“Our thoughts must also go to those who are suffering throughout the world, especially in countries at war: in the Holy Land, in Ukraine and Russia. So many people suffering, so many disasters... And those are ours too. The whole world is ours, as St. Paul wrote.” With these words,  Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz opened a gathering with families involved in activities of Opus Dei in Navarre, the Basque Country, and La Rioja, held on 29 July at the University of Navarre.

In his opening remarks, the Prelate of Opus Dei and Grand Chancellor of the University mentioned to several other intentions to keep in mind: constant prayer for the Holy Father, the ongoing work of updating the statutes of the Prelature, and the successful unfolding of the Jubilee event currently bringing a million young people together in Rome.

Around 3,000 people came to the University of Navarre campus to enjoy a family gathering with Msgr. Ocáriz, just steps away from the esplanade where St. Josemaría gave his homily “Passionately Loving the World”in 1967.

Among those who spoke were a newly married couple asking for advice on how to strengthen their bond with the Church and the Pope; someone working in the administration of an Opus Dei centre, asking how to show the beauty of care and service; one of the early pioneers of the University of Navarra, who has lived in Pamplona for 70 of his 95 years; a construction worker; a university employee who shared that her brother, a priest, had died after a cycling accident, and reflected on the positive impact of his example on many people; a pharmacist concerned about ethical issues in her profession; and another couple asking how they could face the possibility of their children being called to a vocation as Christian parents.

In response to these varied challenges, Msgr. Ocáriz emphasised ideas he had heard directly from St Josemaría, particularly the central importance of prayer in a Christian’s life: “Prayer is the only weapon of Opus Dei,” he reminded them. He also encouraged everyone to live friendship with all people, including those whose ways of thinking or living differ from Christian beliefs, and to have broad horizons, never settling for what has already been achieved. As St. Josemaría said, when reflecting on the Work at the end of his life: “Everything is done, and everything remains to be done:” there is always room for growth.

A few days later, the Prelate returned to Rome.