PREFACE
The Congregation of the
missionaries of the Holy Spirit was founded by Father Félix
de Jesús Rougier. He recruited the first members.
We will therefore begin by
presenting Father Félix as he really was: a human being with
limitations and failings. He was, however, a man who
single-mindedly pursued his lifetime goal TO DO THE WILL OF
THE HEAVENLY FATHER.
He did not grow angel's wings
and soar over the rest of mankind. Rather, he pursued his
ideal amid internal and external strife, in the darkness of
a Faith put to the test, hoping against all hope, suffering
from the misunderstandings of many of his brethren. At the
same time, he earned the love of many by his gentleness and
kindness.
His life was not
characterized by extraordinary deeds, nor did he enjoy the
privileges experienced by the mystics in prayer. He was "a
very normal saint", that is to say, a model within the reach
of everyone. Although the clay from which we were made
weighs us down, we can all do the will of the Heavenly
Father. And holiness is only this, nothing more.
We will also review the
spirituality of Father Félix. It was simple and unifying: to
follow Christ, Priest of the Heavenly Father, who offered
Himself for the salvation of all. This spirituality is at
the core of the Gospel. The concrete way in which Father
Félix lived it constitutes an excellent model for all and a
perfect one for the missionaries of the Holy Spirit.
From the historical records,
we will trace the roots of the missionaries of the Holy
Spirit, their function in the Church, and the meaning of
their consecrated life. Finally, we will present a summary
of the rules which govern their life from the beginning of
their formation.
This book was written for
those who are interested in joining our Congregation, our
friends and benefactors, our novices and religious and all
those who wish to gain a better understanding of the
Congregation of the missionaries of the Holy Spirit.