Our formative itinerary
Six steps
in the life
of Augustine.
The JAR path was not invented: Augustine walked it first. From Tagaste to Hippo, from child to bishop, from question to surrender. We walk those same six steps, at our own pace and in community.
A life is not lived
all at once.
Nor is faith.
The JAR path is divided into six stages, corresponding to six key moments in the life of Saint Augustine: Tagaste, Madaura, Carthage, Milan, Cassiciacum, and Hippo. The first three are pre-JAR stages, dedicated to Christian initiation in childhood and early adolescence. The following three are the JAR stages proper: youthful searching, conversion, and adult surrender.
Each stage has a colour that identifies it, a symbol that sums it up, and a clear formation objective. And, as in Augustine's life, none can be understood without the one before: Tagaste prepares Madaura, Madaura prepares Carthage, and so on until Hippo, where what has been received is returned in service.
From the first drop
of holy water
to the community cross.
Six stops, six colours, six symbols.
One single story: that of the heart which is restless until it rests in God.
Pre-stages — Christian Initiation
Tagaste
Boys & Girls · 8 – 10 years
«The drop of holy water.»
The simple heart that begins to discover the immensity of God's love. Christian initiation, the first school of faith.
Discover the stage →
Madaura
Boys & Girls · 10 – 12 years
«The spark beginning to ignite.»
Building a sense of belonging and discovering, as a group, the Augustinian values — especially that of community.
Discover the stage →
Carthage
Pre-teens · 12 – 14 years
«The love that sets the soul alight.»
The final stage of Christian initiation: Augustinian friendship and the courage to say a mature and conscious yes to God.
Discover the stage →JAR Stages — Youth, Conversion and Surrender
Milan
Youth · 14 – 17 years
«The restlessness that ignites.»
Maturing in faith and Christian commitment. Vocational culture, volunteering, and the proposal of consecration.
Discover the stage →
Cassiciacum
Youth · 17+ years
«Take up and read.»
Spiritual transition and inner peace. Interiority, Sacred Scripture, and vocational discernment in the Augustinian style.
Discover the stage →
Hippo
Adult JAR · 18+ years
«The time of harvest.»
Spiritual maturity and lay commitment. Service to the community, pastoral responsibility, and apostolic surrender.
Discover the stage →Our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Saint Augustine · Confessions, I, 1
Do you want to start the journey?
There is a JAR group
waiting for you.
The path is not walked alone. Find the group closest to your home and write to us: we will tell you which stage corresponds to your age.
