Stage 06 · The Path
Surrender, the leafy tree.
Hippo.
Those who have found,
give.
Augustine returns to Africa in service of the Church. Like a leafy tree reaching towards the sky, this stage represents new life and spiritual maturity: the time of harvest.
Adult JAR · 18+ years
Here Augustine
gives himself.
Once converted, Augustine returns to Hippo, in Africa, where he puts himself at the service of the Church, seeking the common good and promoting justice and peace. He moves from seeking to giving; from questioning to serving. What he found in Cassiciacum, he now pours out for others.
The participants are adult JAR members over the age of 18. The cross represents the fundamental axis, the love for Christ and the fraternal love that unites the movement, driving young people towards generous self-giving for others.
Stage objective
Guiding lay
commitment.
To orient commitment to the Church from one's lay state. To encourage engagement with the community by taking on responsibilities and roles of service. Christian formation is nurtured at this stage of life and, where needed, more specific studies are undertaken: biblical, pastoral, or catechetical formation.
Four fruits
of the harvest.
What we live in Hippo:
the maturity that is returned in service.
Lay commitment
Living faith from within everyday life: work, family, city. The Church is built from wherever one stands.
Service in the community
Taking on concrete responsibilities within the group: accompanying earlier stages, coordinating, supporting others.
Ongoing formation
Deepening Christian formation in whatever each person needs: biblical, pastoral, or catechetical studies.
Community cross
At the close of the itinerary, the community cross is received: a sign of identity, belonging, and lifelong surrender.
One soul and one heart towards God.
Saint Augustine · Rule, I
The path does not end — it is given back
Hippo
is serving.
If you have completed the earlier stages — or are joining JAR at 18 or older — this is your place. Find your community and put yourself at its service.
