Life and Spirituality of Félix de Jesús Rougier


Risking the Future
Life and Spirituality of the
Venerable Félix de Jesús Rougier, M.Sp.S
.
by Ricardo Zimbrón L., M.Sp.S.

 

 
   
  
   
  
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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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