The presentation of the book

On this occasion, Father Ugo Pozzoli, IMC, Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Diocese of Turin, will offer an introductory greeting to all those present; and the following will also speak alongside Cardinal Fernández Artime, serving as a special tribute in memory of the consecration of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, which took place on 9 June 1868.

–         editor of the book, Fr Giuseppe Costa, former Director of the Vatican Publishing House and former Co-spokesperson for the Salesian Congregation;

–         journalist Marina Lomunno, Editor-in-Chief of the weekly magazine of the Diocese of Turin, “La Voce e il Tempo”;

–         Sister Maria Triglia, Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, member of the Presidency Council of Consecrated Life (USMI) of Sicily.

On the occasion of the book’s presentation, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime will also be available to answer any questions.

The themes of the book

The book, published just a few weeks ago, addresses in a frank and sincere dialogue all the issues linked to the present and future of religious life: the inexorable decline in vocations, especially in the West; the quality of formation; the difficulties in living and bearing witness to fraternal life; fidelity to the original charism amidst apostolic activities to be carried forward and significant economic difficulties… These are all problems that point to an evident fragility.

However, the authors note, consecrated life can be reborn precisely from the fragility it is experiencing in so many respects. We must not, however, continue to identify religious life solely with the social function it has performed in the past (in schools, hospitals, or social welfare institutions): not only is this a mistake, but it is also a source of pessimism and a barrier to any possibility of change and transformation.

“The future of Consecrated Life, which I deeply believe will continue to exist, because it is the Spirit of God, and not us, who sustains it, does not lie in numbers, nor in the walls and structures already built that we think we must preserve at all costs… ‘Consecrated Life does not and will not exist without men and women who are deeply faithful, authentically self-emptied, and surrendered to God,’ states the Salesian Cardinal, Fernández Artime, in the volume.

‘Today, religious life is more necessary than ever, but it needs, more than ever, to rediscover its love and fascination for the Lord Jesus, placing him at the centre of our lives and deep within our hearts,’ finally states the Pro-Prefect of the DICLSAL.