Pastoral Work

Augustinian Laity

The Augustinian presence at Paceville, which includes the priory, a church dedicated to Our lady of Good Counsel and the Millennium Chapel, is the place where the presence of the laity is mostly found and is outstanding. In fact, there are four groups in which the laity participate.

The first group, commonly known as welcomers, includes laity who are trained to welcome those people, who visit this oasis of peace for the first time, especially tourists and foreigners. This group includes around 100 laity.

On the other hand, the Friends of Augustine group, meets once in a month, with the aim of getting to know better St. Augustine, his influences and his writings. The reading of some extracts from his writings is followed by the expositions on psalms and the readings from the Scriptures allied to a particular theme, which is chosen for the month. Afterwards, the laity share ideas on what they have heard so that what is heard may be ruminated by the heart. Large-scale meetings are also organised from time to time, at an Augustinian location, with the idea of making the teachings of Augustine’s revealed to a wider audience.

The Justice & Peace Group strives to put into practice St. Augustine’s exhortation with regards to justice and peace. They are guided also by his teachings on solidarity, sharing of communal goods, prayer and evangelisation. Plans are now afoot to lend a hand also to an Augustinian missionary community in Nigeria by raising funds for a project involving the completion of a clinic and a chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Good Counsel. The monthly meetings consist of a half hour’s Eucharistic adoration, followed by an exchange of information on the cases assigned to each couple. The message behind the Taize Adoration is that for one needs strength and energy to help others and these could only be given by Jesus, who is the Master of all things. Anthony R. Curmi, is Coordinator and Treasurer, while Fr. Hiliary is the principal director.

Part of the laity, who form part of the Friends of Augustine and Justice & Peace groups, also give a helping hand with regards to charitable works and service to others. They collect stuff like food, clothes etc and help those who are less fortunate than us – especially those who are poor and those who are undergoing some form of crisis or serious problems.

Those would like to give a helping hand or are willing to participate any time during the day, should contact Fr. Hiliary Tagliaferro on 21354464 or 21357445.