Mariana, Argentina: "Following your conscience is the best thing for a healthy institution"
Mariana, originally from Salta (Argentina), studied Social Communication and has worked as a photographer, although she currently works as a gardener. For her, her professional work is a space in which she can meet God in every situation. She also takes care of her mother, who has been bedridden since suffering a stroke two years ago.
Maria José, Spain: "Helping others is a way of giving back what I've received"
María José is a lawyer who lives with her husband and son in Madrid. Since the return of the Taliban regime to Afghanistan in August 2021, she has been helping women from that country to find asylum in Spain. There were only a few of them at the beginning, but now they've formed a network that supports 110 families. "Prayer helps me understand the things that happen and God's calls," she says. Her faith inspires her commitment to improving the world around her through her work.
Tiago, Portugal: "I want to make the most of life"
Tiago is from Porto, works as a mechanical engineer, and loves car competitions. At the age of 20, he lost his grandfather, which let him to start questioning many aspects of his life. A friend, who passed away in an accident that same summer, told him about Opus Dei. Discovering prayer was the beginning of a path that led him to discern his vocation to the Work as a numerary.
Sandra, Spain: "I’d lived 22 years of my life convinced that God didn’t exist"
Sandra had no faith when she first set foot in a centre run by the Work, invited by a friend. Now, fifteen years later, she is an associate and she tells the story of her encounter with God, in whom she discovered the experience of paternity.
Isabel Sánchez and Opus Dei: “Deepening in the charism, rectifying, and dreaming of sowing good”
The path to the Centenary has sparked a process of reflection, seen in the recently concluded Regional Assemblies held around the world. In this conversation with Isabel Sánchez, secretary of the Central Advisory, she shares some of the key topics discussed.
Jacinta, USA: "I never felt like people expected me to be a certain way"
When Jacinta moved from Trinidad to Boston for college, she knew what dreams she had for her life. In this video, she describes the long process of discovering God's dreams for her and deciding to become a numerary assistant in Opus Dei.
One by One: Opus Dei Through Personal Stories
No two people are the same, nor are there any identical lives. Opus Dei is every person who embodies its charism, as the Prelate often reminds us. "One by One" is a mosaic of faces from around the world, telling the stories of their lives and their encounters with the Work.
Anaca, Spain: "I would like to unite the notes and form a symphony"
Anaca is an assistant numerary of Opus Dei. Her mission is to bring people together, creating a sense of family so that each person forms part of a symphony of harmony and happiness.
Marina, Spain: "I want to be an assistant numerary with everything I do"
Marina is an assistant numerary of Opus Dei. She is involved in several social projects to help children in hospitals, distribute food to families in need, and care for elderly people. Her vocation gives unity to all these activities and motivates her to give in concrete ways, sharing God's affection with others.
Inma, Spain: "Every decision has helped me understand who I am and where I belong"
Inma lives in Valencia and is the second of seven siblings. She was an assistant numerary of Opus Dei for a time. After a period of reflection and prayer, she realized that her place was elsewhere: “It was very hard for me because I love the assistant numerary vocation deeply.”