Opus Dei

In this episode of Fragments of History, we take a closer look at the life of Elena Blesa. Born in 1925 in Barcelona, she was one of the first associate members of Opus Dei. Historian María Hernández-Sampelayo Matos traces her life story, shaped by her work in both Spain and Venezuela.

Here is a list of some of the Masses being celebrated in East Africa for the feast of Saint Josemaría Escrivá on June 26.

Rome, May 24, 2025. The English Cardinal Arthur Roche, Prefect of the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, conferred priestly ordination on 20 deacons of the Prelature of Opus Dei from 11 countries. The ordination took place this morning in the Basilica of St. Eugene in Rome, where family and friends of the new priests were able to accompany them with prayer and affection.

This infographic provides a visual representation of the way Opus Dei is governed centrally and in each of the countries in which it is present. It also includes some current data about the number of people in Opus Dei and distribution by continent.

On the first Sunday after Pentecost, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. Here are some resources for growing in devotion to the Trinity.

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.

The parishioners of Mater Dolorosa Parish in Kensington, Johannesburg, have organised themselves to reach different groups of people in need, drawing from the good will and energy of the parish.

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.

During their recent visit to Rome for the Holy Week and Easter celebrations, some university students from the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos, visited the Nigerian Cardinal His Eminence Francis Cardinal Arinze, at his private residence in the Vatican.

After rising from the dead, Jesus spent forty days teaching his disciples about the kingdom of God. We tend to assume it would have been better if our Lord had stayed here and continued to teach. Imagine how easily he could convince people that he had risen from the dead! Instead, he returned to heaven to be seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.

During the session of the 10th Ordinary General Congress of Opus Dei, as established by current regulations, in addition to the vicars, the Prelate appointed the other members of the Central Advisory and the General Council, the bodies that assist the Prelate in governing the institution.

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.