The National Congress of Lay Augustinians of Australia, a meeting of hope and renewal

From July 7 to 9, in Brisbane (Australia), with the motto “Walking together”, the 7th National Congress of Lay Augustinians was held, attended by the Vicar General, Fr. Joseph Farrell

Around 40 face-to-face participants, along with another 15 who did it virtually, gathered at Villanova College in Brisbane during the first weekend of July to enrich, share and discern their lay Augustinian charism. All of them came from the different regions where the Augustinians have served or serve, still today, in Australia.

The central day was marked by two main presentations that were later the subject of dialogue and discernment in small discussion groups. Fr Joseph Farrell spoke on Augustinian Spirituality and the Synod: The Mission of the People of God, while Patricia Gemmell, theologian and member of the Australian Grail National Leadership Team, discussed Learning as You Go: Facing the Challenges of Becoming a synodal church in a parish context.

The national coordinator, Jacky Worthington and Fr. Paul Maloney, OSA, who organized the Congress, defined it as a true moment of meeting and communion: there was an opportunity to renew friendships, create new ones and share moments of prayer, leisure and table together. Ultimately, all participants left with a feeling of hope and renewal as the synodal journey continues.