Sonsoles, 2 May 1935: The First Pilgrimage
In May 1935, Josemaría Escrivá and Ricardo Fernández Vallespín made a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Sonsoles in Ávila, and the custom of the May pilgrimage was born in Opus Dei. In this episode, historian Alfredo Méndiz comments on some details from a text written after their experience.
Regional Monthly Intention
In each circumscription, in addition to the monthly intention from the Prelate, the Regional Vicar proposes another particular intention for that region. Specifically, for the period from 20th April 2025 to 2nd October 2025 (Anniversary of the foundation of the Work), the proposed prayer intention of East and Southern Africa is as follows.
Saint Catherine of Siena, Intercessor of Opus Dei
April 29 is the feast day of Saint Catherine of Siena. The story of how Saint Josemaria decided to name her an intercessor of Opus Dei. Adapted from an article published in "Studia et Documenta," vol. 8 (2014).
Video from UNIV to the Pope: Thank you, Pope Francis!
Six days before his death, the Pope wrote a letter to the young people of UNIV. In this video, they thank him for 12 years of closeness. This year, nearly 3,000 students gathered in Rome for Holy Week in the Jubilee year. The 57th edition of UNIV also included a series of cultural events reflecting on this year’s theme: “Citizens of Our World.”
Livestream of Pope Francis' funeral
Tomorrow at 10 a.m. (Rome time), the funeral Mass for the eternal repose of Pope Francis will be celebrated in the atrium of St. Peter's Basilica. It will be broadcast on the Vatican's official YouTube channel, the link to which can be found in this article.
The African Church Remembers Pope Francis
The African Church, particularly in Kenya, remembers Pope Francis and honors the memory of his first visit to Africa and his message to the Church there.
Saint Josemaria and Our Lady of Montserrat
St. Josemaría was very devoted to our Lady of Montserrat, and it was on her feast, 27 April, in the year 1954, that he was cured of diabetes, after a dramatic attack in which he almost died.
Some Actions and Initiatives Since the 2017 Ordinary General Congress
The 2017 Ordinary General Congress approved a number of conclusions, outlined in the Prelate’s letter on February 14 that year, which set the course for the governance of Opus Dei over the following eight years. This page highlights some of the initiatives carried out during that time, impacting all the circumscriptions.
Pope Francis' Speeches in his Apostolic Journey to Africa
Pope Francis made his first Apostolic Journey to Africa from the 25th to 30th November 2015. He first visited Kenya, then Uganda and finally the Central African Republic. We include links to all the speeches he made during his trip.
Week 5: In the Very Heart of the World
Reading, a mission, and questions to reflect on in the fifth week of the Saint Josemaria challenge (March 28-June 26, 2025).









