Opus Dei

During the BeDoCare conferences held in Kenya this October, Fr. Javier del Castillo, Vicar General of Opus Dei, gave a talk in which he invited participants to reflect on the “culture of gift,” rooted in people’s daily “yes,” their generosity, and their spirit of service, across three key areas: family, professional work, and care and social charity.

A Lagos-based art entrepreneur and supernumerary member of Opus Dei, sees her work in the creative industry as a spiritual vocation rather than just a career. Through Opus Dei’s formation, she has learned to find holiness in daily professional tasks—emails, meetings, and creative projects—transforming ordinary work into a joyful act of love and service.

The third edition of Be Do Care, at Strathmore University (Nairobi, Kenya) brought together leaders from across the continent to explore how education, work, and solidarity can transform Africa, inspired by the Christian vision of the human person.

Patience means playing the ‘long-game’ in terms of our spiritual development, while at the same time recalling that God can make this work take place immediately. This article is part of a series on the virtues, inspired by St. Josemaría’s homily “Human Virtues.”

Anaca shares how her love of sports, music, and friendship grew into a deeper appreciation for people and community. As an assistant numerary of Opus Dei, her vocation inspires her to care for others, bring them together, and help them find joy and a sense of belonging together.

Alessandro (Italy) shares how his desire for deeper happiness gradually led him to discover a vocation to Opus Dei, lived out in ordinary work and relationships.

The Prelate is suggesting that the faithful and friends of Opus Dei pray for this intention in a special way, from 2 October 2025 to 2 October 2026.

A sense of restlessness at a Mass with his family set Santi on a path toward his vocation as an associate. He shares how that call brought clarity, joy, and the conviction that God’s plan makes his ordinary life deeply meaningful.

Helena talks about moving from perfectionism and external practices of faith to discovering a more personal relationship with God. Over time, that journey led her to see her vocation as a supernumerary, a path on which she's found peace and lasting happiness.

This month, Pope Leo XIV invites us to pray "that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice and human fraternity." At a time marked by conflicts, the Holy Father recalls that religions must be "bridges and prophecy," and not "weapons or walls."