Alberto Iniesta (Albacete, 1923-2016) was auxiliary bishop of Madrid, incardinated in Vicar IV of Vallecas. It played a very active role during the time of the end of the dictatorship and the transition towards democracy. He supported the basic rights of the workers and militants, defended the separation between Church and State, worked for the concord of the Spaniards - in the margin of his ideas - and was reviled and threatened by groups of extreme right, to the point that he had to exile A time to ensure their safety.

Alberto, always treated in the neighborhoods by his first name - without more titles or privileges - was a person of extreme simplicity and austerity, a close presence, affectionate and extremely committed to the poor and to human and social rights. A man of prayer, he personifies many of the present references of the pontificate of Francis, such as the joy of the Gospel, the defense of those living on the outskirts and the call to build a Church closer to men and the message of Jesus.

The texts that make up this book of homage to Alberto Iniesta are organized in three blocks. The first summarizes his role as bishop-pastor, pastoral theologian and committed citizen. The second presents testimonies from those who knew him and shared with him rich and profound experiences. In the third, the voice of Iniesta himself is recovered, in the form of poetry and prose.

The purpose of this book is not to remember in a nostalgic and idealized way his person, but to update his message and his testimony, because the adventure of the Gospel is still open and the memory of the endearing figure of Alberto can be light and guide in our walk as disciples Missionaries.