Words of Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz Following Guadalupe's Beatification

Words of Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, Prelate of Opus Dei, following the beatification of Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri (Madrid,18 May 2019)

Before this solemn celebration draws to a close, I thank God upon seeing how the holiness of the Church is reflected in Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri, just as with all the saints and blessed. In the life of the new blessed, we can contemplate how the Lord continues working, also in the midst of our cities, streets, families, and places of work.

I also thank God, the source of all holiness, because the beatification of Guadalupe, the first layperson of Opus Dei to be raised to the altars, is like a new seal that the Church puts on the path that Our Lord opened before Saint Josemaria’s eyes on October 2nd, 1928.

Finally, I wish to express my thanks to Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who has presided over this solemn Eucharistic celebration, representing our Holy Father Francis. Thank you for the words you have spoken to us during the homily. I ask you, dear Cardinal, to transmit my gratitude to the Roman Pontiff, together with that of the whole Prelature of Opus Dei. Tell him that we are grateful for the message that he sent us and that we listened to today; that we express our filial affection and pray for his pastoral ministry as the successor of Peter.

Through the intercession of Blessed Guadalupe, I entrust our resolution to be good children of the Church always, and that – as Saint Josemaria wanted – the Prelature of Opus Dei might always serve the Church “as the Church wants to be served.” With the grace of God, the maternal mediation of Holy Mary, and the example of the new blessed, may we always know how to discover daily that our ordinary life is the place where Jesus Christ awaits us, as well as an opportunity to share the joy of the Gospel with others.