Opus Dei

My name is Edith Katama. I was introduced to Opus Dei in the early 1980’s when we were in exile in Kenya as a family. By the time we returned to Uganda in 1986, I was a member of Opus Dei and the only member in Uganda.

April 4th 1989. Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, Prelate of Opus Dei, had just been accorded the honours of an elder in the Kenyatta International Conference Centre, amidst thunderous applause from the more than two thousand people present. He was very moved, and began his speech by saying: “Now I am one of you”

In a get-together in Nairobi in 1989, Blessed Alvaro suggested that the best service we can render the poor is to give them the skills needed to find a job.

On October 4, Pope Francis presided over a prayer vigil for the Synod on the Family, and urged couples to be open to the gift of life.

The Prelate invites us to pray with Blessed Alvaro: "Thank you, forgive me, help me more." He suggests that we ask especially for peace in the world and for the upcoming Synod on the family.

Pope Francis encouraged the 15,000 pilgrims in Rome for the beatification of Alvaro del Portillo to go to the new Blessed's intercession for help "to respond generously to God’s call to holiness and apostolate in ordinary life, in the service of the Church and all mankind."

Short videos on the events in Rome from 29 September to 2 October.

A brief video with scenes from the life of Alvaro del Portillo, who was beatified on September 27, 2014 in Madrid.

Integral recording with music and without commentary. (Entrance of Cardinal Amato with other celebrants begins at minute 22).

Entire EWTN broadcast of beatification ceremony for Alvaro del Portillo, with Solemn Mass celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.