Panama and Costa Rica: a “young and enthusiastic” vicariate aspiring to become a new Province at the next General Chapter

From Ash Wednesday until March 21, the General Councilor for Latin America, Father Alexander Lam OSA, made the canonical visitation of renewal to the Vicariate of St. Thomas of Villanova of Panama and Costa Rica. 

This visit included nine houses, two in Costa Rica and the rest in Panama. Throughout the visit he was able to appreciate the vigor and enthusiasm of this vicariate that has more than 40 friars, among those who are in the Central American country and those who are away, serving the Order internationally. The vicariate aspires and wishes to become a new Province at the next General Chapter, which will take place in Rome from September 1 to 18 of this year. 

“There are a lot of expectations and enthusiasm to be able to take a step forward. That is why the Vicariate desires to bring this request to the next Ordinary General Chapter to become a new Province, because they know that it is an important opportunity to continue developing”, says Father Lam on his return to Rome. At present, the vicariate depends on the Province of St. John of Sahagún. 

At present, the vicariate has several parishes, a seminary and three schools. 

“There is a great sense of unity and the communities have been consolidating over time. Our friars are very aware that there is still much to do to continue growing.” 

Energizing Vocational Ministry Amidst Challenges

During his stay in Central America, Father Lam witnessed the remarkable ability of Augustinian friars to engage, inspire, and promote their way of life. Twenty-five young men participated in a vocational gathering where, in Father Lam’s words, “Despite the fact that, in recent times, a relatively significant number of brothers have left the Order, our fathers continue to push forward with determination and hope. They have shown resilience, striving to transform their houses into hubs for vocational communities,” thereby attracting new candidates to religious life.

Currently, the recently renovated San Agustín Seminary is home to four young men who have embarked on this path of discernment “from scratch.”

With the Laity

During the Renewal Visit, Father Lam had the opportunity to meet with nine secular fraternities based in the cities of Chitré and Panama City.

“Our lay members play a crucial role in the life of the Order. They have always maintained a strong bond with the friars, serving as a vital support system, particularly in parishes, as well as benefactors of the vicariate,” affirms the General Assistant for Latin America. “I would highlight their deep friendship and closeness, as well as their unwavering commitment to expanding the charism.”

At present, these fraternities are engaged in a process of statutory renewal, following the guidelines and directives of the General Curia.

The Nuns of Chitré

In the city of Chitré stands the Monastery of San José, where Augustinian nuns, in addition to managing the daily life of the monastery, oversee the Buen Consejo School. This institution is one of the country's most prestigious academic centers, renowned for its high-quality education and the active participation of its students in various initiatives.

Today, the community consists of approximately 17 religious sisters, primarily from Panama, Costa Rica, and Honduras. This foundation traces its origins back to 1989, when a group of Augustinian mothers from Talavera de la Reina, Spain, relocated to Panama with the mission of spreading the Gospel, sharing their contemplative way of life, and dedicating themselves to the Order’s spiritual mission.

At present, Augustinian friars and nuns work side by side in this apostolic endeavor and in the parish of Our Lady of the Rosary.

The Long Road to the Goal

“There are certain aspects that undoubtedly require further development and refinement, such as strengthening the awareness of being a cohesive institution striving to transition from a vicariate to a province,” notes Father Alexander. “There are elements of formalization, the need for structured organization, and a greater focus on economic and administrative management within the vicariate.”

Currently, Panamanian and Costa Rican friars carry out their work and studies in places such as the Monastery of El Escorial, Cuba, Rome, Prague, California, and OALA itself, a testament to the vicariate’s generosity in fulfilling the mission entrusted to the Order of St. Augustine

“Building Bridges to Save Lives”  

This was the motto of the Servant of God Moisés González Crespo, an Augustinian missionary who drowned while attempting to swim across the Tabasará River on December 18, 1980, in order to celebrate Christmas at the Llano Ñopo Mission Center in Tolé, Panama.

This year marks 45 years since that tragic event, which deeply impacted the indigenous and rural communities he served with unwavering dedication in his pastoral mission.

Today, thousands of people retrace his steps each year, undertaking a pilgrimage that honors his legacy and enduring commitment to the most vulnerable.