The OSA Sisters' Ministry of Justice in the Philippines today, in the light of Van Bavel's interpretation of Augustine's concept of justice

• Main Author: Tarlac, Ma Erlinda E.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1995
• Subjects: Justice; Bavel, Tarsicius J. van; Augustinians; Monasticism and religious orders for women; Church work; Religion
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/719
• Institution: De La Salle University

The focal point of Augustine's Preferential Option for the Poor, as interpreted by Fr. Tarcisius Van Bavel, OSA, is centered mainly on his dynamic synthesis of justice as capsulized into a very concrete humanitarian expression of assisting the needy. This principle of assistance to the poor poses a challenge to all those who believe in Christ to really get out of their way and render special services to the least fortunate because the latter are God's chosen ones. It was an urgent call of the Synod of Bishops in 1971, to liberate people from the sinful and oppressive structures of our society.The Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation were among the daring Congregations who responded to the call of the Synod of Bishops. They boldly charted a new direction in their apostolate which was the preferential option for the poor. This was done through the services rendered by the social and special ministries (SOSPEMIN) of the congregation.This research deeply probed into the notion of justice as envisioned by St. Augustine and so thoroughly ferreted out in the context of the present realities and challenges in the Philippine scenario as urged by the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines. Specifically, this issue was investigated in relation to the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA) sisters' ministry of justice. This study made use of historical as well as content analysis. There was an essential relatedness between St. Augustine's concept of justice and the OSA thrust for social transformation. One of the salient points of unity gleaned from the analysis was their commitment to preferential option for the poor. Such was born in response to the inhuman realities caused by the greed and selfishness of some few people both in the Philippines in the '70s and in North Africa in the 4th and 5th centuries. Another significant point of unity was the liberation of the poor from severe injustices and oppressive structures.To have a credible ministry of justice in the 21st century, a paradigm shift is urgently needed to respond to the demands asked by the fluidity of the signs of times. A shift to a dynamic OSA participant in rebuilding and improving the quality of community living and in unselfish commitment to help the least fortunate brothers and sisters should be done. Thus, the following virtues may be upheld: dignity, solidarity, justice, freedom, love, and peace. They may become the inner force in achieving integral development for Philippines 2000.