October 23, 2012. (Romereports.com) “The essence of consecrated life is the relationship with God.” This is one of the quotes included in the book “Testimonies of a Living God,” by Pascual Chávez Villanueva, the Major Rector of the Salesians.

The book, which was recently presented in Rome, gives a profound reflection on the opportunities and challenges of consecrated life,  as seen from the  point of view of a Salesian.


FR. PASCUAL CHÁVEZ VILLANUEVA
Rector of the Salesians
“To show the true identity of the consecrated life at its core. To understand the real purpose for which it was created, the role it has in the Church and in society. And above all, how to make it significant today, credible and fruitful in this world.”

According to the book, the crisis faced by some sectors of the consecrated life, are based on upon three points: identity, visibility and credibility. The author encourages readers to face these challenges as opportunities to renew the their vocation.

Among those attending the presentation, was Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life.

CARD. João Braz de Aviz
Prefect, Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life
“I think that above all, we have to see if our consecration to God is the source of our happiness. To see if we can recognize a decisive value in God, forever, only then can we
transmit this happiness to others.”

Many religious attended the presentation as well. Pascual Chavez thanked all of them for their work among the different congregations and asked all of them to give God a proper place
in their consecrated lives.


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