Pedro, Argentina: "I was a numerary and I wouldn't change anything about my journey"
Pedro is an architect specialising in NGOs. He is currently studying for a master's degree in Urban Economics. He will marry Ine next May. The path of his vocational discernment brought him closer to Opus Dei, an institution to which he belonged for a few years, and which he remembers with gratitude: "I don't regret being who I am today, and I am who I am today because of the whole journey I've been on," he says.
Lidia, Bolivia: "I asked to join the Work and they said no"
My name is Juana Lidia Quispe Maita. I am from the community of Copachilaia. From my community, you can see Lake Titicaca, which is 4000 metres above sea level, and I am an assistant numerary of Opus Dei. I am here for a while looking after my mother, who is alone. I accompany her, take care of her, and help her with whatever she needs. And from time to time I go to the city.
Mariana, Argentina: "Following your conscience is the best thing for a healthy institution"
Mariana, originally from Salta, studied Social Communication and worked as a photographer, but currently works as a gardener. For her, her professional work is a space in which she can meet God in every situation. She also looks after her mother, who has been bedridden since suffering a stroke two years ago.
Mónica, Bolivia: "Every change in life is a new opportunity to grow"
Mónica was born in Cochabamba, in a family that represented "the rainbow of Bolivia," since her father was from La Paz and her mother from Santa Cruz. She studied at the German School and later in Buenos Aires, where she graduated with a degree in Agricultural Engineering from UBA. Subsequently, she studied philosophy and earned a master’s degree in teaching it. She has been involved in development projects and teaching, and tells us that her specialty is "change."
Eva, Spain: "I discovered that my vocation is to turn houses into homes"
I am Eva Burniol, from the Horta neighbourhood in Barcelona, and I am an assistant numerary. I am 34 years old, and I love the mountains, going for runs... It helps me unwind, it relaxes me... I really enjoy nature... I like reading, writing, going out with friends... Everything related to fashion, I don’t know, keeping up with everything. I never seem to have enough time!
Carmen, Spain: "We want our children to be open"
Carmen is a supply chain manager at a supermarket and lives with her family in Madrid. "What I've learned from working has helped me to raise my children." She and her husband, try to instil in them an attitude of solidarity and acceptance, which is why they participate in a family volunteering programme run out of Tajamar, the school where they study: "We want our children to be open to all realities, in every sphere, to learn respect and hospitality."
The Saiz Serrano family: "Do your realize that you’re like Jesus? You have an adoptive father too"
"Do you realize that you're like Jesus? More like him than other children: you have an adoptive father too," Mar and Andrés tell their adopted children. Their explanation of how God changed their plans to form their family is both natural and supernatural.
Brenda, Great Britain: "Will you hold my hand at the end?"
Brenda is a doctor in Kent who met Opus Dei while at university. In her day-to-day life, she says, what her patients often need is a conversation that brings them closer to God. This stories was filmed for the 75th anniversary of Opus Dei in Great Britain.
Julia, France: Meeting Love made Man
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Opus Dei in England, we are publishing a series of lives transformed by faith in Jesus Christ. Julia, a supernumary of Opus Dei, was born in France, discovered God in Ireland, met St. Josemaría in Mexico, and now lives in London.
Dora, Portugal: "They are happy on the path they have chosen"
Dora met her husband at the radio station where she works. They have four children, two of whom, Pedro and Afonso, are twins. Both sons decided to enter the diocesan seminary, and will be ordained deacons on November 28 in Lisbon.