As customary to prepare the academic community for the opening of the academic year ’24-’25, Fr. Raymundo Edsel T. Alcayaga, OSA, the Vice-president for Augustinian Formation and Religious Mission (VPAFRAM) had a two hour session on the life and thoughts of St. Augustine with focus on veritas on June 26, 2024 at the CSA-Bacolod Auditorium.
The session, which revolved around pre-conversion, conversion and post-conversion, was participated by 205 teaching and non-teaching force that came in two batches, the first at 8:00 AM-10:00 AM and the second at 10:00-12:00 noon.
“Friendship marks an Augustinian” was emphasized by Fr. Alcayaga as he recalled how Augustine, in his search, had come to be surrounded by friends as he dealt with people in all walks of life, good or bad, making him versatile, flexible and accepting. In fact, in his encounter with the beggars and the drunkards, St. Augustine realized that they were simpler yet happier and more contented. This realization made him go farther to search.
“Seeker of truth marks an Augustinian” was also another point in Fr. Alcayaga’s talk. Despite his stability, possession and power with his experience of worldly pleasure, Augustine was still restless and still searching for happiness until he heard a voice, saying, “tolle llege, tolle llege” (Take and Read) and from afar, a bible with an opened page with the verse of Romans 13:13-14 which said “Not in revelling and drunkenness, not in lust and wantonness…” It was then that he found truth, beauty and freedom he had sought for a long time. After all, the sole answer was God. Things happened fast until he found himself already hooked to listening to Ambrose, bishop of Milan. His, being a rhetorician, was enriched by his encounter with the bishop. Hence, as Augustinians, the community has to embrace veritas, love for truth, search for knowledge and eventually search for God.
Before the session came to its conclusion, the Friar speaker gave out questions for reflection like: What is the Hortensius in your life? What is the scriptural passage which became an eye-opener to you? How does this passage inspire or guide you to take up and stand by the side of God/Truth? This was discussed through dyadic sharing with Mrs. Lourdes Paglomutan, a Junior High School teacher as the Big Group Sharer.
“As the Doctor of the church, St. Augustine has a message to tell.” This was the conclusion of Fr. Alcayaga, saying that the academic community has to see the significance of God’s grace. As recipient of God’s grace, then, Augustinians, first and foremost, have to defend the Catholic faith, as Augustine did against the heretics. Secondly, to give importance to community in general and to blood family in particular, as Augustine did. Thirdly, that our being busy may not deter us from praying, scripture-reading and reflecting. Fourthly, to adhere to Augustinian values and to enrich spiritual life.
