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FOREWORD
I consider myself very
fortunate to have been called by the Lord to become a
missionary of the Holy Spirit. During my early days of
discernment, I did not realize that the Lord was guiding my
steps, but I look back and clearly understand that God was
there. I remember asking my superiors what it meant to be a
missionary of the Holy Spirit, and they had many words for
me to give a concrete and satisfactory answer. As I
persisted in my questioning, their comforting reply was:
"Let the Holy Spirit guide you and you will find the perfect
answer." This was a very wise counsel.
Father Ricardo Zimbrón Levy
has also followed the guidance of the Holy Spirit in writing
this book: "Risking the Future." By profiling the life of
Fr. Félix de Jesús Rougier, our beloved founder, he shows
how the Holy Spirit touched Father Rougier, calling him to
be a missionary of the Holy Spirit. Through a study of
Father Rougier's life, Father Zimbrón has found the best and
most practical way to respond to our quest: What does it
mean to be a missionary of the Holy Spirit? He paints a
remarkable portrait of Father Félix as spiritual giant of
our time, with a depth of profound spiritual insight, and an
extraordinary hero in the joyful and persistent fulfillment
of what is ordinary. Father Zimbrón makes us deeply aware of
this "well fulfilled vocation" by opening the jar which
contains a precious perfume and allowing us to inhale the
fragrance of Father Rougier's maturity as missionary of the
Holy Spirit.
To read this book has been a
beautiful and refreshing experience for me. It brought fond
memories of those moments when, as newly arrived
seminarians, we were awed by the stories and remembrances
told to us about "our Father," who has recently departed
from this life. The impressive figure of the man and his
engaging personality attracted, fascinated, and totally
inspired us. From those who had known him personally and
lived with him, he was made present among us. His spirit
permeated our lives.
This little volume certainly
presents Father Félix as a humble and generous man who
unconditionally opened his soul to the action of the Holy
Spirit, and who responded to His presence as did Mary of
Nazareth: "Let it be done as you say..." All was to be done
according to God's will. It was this irresistible attraction
to fulfill the Heavenly Father's will that was Father
Félix's constant desire. He realized that total abandonment
of self into the Heavenly Father's hands is a blending of
faith, hope and love in a single act of irreversible and
joyful surrender. This is all Father Félix de Jesús wanted.
The words of Jesus speak louder and clear: "My food is to
fulfill my Father's will." In turn, the God of goodness
assured Father Félix that even with the storms of human
passion and conflict around him, he could live undisturbed
knowing that the Lord had made His covenant with him.
All who read this book will
be touched by its forceful expression, rich simplicity, and
passionate message.
+ Joseph J. Madera, M.Sp.S.
Washington, D.C.
August 15, 1991
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