What if I told you that behind these walls lies a story of compassion? The story of the Germanes Agustines. Let’s explore the origins of this congregation.
The Germanes Agustines began with a priest’s vision. Sebastià Gili Vives founded the congregation in Palma de Mallorca. This happened on February 6 1859. He sought to aid children in need.
Gili Vives directed the asylum of the Balearic province. He asked existing congregations for help. He wanted them to care for the children there. When no help came, he acted. Gili Vives gathered women who wanted to serve God. They also wanted to help the needy. Together they formed the Germanes Agustines.
The Germanes Agustines officially started with the first sisters taking their habits. Gili Vives affiliated them with the Order of Saint Augustine. He belonged to the Third Augustinian Order. In 1859 the religious order recognized the institute.
Bishop Rigoberto Domenech y Valls recognized the institute. He declared it a congregation of diocesan right in 1923. In 1978 Pope Paul VI granted pontifical approval. He declared them a congregation of pontifical right.
The Germanes Agustines is a centralized religious institute. A superior general leads the congregation. Currently Hna Martina Moncadas Adela holds this position. She was elected on November 6 2021. The general house is in Palma de Mallorca.
The Agustinas del Amparo dedicate themselves to Christian education. They teach in their own schools. They also teach religion classes elsewhere. They may also work in other ministries. This depends on the local church’s needs.
In 2015 the institute had 106 religious members. They lived in 25 convents. These were in Spain Costa Rica Honduras Italy Nicaragua and Peru.
Sebastià Gili Vives was born in Artà in 1811. He was the third son of farmers. He studied at the “Luliana” University in Majorca. In 1835 he became a priest. From 1844 to 1866 he directed the Hospice and Inclusa de Palma.
In 1858 he became an Augustinian Tertiary. He published the statutes of the Sisters of Empar. They would dedicate themselves to charity. They would also care for the sick and needy.
In 1860 the congregation took over a former convent. It was of Augustinian nuns. They cared for the sick at home. In 1863 they took charge of the Casa de la Misericordia. In 1867 they began serving at the hospital in Ibiza.
In 1875 Gili inaugurated the Colegio de la Virgen de la Consolación. Anti-clerical movements expelled the sisters in 1878. They then dedicated themselves to their own centers.
The Germanes Agustines’ work reflects their values. They show maternal care for abandoned children. They offer tenderness and patience. They care for the sick. They ease their pain with kind words. The sisters teach Christian doctrine. They see religious life as a source of charity.
Inspired by Saint Augustine the sisters began with simplicity. They showed generosity in Mallorca and Ibiza. Later they expanded to Italy Peru Costa Rica Honduras and Nicaragua. Their communities focus on education and health services.
Gili wanted them to be called Augustines. He was an Augustinian at heart. He emphasized fidelity to the rules. This ensured the community’s well-being. The congregation formed in the Augustinian school. They showed love for God and charity for the needy.
Today the Germanes Agustines continue their mission. They follow the path set by Sebastià Gili Vives. They spread charity and compassion. They offer hope to those in need. Remember their legacy as we continue our tour. Their story is a testament to faith and service.