Thirty religious brethren of the Order of Saint Augustine of Hippo met recently for two weeks of discussions in what is known as the Ordinary Provincial Chapter held every four years.

The first part of the exercise was held some weeks ago, when Fr Lucien Borg was re-elected Major Superior for the next four years.

The second part of the exercise began last month at St Rita’s Priory. The participants elected four assistants – Fr Noah Schiavone, Fr Mario Abela, Fr Ray Francalanza and Br Mario Bonnici – to the Major Superior for the next four years.

Fr Paul Aquilina was elected secretary to the provincial and Fr Joe Farrugia bursar

The group was then invited to comment on the results of the work achieved during the last four years and to pinpoint some of the more urgent situations that required immediate attention in the next four years.

Four were indicated: the decreasing number of Augustinians in missionary activity in Brazil, Algeria and Catania; Augustinian studies, publications and an urgent awareness of the state of the cultural heritage; libraries and works of art in houses and finally, a more incisive participation in the cultural and social milieus in Malta vis-à-vis an updating of pastoral activity.