Description
NO TIME
Book Summary
This book offers an honest and uncompromising portrait of Father Ángel, one of the most controversial and admired figures in the Spanish Church. Through a narrative spanning six pivotal years, the author immerses us in the life of a man who, lacking time, has dedicated his existence to the most vulnerable. From the church of San Antón in Chueca to the cathedral of Mejorada del Campo, the work explores his social work, his contradictions, and his modern thinking, set against the backdrop of a Spain that has also had to reinvent itself after the pandemic and the crisis.
What is it about?
The work chronicles the recent trajectory of Father Ángel, starting in 2015 when he took charge of the church of San Antón, a temple in Madrid's Chueca neighborhood known for its work with the homeless. Six years later, Justo Gallego handed over to him the famous cathedral of Mejorada del Campo, built with recycled materials over more than six decades. Father Ángel gives it a new purpose: to convert it into an interreligious center for universal welcome. The book does not shy away from the sharper edges of his personality, showing both his most admired facets and his contradictions. Through the events of recent years—the lockdown, the nursing home crisis, the war in Ukraine, and his relationship with politicians—the personal and vital details that close a cycle in his life are revealed.
Key Themes
- The social work of the Church with the homeless and vulnerable groups.
- Interreligious dialogue and universal welcome as a model for coexistence.
- The figure of Father Ángel as a controversial personality, with his strengths and weaknesses.
- Personal and social reinvention after the pandemic and the economic crisis.
- The political and social commitment of a priest in contemporary Spain.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in true stories of social commitment, those who want to know the most human and complex side of the current Church, and those seeking a sincere account of a public figure who defies labels. It is also recommended for people interested in social transformation from the religious sphere and in the chronicle of recent events in Spain.
What this book offers
- An intimate and unfiltered portrait of one of the most polarizing and admired figures in the Spanish Church.
- A first-person account of six key years in the life of Father Ángel, including the pandemic and its consequences.
- A reflection on the role of the Church in current society and its relationship with public authorities.
- The unknown story of the transformation of the cathedral of Mejorada del Campo into an interreligious center.
- An honest view of the contradictions and humanity of a man who has no time to stop.
Technical Specifications
- Author: Celia Benito Quislant
- Publisher: Khaf
- Language: Spanish
- Theme: True Stories
- Collection: Expresiones
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication Date: October 2022
- Number of pages: 217
- Weight: 588 g
Editorial Review
This is a non-fiction work that offers a deep and uncompromising look at a public figure who awakens divided passions. The author strikes a balance between admiration and criticism, presenting Father Ángel in all his complexity. The book is especially interesting for its temporal context, covering the years of the pandemic and the subsequent crisis, making it a firsthand testimony of how recent events have shaped both an individual and an institution. For readers interested in true stories with social and religious significance, this work provides a unique and valuable perspective.