At the time of application, the Aspirant must be:
Aspirancy (3-6 months)
Novitiate (6-12 months)
Simple Profession (1-2 Years)
Solemn Profession (after 2 years)
The Charism of the Order:
Caritas or “Charity”
Through the act of charity, we are united with Christ and our communities. As Christ loves us, we are called to love others as we serve the common good, care for those in need, and proclaim the Good News remembering the words of St. Francis to proclaim the Gospel, using words if necessary.
Unitas “Unity”
Christ and His love for humanity unite us. Unity helps us recognize God’s love within ourselves and those around us, allowing us to share our gifts with others. Unity calls for a deeper relationship and a response to the spiritual and material needs of those in our communities.
Veritas “Truth”
CLW believes that truth is both within and around us, that God is the source of all truth, and that truth is found within the restlessness of pursuing God. It is only through the pursuit of God that one can acquire the ultimate truth that sets us free. St. Augustine wrote that it was through the process of interiority that we are capable of truly knowing and loving God. It is within our interior that we find the truth. We believe the pursuit of truth requires the building of a community where everyone is supported in their pursuit of God and living a religious life.
Poverty
For Augustinians, the vow of poverty entails a communal sharing of resources, renouncing personal ownership, and living simply, modeled after the early Christian community described in Acts 4:32-37, to focus on spiritual growth and service to others. The vow of poverty is seen as an invitation to follow Jesus by renouncing earthly goods for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Augustinians strive to live simply, focusing on their spiritual mission rather than material possessions. The vow of poverty allows them to experience and identify with the poor and suffering, and to dedicate their resources to serving the needs of others. The vow of poverty is not about deprivation, but about recognizing that God is the true wealth of the human heart and seeking to live in dependence on God's providence.
Chastity
For Augustinians, the vow of chastity is a commitment to a life of celibacy, a spiritual choice that allows individuals to dedicate themselves fully to God and serve others. It embodies a prophetic witness to a life of total union with God. For CLW, Chastity is a virtue that involves controlling one's thoughts and actions related to sexuality, and is seen as a way to express love and respect for oneself and others. Chastity also involves fidelity and loyalty to one's spouse and ensuring that sexual relations are reserved for committed relationships.
Obedience
For Augustinians, the vow of obedience signifies a dedication to God's will, lived out through listening, trusting, and serving their brothers and sisters in community, rather than a mere submission to authority. The vow of obedience is seen as a way to follow Christ, who was obedient to the Father, and to seek God's will in all things. It involves trusting that God works through the community and its superiors, and that their assignments reflect God's will. The vow of obedience is not about passively following orders, but about seeking the will of God in all things, which can involve dialogue and discernment with superiors about one's interests, abilities, hopes, and fears. When lived in a spirit of love and trust, obedience is not burdensome, but rather a path to greater love and union with God.
The Canons live out their profession according to The Rule of St. Augustine.
The Rule Summarized:
Community and Shared Purpose:
The Rule emphasizes living in community, sharing resources, and working together for a common good. In a modern context, this translates to actively participating in local communities, volunteering, and supporting causes that align with one's values.
Poverty and Simplicity:
The Rule encourages a life of poverty and detachment from material possessions, which can be interpreted as a call to live simply and avoid excessive consumption. This can involve prioritizing experiences over material possessions, practicing minimalism, and being mindful of one's spending habits. One should view material wealth in a detached manner.
Obedience and Authority:
The Rule stresses obedience to God and those in legitimate authority, which can be understood as a commitment to ethical behavior and respect for laws and institutions. In a modern context, this means upholding ethical standards in personal and professional life and respecting the rule of law.
Service and Compassion:
The Rule emphasizes service to others, particularly the poor and vulnerable, which can be translated into actively seeking opportunities to help those in need and promoting compassion and empathy in daily interactions.
Fraternal Charity:
The rule emphasizes the importance of fraternal charity, which can be interpreted as a call to love and care for one's neighbors as oneself, regardless of their background or beliefs or behavior.
Prayer and Spirituality:
The rule emphasizes the importance of prayer and spiritual practices, which can be interpreted as a call to seek a deeper connection with God and to live a life of faith and purpose.
Detachment from the World:
The rule encourages detachment from the world, which can be interpreted as a call to avoid getting caught up in the material world and to focus on spiritual matters.
Apportionment of Labor:
The rule promotes the fair distribution of labor, which can be interpreted as a call to work diligently and to share the workload with others. The dignity of work is a holy estate.
Care of the Sick:
The rule encourages the care of the sick, which can be interpreted as a call to be compassionate and help those suffering. Take time to see the wounded Christ in others.
Silence and Reading:
The rule encourages silence and reading, which can be interpreted as a call to be mindful and spend time reflecting and praying. Silence can be uncomfortable. It is good to spend time in discomfort.
Approved Version of The Rule of St. Augustine:
The Rule of St. Augustine: With Commentary by Hugh of St. Victor
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