The news about the publication of the book, The Commissariate of the Heralds of the Gospel, is spreading like wildfire through the international media. Such celerity, proof of the topicality of the subject, presents the risk of ignoring the reasons that led to the writing of this work, causing it to be judged rashly and unfairly
In fact, for more than eight years, the International Private Association Heralds of the Gospel, as well as the two Societies of Apostolic Life that emerged from it, have been the subject of prolonged intervention by the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life. This inexplicable and embarrassing situation has obviously caused perplexity on the part of those who follow or trust the institution. Because of this, out of moral duty, the Heralds have been compelled to offer them the necessary clarifications. At stake was not only the good reputation of the institution and its members—compromised by the shadows of doubt caused by the campaign of slander against the institution—but also the reputation of the Catholic Church itself.
It is a matter of justice. Because prolonging this situation may give rise to unfounded suspicions about the existence of serious situations that, in reality, do not exist.
Until now, maintaining a respectful silence due to the scandal it could cause, a commission of heralds with the necessary academic training finally produced this work under the coordination of Prof. Dr. José Manuel Jiménez Aleixandre, Doctor of Canon Law from the Angelicum in Rome, and Sister Dr. Juliane Vasconcelos Almeida Campos, Doctor of Philosophy. The work aims to give an impartial account of the events that took place throughout the period in question.
This is not a rhetorical defense, but rather a faithful account of the facts, backed up by public documents and records.
Backed by solid and abundant documentation, the narrative is, on the one hand, a duty of justice, since the prolongation of this situation could give rise to unfounded suspicions about the existence of serious crimes within the institution and, on the other hand, it is also an act of self-defense, in view of the accumulated damage: almost thirty deacons, for example, cannot be ordained as priests; seven groups of seminarians have not yet been able to enter the diaconate; many other members cannot take perpetual or temporary vows. To this must be added the aspirants who cannot be admitted and the adolescents, with their respective families, who have seen their aspirations cut short with the suspension of the educational project promoted by the Heralds of the Gospel. Finally, it is worth mentioning the various violations of canon law detailed in the work as a serious reason for its drafting.
The book in question, therefore, is not an attack, nor a protest, nor does it seek to harm anyone. It is merely a work of a protective nature, motivated by a duty of conscience, justice, and love for the Church, with the aim, among others, of ensuring that the excesses of which the Heralds have been victims are not repeated, in the interests of justice and equitable reparation.
As of now, the work is available in Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.