Pope Francis’ new book on consecrated life will come out on December 3, 2018, in 10 languages, including Chinese, announced L’Osservatore Romano on November 23, 2018. Claretian Spanish editor Fernando Prado Ayuso conducted the interview.
In France, it will be published by Editions des Beatitudes, under the title “The Strength of the Vocation: Consecrated Life Today.” Focused on the mission of consecrated persons, it is the result of a more than 4-hour conversation, which took place last August 9, at Saint Martha’s in the Vatican. Cathy Brenti translated the book from Spanish.
“Look at the past with gratitude, live the present with passion, embrace the future with hope,” is the structure of the book-interview, explains a press release of Editions des Beatitudes. In a simple and spontaneous dialogue, the Holy Father addresses important topics and challenges that touch consecrated life, in the wake of the renewal that began after Vatican II, including: discernment on the way to live in fidelity the Founder’s charism, inter-culturalism, mission shared with the laity, ecclesial insertion, formation of vocations and balance between memory and prophecy.
The Jesuit Pontiff gives examples and anecdotes drawn from his own life and his experience.
Father Fernando Prado Ayuso is a priest of the Congregation of Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. At present, he is Director of the Claretians’ Publishing House in Spain and Professor of Theology of the Religious Life at the Pontifical University of Salamanca. He also teaches the subjects “Social Networks” and “Theology of the Mission” at the Claretians’ novitiate. In addition, he takes part in other programs of formation at the Regina Apostolorum School of Madrid.
