The Constitution of the Order no 16 states that, “The spirituality of the Order … proceeds from the following of Christ according to the teachings of the Gospel and the action of the Holy Spirit. Its principal point of reference is the teaching and example of Saint Augustine, complemented by the tradition of the Order. The principal document of our spirituality is the Rule, which must direct our lives and action.” And the opening paragraph of the Rule and Constitution offers this basis, “Before all else, dearly beloved, love God and then your neighbor, because these are the chief commandments given to us…The main purpose for your having come together is to live harmoniously in your house, intent upon God in oneness of mind and heart.” This reality is manifested in praying, eating, recreating and serving the people of God together.
Community life for the Augustinian is not about sharing space or having emotional connection but the unity of mind, heart and spirit intent upon God. This involves the journey together in search of truth, which is in God and God himself. Hence, God is the basis, purpose and driving force of our community life.
There is an ecclesia and evangelical dimension to our fraternal communal living, one which shows itself in profound love and obedience to the Church expressed in the daily celebration of the Sacraments. In this celebration we live out our apostolate which is an integral part of our religious life which transforms into the mission of the Church which is to proclaim the Gospel to all creatures. By this we live true to this demand: “Following the example of Saint Augustine, love for the Church brings us to a total availability for its needs, by accepting the tasks which the Church asks of us, according to the charism of the Order” (Const. no 35). Whatever is for the good of the church, we avail ourselves in love and cheerful obedience.
Hence the three pillars of Augustinian Spirituality are:
