The dream is to build a vocational culture from the perspective of the Vincentian charism … such is the horizon of the recently published work of Father Rolando Gutierrez, CM, a missionary of the Congregation of the Mission in Costa Rica and the author of numerous articles about vocational ministry and the Vincentian charism.

We are speaking about a recent publication from Editorial CEME-La Milagrosa which offers us a deeper understanding of a vocational culture within the framework of the New Evangelization and interpreted from the perspective of our Vincentian identity.

In the Prologue, the Vicar-General, Francisco Javier Álvarez states: When speaking about a vocational culture and a Vincentian vocational culture, the author lines up a series of concepts that, in the end, present a design for an appropriate vocational ministry. They are strong brushstrokes that artists capture on a canvas to give perspective to their paintings. At no time is there a lack of depth in his approach … and it should be stated that only when things are seen in depth can there be clarity in action.

According to the author, this work is the result of a series of reflections expressed in his conferences and articles in which he takes into consideration the contributions of some outstanding personalities in the field of vocational ministry, such as Amedeo Cencini. The author also refers to the Vocational Promotion Congresses that were held in Europe and Latin America as well as the recent Synod that was held in Rome (2018) on the theme of Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment. There is also reference to the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Francis, Christus Vivit.

The book is divided into three parts, eight chapters and is 208 pages in length. In the first part (chapters I and II) we find a study of the reality of youth and data and statistics concerning the Congregation of the Mission and some important reflections, such as the reflection on the theme of the pandemic of mediocrity (a metaphor used by Rolando Gutiérrez when speaking about a silent problem that lies within Consecrated Life and from which Vincentian congregations do not escape). In the second part (chapters III, IV and V) some very clear theological and scientific concepts are laid down and thus, facilitate reading about the dimensions of a vocational culture from a Vincentian perspective. In chapter V the author establishes four coordinates which he views as defining a Vincentian vocational culture, namely, authentic prophecy, radicalness or extinction, rejuvenate or grow old and Pope Francis’ principle, time is superior space. Finally, the third part of the book, (chapters VI, VII, VIII) offers the reader a Vincentian Vocational Pedagogy through three verbs: to go out, to see and to call.

This book can be acquired through Editorial CEME-La Milagrosa on their web page www.editorialmilagrosa.net or by writing to lamilagrosa@lamilagrosa2.e.telefonica.net

Communication Office