OSAAP, the Order of Saint Augustine in the Asia Pacific, represents a union of the seven Augustinian circumscriptions in the Asian and Oceanian regions. 

The Augustinian circumscriptions in Asia and the Pacific, seeking a more coordinated approach to the Order’s evangelization in the region, and in line with the recommendation of the Constitutions, no.248 and the determination of 2001 Ordinary General Chapter (C-10),  have organized themselves into a Union under the title Order of Saint Augustine in Asia and the Pacific (OSAAP).  Such union encourages initiative and leadership among the circumscriptions and aligns all members more closely with related development within the Order.  

These seven divisions consist of the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu – Philippines, the Province of Australasia, the Province of the Most Holy Name of Jesus in the Philippines, the Vicariate of India, the Vicariate of Japan, and Vicariate of West Papua (Indonesia), as well as the Delegation of Korea. This association manifests the Augustinian presence in this part of the world, fostering collaborative efforts on shared initiatives.

Purpose:

The OSAAP (Order of Saint Augustine Asia-Pacific) union has a clear and significant purpose. It aims to foster stronger collaboration among different Augustinian groups in the Asia-Pacific region while maintaining active involvement in the broader APAC (Asian Pacific Augustinian Conference). Within this forum, members come together to discuss common concerns and challenges, seeking cooperative solutions. The union also provides a platform for mutual aid and resource-sharing in areas like training, the history of the Order, and the promotion of Augustinian spirituality. Additionally, it serves as a space for deliberating on the Order’s policies tailored to the unique context of Asia and the Pacific, ensuring they are effectively implemented. Beyond administrative matters, the OSAAP union embodies a collective commitment to proclaiming the Good News in the Asia-Pacific region and expanding the presence and impact of the Order. While decisions made within the union are not legally binding on individual Circumscriptions, they hold significant moral weight, promoting unity and cooperation among its member groups.

Projects:

Among these projects are the Asia Pacific Augustinian Novitiate headquartered in Talisay, Cebu, as well as regional programs for renewal and gatherings catering to specific interest groups such as formators, vocations directors, and younger Augustinians engaged in ministry.

The first batch of novices who arrived at the Augustinian Novitiate and Prayer House in 2016 were 21 brothers who came from the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu – Philippines, Province of the Most Holy of the Philippines, Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel (Australasia), and Vicariate of India.

On July 8, 2023, another set of novices arrived in Talisay and was later joined by two more novices on July 28, 2023, bringing 11 novices.

Additionally, there is an ongoing exploration of potential joint missions in the future.

The leaders of the Asia Pacific divisions convene regularly to deliberate on these matters of mutual concern. Equally significant are the various opportunities that arise for members of these divisions to come together and connect with each other.