Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR)

Archbishop Santiago Hayes SJ Awardee
For service to the Church in Mindanao

Known as the pioneering missionaries who served the Mindanao region, the Order of Augustinian Recollects (OAR) has played a significant role in Mindanao’s history, and up to this day, they zealously pursue evangelization efforts throughout the island. Their vision is clear and simple, “a renewed family living a model of love as we respond to the will of God and the call of the Church for the transformation of the people we serve into a community that enjoys the fullness of life.”

Missionaries from the Order arrived in the Philippines in the late 16th century and by the 17th century, they had extended their mission to Mindanao. The Bishop of Cebu then, Fr Pedro Arce, entrusted the spiritual conquest of Mindanao to the Augustinian Recollects. The Order accepted the invitation and after obtaining the authorization, the Order sent the first part of the Recollect vanguard composed of eight zealous missionaries headed by Fr Miguel de Sta Maria. Despite the language barrier and conflicts with indigenous communities, the Augustinian Recollects founded religious communities in Mindanao, such as Zamboanga, Dipolog, Dapitan, and Iligan. These communities served as centers for evangelization and hubs for religious activities, where the Recollects preached the Gospel, presided over sacraments, and erected churches.

In 1622, the Augustinian Recollects reached the presidio of Tandag, where they first exercised their apostolate. Later, the mission that started in the fortress of Tandag extended to the coast and penetrated the interior island, founding new towns such as Cagayan, Camiguin, Butuan, Linao, Surigao, Dinagat, Gigaguit, Siargao, Tandag, Tago, Bislig, Catel, and Baganga. The Recollects left Mindanao with 27 established towns and cities of great importance such as Cagayan, Butuan, Davao, and Surigao.

With the mission of spreading the gospel, the Augustinian Recollects also recognized the value of preserving the cultural heritage of the indigenous communities and they respected and learned from indigenous people’s traditions, languages, and customs making sure these elements were harmoniously integrated with Catholic teachings. The Augustinian Recollects actively engaged in social welfare initiatives in Mindanao as taught by St Augustine. All their efforts were aimed at helping alleviate the suffering of marginalized individuals, thus, contributing to the whole well- being of the local communities.

Considering the political landscape of Mindanao, the Augustinian Recollects also played a vital role in peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue, promoting understanding, tolerance, and reconciliation. Through these efforts, they were able to build bridges and foster unity among everyone all through these years.

Its current Prior Provincial Fray Bernard C Amparado is a witness to how the Recollects have worked on this mission, as he has been with OAR for 40 years now. He came to know OAR when he finally decided to enter the seminary after high school. “Honestly, all I wanted was to become a priest. It was when I entered the Recollect Seminary in Baguio City that I learned that there are different kinds of calls and different forms of life even when wanting to serve the Lord. And the OAR way is that which is called the Religious Life where I profess the Evangelical Counsel - of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and to live in a community of brothers, and be a citizen of the world, because I can go and live wherever I am sent,” Fray Bernard recalled.

Fray Bernard expressed gratitude on how their missionary counterparts of the Society of Jesus have reminded them of their forefathers’ mission and achievements following Xavier Ateneo’s announcement that it will confer the Abp Santiago TG Hayes Award to their Order during the 84th Commencement Exercises. “This award, then, has become a double blessing to us Recollects. First, is the recognition of the Recollects’ hard work and sacrifices on this island which, after all, were never in vain because they bore for God’s Kingdom abundant fruits. Second, is the inspiration and encouragement this award has given to the present and future generation of OAR religious,” Fray Bernard emphasized.

Up to this day, the Recollects are very fortunate to have gained the opportunity to serve Mindanao. Currently, they are serving the community of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur under the protection of the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and in Los Arcos, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur with San Nicolas de Tolentino as patron. With their Provincial Curia in Quezon City, they now have seven houses of the Recoletos for Formation, 14 for Education including the University of San Jose-Recoletos in Cebu City, University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod City, and San Sebastian College- Recoletos in Manila among others. For ministerial, OAR has 11 parishes and for the mission, one in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

As they continue with their mission, the Augustinian Recollects leave a permanent mark on the history of Mindanao through their missionary zeal, educational endeavors, preservation of cultural heritage, and commitment to social welfare. Their contributions have shaped the region’s religious, educational, and social landscape. And as Mindanao continues to progress, the legacy of the Augustinian Recollects will serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, education, cultural appreciation, and compassion in building a better society. They profess to continue their mission to be creators of communion, witnesses of gospel values, and men of hope.

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In sincere recognition of the inspiration manifested in the decades of relevant service to Christian and indigenous communities as formator and missionary, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan is pleased and deeply honored to confer to The Order of Augustinian Recollects, the Archbishop Santiago T.G Hayes, SJ Award of the 84th Commencement Exercises.