Opus Dei

"Blessed Josemaria Escriva placed at the center of his own preaching the truth that all the baptized are called to the fullness of charity, and that the most immediate way to reach this common goal is found in the ordinary happenings of each day."

In a recent article, Cardinal Paul Shan, S.J., bishop of Kaohsiung and Taiwan's first cardinal, described Blessed Josemaria Escriva as a friend of young people and a man who loved the Church.

In just two weeks his lesions were completely cured, he recovered the normal use of his hands, and was able to go back to doing surgery.

Around the world, people are commemorating the centennial of Blessed Josemaria Escriva's birth with concrete expressions of solidarity with the poor. Here are eight examples of social initiatives in the fields of education, immigration, work, and healthcare that have been or will be put into operation in honor of the centennial

"The continuation in history of the deeds and actions of Opus Dei's founder requires that his memory remain not only in the minds of individuals but also in the public conscience," says Italy's Communications Minister. Stamps and postmarks were also issued in the Philippines, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Spain.

Franz Cardinal König says that the Founder of Opus Dei "now belongs to the Church's treasury; he's welcomed to the multitude of saints."

At a conference at the Centro ELIS school in Rome recently, participants discussed Blessed Josemaria Escriva's teachings and heard about various social service initiatives begun in honor of the centennial of his birth.

All human work, whether manual or intellectual, can be converted into a place to meet God and to serve others. Work in the university, when carried out with professional competence, is a source of harmony and solidarity among peoples.

Escriva's Message Is a Service to the Universal Church and All Particular Churches.