The Augustinian monastic order is constituted at the Lecceto Monastery when Pope Alexander IV issues a papal bull Licet ecclesiae catholicae.

Augustinians represent a diverse family of Christian religious orders whose members, regardless of their specific congregation or community, all live by the ancient and influential Rule of Saint Augustine. This foundational document, penned around 400 AD by the revered Bishop of Hippo, Augustine himself, serves as a spiritual blueprint, guiding their communal life, prayer, and ministry. Within the vast tapestry of Catholic religious life, two distinct forms of Augustinian presence emerged prominently from the 12th and 13th centuries, each embracing the Rule while manifesting its principles in unique ways.

The Enduring Legacy of Saint Augustine's Rule

At the heart of Augustinian identity lies the Rule of Saint Augustine, one of the oldest and most widely adopted monastic rules in Western Christianity. Far from being a rigid set of regulations, it is a concise yet profound spiritual guide emphasizing love, community, poverty, chastity, and obedience. Its enduring appeal lies in its adaptability and focus on interior conversion and the pursuit of God within a fraternal setting. This flexibility allowed diverse communities, from hermits to canons, to embrace its wisdom, shaping countless religious lives across centuries.

Branches of Augustinian Life

Canons Regular of Saint Augustine

One venerable branch of Augustinian life in the Catholic Church is exemplified by the various congregations of Canons Regular. These priests, unlike monastic monks who traditionally withdraw from the world, embrace a semi-monastic life while remaining deeply committed to active pastoral care within their primary vocation as ordained ministers. They adhere to the Rule of Saint Augustine and, like all religious, publicly profess the evangelical counsels of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their daily lives are a blend of common prayer, study, and the celebration of the liturgy, coupled with dedicated service to the faithful in parishes and other apostolic ministries. Typically, they form one larger community, often serving a cluster of parishes in their vicinity, and are organized into autonomous congregations, each with its own traditions and governance yet bound by the common Rule.

The Augustinian Friars: A Mendicant Tradition

Distinct from the Canons Regular, Augustinian friars live a mixed religious life that harmoniously blends deep contemplation with active apostolic ministry. They belong to the mendicant orders, a type of religious order that emerged in the 13th century, characterized by a commitment to poverty, relying on charity for sustenance, and engaging in preaching, teaching, and other forms of ministry. The most prominent and widely recognized among these is the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA). This significant order was officially established in 1256 by Pope Alexander IV, who, through a pivotal historical event known as the "Great Union," consolidated various eremitical communities in Tuscany into a single, unified mendicant order. Prior to this consolidation, these communities were often known as the Hermits of Saint Augustine (OESA). Over time, particularly in English-speaking regions, members of the OSA became affectionately known as the Austin Friars, a name that still resonates today.

While the OSA represents the primary body of Augustinian friars, history has also seen the emergence of other distinct orders, born out of reform movements, that share the same Augustinian charism:

Augustinian Recollects (OAR)
Originating as a reform within the Augustinian Order in Spain, the Recollects were founded in 1588. Their focus was on a more rigorous and contemplative observance of the Augustinian Rule. Initially part of the broader OSA family, they eventually gained their autonomy, becoming an independent order in 1612, allowing them to pursue their specific vision of Augustinian life with their own governance.
Discalced Augustinians (OAD)
Similarly, the Discalced Augustinians also emerged from a reform impulse, becoming an independent congregation in 1592. The term "Discalced," meaning "without shoes," signifies their commitment to a stricter observance and a life of greater austerity, often wearing sandals as a symbol of their dedication to evangelical poverty. Their journey to full independence culminated in 1610 when they were elevated to the status of a separate mendicant order, distinct from the OSA but united by their shared Augustinian heritage.

Augustinian Heritage Beyond Catholicism

Anglican Augustinian Communities

The spiritual legacy of Saint Augustine extends even beyond the Catholic Church. In the 19th century, with the resurgence of religious life within Anglicanism, several Anglican religious orders were founded that also chose to adopt Augustine's Rule as their guiding principle. Notably, these communities are predominantly composed of women, forming various different communities of Augustinian nuns who live lives consecrated to God, following the ancient wisdom of the Bishop of Hippo within their Anglican tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the core principle that unites all Augustinian orders?
All Augustinian orders, regardless of their specific branch or denomination, are united by their adherence to the Rule of Saint Augustine. This concise yet profound guide, written around 400 AD, emphasizes communal life, charity, poverty, chastity, and obedience, encouraging members to live "of one mind and one heart intent upon God."
Who was Saint Augustine of Hippo, and what is the significance of his Rule?
Saint Augustine (354-430 AD) was a pivotal early Christian theologian, philosopher, and Bishop of Hippo Regius in Roman North Africa. His Rule, dating to approximately 400 AD, is significant for its enduring influence on Western monasticism and religious life, offering a flexible and spiritually rich framework for communal living focused on love for God and neighbor.
What is the difference between Augustinian Canons Regular and Friars?
The main distinction lies in their primary vocation and lifestyle. Canons Regular are typically priests who lead a semi-monastic life while actively engaged in pastoral care, often serving parishes. Augustinian Friars (like the OSA) are part of mendicant orders, blending contemplation with active apostolic ministry, and traditionally rely on alms, serving through preaching, teaching, and other evangelistic efforts.
When and why was the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) established?
The Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) was formally established in 1256 by Pope Alexander IV. This act, often called the "Great Union," consolidated various hermitical communities into a single, unified mendicant order, aiming to bring greater coherence and strength to their collective mission within the Church.
Are there Augustinians in denominations other than Catholicism?
Yes, while the majority of Augustinian orders are within the Catholic Church, some Anglican religious orders, particularly communities of women (Augustinian nuns), were founded in the 19th century and also follow the Rule of Saint Augustine.