Opus Dei

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.

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.

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."

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 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."

During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Bishop Philippe Jourdan, a priest of the Prelature of Opus Dei and the bishop of Tallinn, answers our questions and talks about the Catholic Church in Estonia and the growing importance of Christian fraternity.

Estefanía is a pediatrician at a public hospital in Chile. In her work, she ensures that children with non-oncological terminal illnesses receive the best possible quality of life. This goes beyond managing physical symptoms and includes emotional and spiritual support for the patients and their families.

Héctor, a 23-year-old supernumerary, is a dairy producer and cattle farmer. He talks about his work and how he strives for excellence in order to glorify God.

Henri d’Anselme, famously known as "the man with the backpack" was in Brussels last April, and naturally he took the opportunity to visit the cathedral.

As Notre-Dame de Paris reopens its doors this Sunday, 8 December, Antonin, a master stonemason, reflects on the profound experience of contributing to the restoration of this iconic cathedral.