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.

An article by Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, Prelate of Opus Dei, published today in the German weekly “Die Tagespost.”

A recollection is time spent in silence with God, talking to Him and “recollecting” who we are before Him. This is a package of resources for a recollection in your own home, including a downloadable PDF.

Homily by the Prelate of Opus Dei, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, on the liturgical feast of Saint Josemaría, delivered at the parish of Saint Eugene (Rome).

An English translation of the interview with Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz by Francesco Ognibene (Avvenire), originally in Italian.

50 years ago, St. Josemaría passed away in Rome. Here is a selection of resources to commemorate the day of his entrance into heaven. Since then, a new chapter began in the life of Opus Dei, during which his life and message have inspired thousands of Christians committed to sanctifying everyday life. He dreamed that this light of God would become a “great catechesis,” shared through the power of friendship.

The song “Aprite le finestre” was the piece with which singer Franca Raimondi won the popular Sanremo Music Festival in 1956, Italy’s most important musical competition. St. Josemaría liked it and saw it as a simple and radiant expression of Christian hope in eternal life. He told those around him that he would like it to be sung at the moment of his death.

Shiró is happiest spending time with people: “I need people, and feeling that they need me makes me want to give the best of myself. No man is an island... We need each other.” This openness led her to start her studies in healthcare, and later move to hospitality and catering in her country, Kenya. She also started a social initiative to help street children. All these experiences confirmed her vocation to Opus Dei as an assistant numerary.

Living like Christ, whether in marriage or celibacy, means embracing a new lifestyle given to us by the Holy Spirit: a fruitful love, a pure heart, and a preference for God’s riches and for caring for those in need, as the Gospel shows us.

The Prelate of Opus Dei invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Most Holy Trinity and announces that the new Statutes have been submitted to the Holy See for approval.

As we commemorate the anniversary of St Josemaría’s death this month, we share three favours obtained through his intercession, all experienced within the family: recovery after a heart attack, a journey to reunite with loved ones, and a pregnancy after several miscarriages.

Biomedical scientist Renata Silvestre describes how her vocation is intertwined with her work in advanced cell therapy, battling cancer while living the spirit of Opus Dei in her daily life. In her story, science and faith are both sources of inspiration and reasons for commitment.