History of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross
The Priestly Society of the Holy Cross stems from St. Josemaría’s love for diocesan priests and from the foundational event that took place on October 2, 1928, when our Lord made him “see” Opus Dei. The specific origin of the Priestly Society, however, occurred some years later, in 1943.
February 14 in Opus Dei
February 14 is a celebration of two anniversaries for Opus Dei: the commencement of Opus Dei's apostolic work with women in 1930 and the beginning of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross in 1943.
What is the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross?
Priests from all over the world speak about the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross, an association of clergy intrinsically united to the Prelature of Opus Dei. Its aim is to promote holiness among secular priests through the exercise of their ministry in the service of the Church.
Loyalty to the Church
In this homily from "In Love with the Church," Saint Josemaria reflects on our love for our mother the Church and trust in the Holy Spirit.
Meditations: February 14, Founding of the Women's Section and the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross
Some reflections that can assist our prayer as we celebrate two foundational dates in Opus Dei.
Numerary and Associate Priests: Making Others "Shine"
Priests incardinated in the Prelature of Opus Dei: a mission of service dedicated to fostering the holiness and apostolate of the other members of the Work and of those who participate in the activities of Opus Dei.
Questions about the Priesthood
"The priesthood leads one to serve God in a state which, in itself, is no better or worse than any other: it is simply different. But the priestly vocation is invested with a dignity and greatness which has no equal on earth" (‘In Love with the Church’, 38).
Conference of the Prelate in Zaragoza: Eucharist and Priesthood
Conference by Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, Prelate of Opus Dei, on the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the priest, at the academic ceremony on the 100th anniversary of Saint Josemaría’s priestly ordination (Zaragoza, 27 March 2025).
As the Church Wishes to be Served: the vocation to Opus Dei as a diocesan priest
A priest's heart beats with a deep longing to be faithful to God and serve others. Those who discover their call to live the spirit of Opus Dei find in the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross a support on their path to holiness, in full communion with their bishop and the presbyterate.
Saint Josemaria, a priest forever
To commemorate the centenary of St. Josemaría's ordination, a video on his priestly vocation was shown in Zaragoza and Rome. It includes fragments of get togethers in which he shared advice with priests, inspiring them to live a holy and fruitful ministry.
3 Short Stories about the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross
Gerona, Hinojosa de Jarque (Teruel) and Santa María de Luneda (Pontevedra) are the starting points for three hitherto unknown testimonies of dedication to others. The historian Santiago Martínez brings us an account of three early members of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross — founded by Saint Josemaría in 1943 — to which more than 4,000 clerics around the world belong today.
Inklings of Love: St. Josemaría Before Opus Dei
What events shaped young Josemaría’s life before 1928? How did he discover his priestly vocation? In this article, José Luis González Gullón takes us into the early years of St. Josemaría Escrivá’s priesthood, a key stage in his spiritual journey, when he had not yet founded Opus Dei but already intuited that God was asking something great of him.
“Heaven is in Vallecas”
José Manuel Horcajo is the parish priest of San Ramón Nonato, a church located in Vallecas, one of Madrid’s most well-known neighborhoods, and the author of “Al cruzar el puente” (Crossing the Bridge) and “Diamantes tallados” (Cut Diamonds), two books of stories around the parish life. In this interview, he shares the origin of his vocation and reflects on the priesthood.
Fr. Nicanor, Spain: "I love being a priest"
A priest from an island—the eighth of the Canary Islands—with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. He is currently the parish priest in Arrecife (Lanzarote), where he oversees two parishes and strives to spread the Gospel everywhere with a smile.
"Nourish this faith"
During the 75th anniversary year of Opus Dei coming to Britain we are posting a number of videos telling stories of lives changed by faith. "Nourish this faith” is the story of Fr Matt, a Welsh parish priest who was helped by Opus Dei to follow his vocation to the priesthood.
A Blind Priest Who Discovered Joy Thanks to Saint Josemaria
At the age of 16, Father James lost his sight completely. But not his inner light. Now 36 years old, accompanied by his faithful dog "Ibiza," he says that the spirituality of Opus Dei played an important part in the discovery of his vocation to the priesthood.
Letter from a Father to his Son
Branislav was ordained last November as a deacon. His father, a Catholic activist imprisoned for his fight against Communism in Czechoslovakia during the 1980s, sent him a moving letter.
Fr. José, Spain: "Essential services"
The chaplain-engineer of the Laguna Care Hospital's death was linked to that of his friend Fermín, who had been widowed some time ago and passed away from coronavirus. Before arriving at Laguna, he was the general chaplain of the National Police. He died on 31 March, surrounded by the sorrow of a legion of healthcare workers and friends who were unable to say their final goodbyes, and who pay tribute to him in this video.
