Like the Augustinian saints of the past, including Thomas of Villanova and Nicholas of Tolentine, Christians often respond admirably in charity to the plight of the needy; however, this is not enough. Charity is mainly understood as assistance, welfare, giving someone fish to eat.

Pope Paul VI called us in the following ways to move beyond charity, and to: -

Help put justice issues into the mainstream of Christian Catholic Augustinian activity. The aim is to “work towards the transformation of society, towardsa society based on solidarity – willing to assume the cause of those in need…hence advocacy on behalf of and along side of those who are poor and hungry”

Engage in networking. This represents a step beyond just thinking globally and acting locally – the catchcry now is, “Think and act globally and locally.” And, within this context, when we join our efforts in solidarity with worldwide efforts we associate ourselves with and are supported by people and organisations who share our values and are working towards the same goals – in this case the Millennium Development Goals .The implication is one of impact.

Seeking the “how” points us towards our Augustinian charism of community that favours a witness to solidarity, a visible testimony to a viable alternative society. It

Fr Migel Angel

calls us into solidarity with Augustinians worldwide to think and act globally even as we do the same locally. This call to Augustinian solidarity is focused around the notion that, while personal witness is vital, it is not enough; we need to come together on this for maximum impact on a global Order level, across communities and circumscriptions.

The “how”, the direction in which to move, are highlighted in a series of talks given at the Augustinianum in Rome in mid-2005 by three Augustinians: John Lydon O.S.A, Miguel Angel Keller O.S.A and Jesus Guzman O.S.A .

These talks are available free of charge on CD-ROM upon request from the Provincial Office of the Augustinians in Australia : osaadmin@augustinians.org.au

The Talks

The talks by John Lydon O.S.A. and Miguel Angel Keller O.S.A. are fascinating in their contemporary nature, appropriateness to our times and their scholarship.

Fr Art, International Augustinian Social Justice Coordinator

They address six of the principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church. These include Human Dignity, Community and the Common Life, Rights and Responsibilities, the Preferential Option for the Poor, the Dignity of Work, and Solidarity. Each principle is followed by an Augustinian reflection.

In the first talk Fr John Lydon explores such topical issues as Cultural Relativism, National Security Doctrine and Just War. Father Miguel Anhgel Keller follows-up with an extraordinary amplification of Augustine's pastoral activity right across this huge human Rights area including his amazing networks. Once again Augustine is to the fore all these years ago.

The second talk, steeped in the encyclicals is for all that very Augustinian . The sections on Peace and Eucharist are excellent. John also picks up on current issues of world resources and the “universal destination of wealth”. Miguel's mining of current writers on the Rule of Augustine makes for fascinating reading.

Fr Jesus

The third talk, an interesting reflection that draws on John XX111's Pacem in Terris , Paul V1 and John Paul 11's more current writings and touches these difficult times and the nexus between states and personal rights and responsibilities. Miguel's reflections are equally challenging, particularly from Augustine's major book, City of God

The fourth talk, John takes a little time to clarify the term. I found this to be a call for a shift in position towards dealing with the poor, indeed an echo of the mission document Ad Gentes . Miguel literally mines Augustine's reflections on poverty and wealth rich and poor. In doing so he once again he not only draws us into Augustine's thought, but takes us for a walk with Augustine the Pastor immersed in the lives of his people.

The last two talks are equally challenging on two levels: First of all for Australians in our current political environment, and secondly with the international call for richer nations to address the situations of poverty, hunger and education etc as focused by the Millennium Goals.

The challenging talk by Jesus Guzman O.S.A. (Director of the Augustinian NGO at the United Nations in New York ) gives an excellent understanding of the Millennium Goals and their progress and underscores the absolute urgency of giving them our attention and support.

To quote Fr Art Purcaro O.S.A. (Assistant General, and Justice and Peace Coordinator), “we are the generation that can end poverty and hunger, but will we choose to be?”

There is always social justice material available on the Augustinian international website. Go to http://www.osanet.org/

Brian Fitzpatrick O.S.A.
Province Social Justice Coordinator.

The above talks are available on CD-ROM
free of charge from the Secretary at the Provincial Office,
Sydney, Australia .
E-mail mailto:osaadmin@bigpond.com