Fernando Rielo

Fernando Rielo: A Dialogue with Three Voices, the result of hours and hours of conversation with the Founder of the Idente Institute, is a testimonial work with a place in the study of mysticism in the twentieth century. I have divided this book into three parts to facilitate reading: Life, Poetry, and Thought. It must nevertheless be recalled that these three sections are closely interrelated and should not be regarded as isolated units. When I stated, “On beginning this long conversation with you which has become this book, I got the premonition that the poet was born before the philosopher, critic, and master that you are,” Fernando Rielo gave me a reply in his natural tone, devoid of all affectation. "I am a little line in the great poem which He is. I assert this very same thing regarding human beings: they are lines losing their blood amidst the dust kneaded by their tears." He sees himself as a little line written by Him rather than as a poet: "I am a poem written by Him which He goes on writing. This poem is not yet finished. How ardently I hope He will finally write its last line!" I hope this poem will not end for many years. In this world where we live, which is so materialistic, it is necessary to encounter humanistic people like Fernando Rielo. He shows us the way to the twenty-first century with the religious values announced by Christ, straightening up the weak with love and affection. Regarding few persons can it be asserted that their life and their work are governed by the same spirit. Fernando Rielo possesses this—perhaps not very frequent—special trait. MARIE-LISE GAZARIAN Orient, Long Island, New York