Formation, Salesian World News

Presentation of the Book A Future Without Numbers and Without Walls at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Valdocco

(TURIN, Italy) – A special event will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, featuring Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life and Papal Legate for the Papal Basilicas of Assisi, as well as former Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation. Scheduled for 11:00 a.m. (UTC+2), the gathering will center on the presentation of his latest book-interview, A Future Without Numbers and Without Walls, edited by Fr. Giuseppe Costa, SDB, and published by San Paolo Editions.

The Book Presentation

The event will open with a welcome address from Fr. Ugo Pozzoli, IMC, Episcopal Vicar for Consecrated Life in the Archdiocese of Turin. The presentation will also serve as a tribute marking the anniversary of the consecration of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, which took place on June 9, 1868.

Joining Cardinal Fernández Artime in the discussion will be:

  • Fr. Giuseppe Costa, SDB, editor of the book, former director of the Vatican Publishing House, and former co-spokesperson for the Salesian Congregation;
  • Marina Lomunno, journalist and editor-in-chief of La Voce e il Tempo, the weekly publication of the Archdiocese of Turin;
  • Sr. Maria Triglia, FMA, member of the Presidency Council of Consecrated Life (USMI) of Sicily.

Following the presentation, Cardinal Fernández Artime will be available to answer questions from attendees.

Themes of the Book

Published only a few weeks ago, the book presents a candid and thoughtful dialogue on the current realities and future prospects of consecrated life. Among the topics addressed are the continuing decline in vocations, particularly in Western countries; the quality of formation; the challenges of living and witnessing authentic fraternal life; fidelity to founding charisms amid expanding apostolic responsibilities; and significant financial difficulties.

While these challenges reveal areas of fragility, the authors argue that consecrated life can find renewal precisely through this experience of vulnerability. They caution against defining religious life solely by the social services it has traditionally provided—such as schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions—warning that such a perspective can foster pessimism and hinder meaningful renewal.

“The future of consecrated life, which I firmly believe will continue to exist because it is sustained by the Spirit of God and not by us, does not depend on numbers, nor on preserving buildings and structures at all costs,” Cardinal Fernández Artime states in the book. “Consecrated life does not and will not exist without men and women who are deeply faithful, authentically self-emptying, and fully surrendered to God.”

The cardinal concludes by emphasizing the enduring importance of religious life in the Church today: “Consecrated life is more necessary than ever. But now, more than ever, it must rediscover its love for and fascination with the Lord Jesus Christ, placing Him at the center of our lives and deep within our hearts.”