook me as I learned about the deep commitment of mostly lay volunteers to transform their respective societies by providing (not always) welcome opportunities for their young people. The sheer breadth and scope of the work being done around the world made me realise that I was indeed a very small cog in a very big wheel.
Outside of these workshops, in informal discussions, we heard that music played an important part in the youth ministry of at least two groups. I also learned that the various projects for youth animation grew slowly and pain-stakingly, and I heard of the many forms this ministry can take, reflecting the vast range of social, cultural and economic influences. At one end of the spectrum there was a newly established youth group who were just beginning to come together and tentatively open up to each other; at the other end there was a thriving group which meets regularly to pray, socialise and organise fund-raising events. In some areas where faith in God was lacking, a more secular approach has had to be used to create an inviting, safe and friendly space for young people. In places where faith and belief in God was a strong cultural influence, youth were led to a deeper and more heart-felt connection by revitalising the liturgy. In places where resources were few, the blessing of beautiful countryside was taken advantage of with camping trips and nature rambles. In places where there were a large number of young people constrained within inner cities, creative talent was encouraged for the benefit of the whole community.
Although it was gratifying to find out that so much was happening in the Augustinian Youth Ministry throughout the world, the Congress provided an opportunity for delegates to recount the problems they were encountering in their areas and to suggest solutions, thus fulfilling the second clause of the Mission Statement: “To formulate goals for Augustinian Youth Ministry”
Difficulties experienced in youth ministry experienced were widespread, and included the very real struggle with distraction – whether from a standpoint of deprivation leading to the fight for mere survival, or from a standpoint of materialistic overindulgence leading to hedonistic and selfish behaviour. Problems were identified regarding the quality of service offered by volunteer youth ministers. While it was acknowledged that the key to successful youth animation was the level of enthusiasm, dedication and love expressed by the ministers themselves, a request was made for more in-depth training, to include specifically Augustinian principles into the catechesis and perhaps incorporating basic counselling skills. A discussion was had as to whether a centralised administrative body should be set up, to feed information to the various groups and also to set up a website for forum discussions and pooling of information. Fundraising difficulties were also discussed, and it seemed as if the collective rational mind of the Congress was gaining the upper hand until one of the delegates reminded us that prayer and trust in God’s providence usually worked for his group. The setting up of NGOs was recommended, as this could be of benefit to the more economically deprived areas, where grants could be applied for through these organisations in order to fund local drives for justice and peace. It was also agreed that the profile of women within the Order could be raised; although we were assured that the women religious played a vital role in youth ministry, there was no representation at the Congress or even any mention of this in the scheduled talks.
And so it was, after three days of bombardment – from all sides, at all levels, with minds and hearts reeling at the enormity of the work being done, and the work yet to be done - that we tumbled into Sunday, in to a trip to the port city of Ostia, to tread the path Augustine would have taken to enter Rome. A welcome respite, made all the more enjoyable by our guide, Fr Brian Lowery OSA, who walked us through the ancient city, stopping every so often to establish the setting and to read to us from “Confessions”, exhorting us ever so gently to “imagine, if you will…” the state of Augustine’s mind and heart as he battled and finally (thankfully!) threw in his lot with God.
Invigorated by the fresh sea air and inspired by Augustine’s story, we returned to the city to prepare for the evening celebrations, starting with Mass at the Basilica of St Augustine, which brings me to the subject of the liturgical celebrations, the highlight of every day - for me, at least. Most of the Masses were celebrated in the College Chapel and we were privileged to be present at the inauguration ceremony after extensive refurbishment had transformed it into a haven of light. While I was aware that everyone attending each mass throughout the Congress was not doing so out of any kind of obligation, I was completely unprepared for the intensity of the celebrations, attended as they were by people (lay and religious alike) whose hearts were inflamed with love for their God. Every part of the liturgy was drenched in adoration and reverence, regardless of the spoken language: the readings, prayers, responses, homilies and hymns were so beautifully expressed that it didn’t matter if you couldn’t understand the words – the meaning was unmistakable!
Just as the Augustinian priests hosting this event knew how to lead us in prayer, they knew also how to lead us in social interaction. Generous, friendly, humorous and dynamic, they invariably led the merry-making during the evenings, whether it was herding us down to a café or bar, taking a walk around the city or, as on the last evening, starting an impromptu sing-a-long. I think it is safe to say that, where two or more Augustinians are gathered, the sound of laughter will not be far off! A joyful Order, indeed; one that I am proud and grateful to be associated with.
Our most excellent hosts at St Monica’s College welcomed us warmly, entertained us, fed us and stretched us; and now, replenished, renewed, ANIMATED and refreshed by the clear streams of truth from which we had drawn as much as we were able, we come down from the mountain, to continue our work in full faith that St Augustine himself is interceding for us. Let there be no doubt, dear Reader - the City of God is well under construction!
David Boughton (20), an active member of the Augustinian Youth Ministry adds his own experiences:
I had an absolutely fantastic week. We met youth leaders from all over the world: Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, USA, Australia, Philippines, Italy, Malta, Holland, Slovakia, Spain, Portugal, Nigeria and also Drogheda in Ireland.
Not just a holiday in the sun for me as some people thought. There was quite a bit of work involved including plenty of lectures, workshops and group work, but very interesting none the less. Not being a youth leader myself (or youth animator as
they put it) made it difficult to contribute much, but I could still add my bit to the discussions on what would attract the youth to the church. I was actually the youngest there, everyone else seemed to be aged from about 23-60.
We stayed in a nice hotel in the heart of Rome, just a few minutes from St Peters. Mornings involved an hour in the Augustinianum lecture theatre where the lecturer spoke in either English, Italian or Spanish.
We would usually have 2 hours spare in the afternoon before meeting back, then back to more workshops discussing ideas. We then had Mass in the newly refurbished chapel in the Augustinian College which had fascinating mosaic walls in the sanctuary. Gianni also showed us his old room he used to stay in. They've removed his creaking bed and chair and refurbished the place!
Dinner was served up in the gardens at 8pm each night where there was a nice view of the Basilica through the trees, especially when it began to get dark and the lights come on. We had some spare time to explore Rome but had to get shade wherever possible as temperatures were scorching hot!
One night a group of nearly 30 of us went to a bar and were singing away all night. I met a Mexican Augustinian called Gabrielle who was a great laugh, and also Carlos from Columbia. We all had a good time, despite neither of us being able to speak more than 4 words of each others language. It's strange how I communicated with them a lot better after a few red wines!!
On the last night, an Australian, Mike (who is helping with organising World Youth Day in Sydney next year, and also organising the Augustinian gathering afterwards) brought his guitar with him up to the gardens for dinner. We started eating and drinking wine, and singing along to a few songs round our table with the candles nearby and attracted people from other tables to join. Not long after, Gianni moved his chair to the centre of the garden and got everyone else to follow so we were all sat in a big circle (about 75 of us). We had two guitars and everyone was singing away to tunes they knew.
We had a great night and a great time altogether. I strongly recommend visiting Rome if you haven't already. I definitely want to go back there at one point! There's so much to see and do. The whole trip itself was motivating for me and I met many inspirational people that shared their stories about all sorts experiences they've encountered in life. It has made me strongly consider helping out as a Youth Animator in the future."