Excerpts from the homily of Bishop Ruperto Santos
On the 30th of January 1987, Blessed Alvaro came to us. Yes, he came here, recited the Holy Rosary before the image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage. And after praying a Responso for the soul of the Blessed Founder, St. Josemaria Escriva, he said, “My children, let us renew our resolution to give ourselves to the service of the Church and all souls. Let us turn to our Founder, so that from heaven he may help us to be faithful to do Opus Dei, being ourselves God’s work, each of us Opus Dei...
During the beatification of Blessed Alvaro, our Holy Father Pope Francis wrote: “Especially outstanding was his love for the Church, the spouse of Christ, whom he served with a heart devoid of worldly self-interest, far from discord, welcoming everyone, and always seeking in others what was positive, what united, and what was constructive. He never spoke a word of complaint or criticism, even at especially difficult times...”
With their care and affection for us, the Prelature of Opus Dei will enthrone here the blood relic of Blessed Alvaro. Not only did Blessed Alvaro pray here in 1987, but today, August 27, and from now on, he remains with us. Blessed Alvaro stays here with us. This is now his home. And with his guiding presence, through the blood relic, and with our prayers to him, surely we will be blessed and our earthly pilgrimage - mabuting paglalakbay, paglalakad - towards heaven will be at peace, a good voyage, and full of grace.
My dear brothers and sisters, as Jesus is asking us, “Who do people say I am?” We can also ask him, “O Lord, what do you say about me? What can I offer and share to your people and to you?”
We say now, “O Lord. Jesus, like Blessed Alvaro, we offer to you and give to your people our self, our heart, and even our blood.”
Description of the Relic
The blood relic, or ex sanguine relic, of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo is contained in a silver reliquary and accompanied by a certification of authenticity issued by Bishop Javier Echevarria (+2016), the former Prelate of Opus Dei. Bishop Echevarría was himself in Antipolo accompanying Blessed Alvaro in 1987.
Text of the Certification of Authenticity:
Javier Echevarria, by the grace of God and the Holy See, bishop and prelate of Opus Dei, testifies to all and each one that we authenticate, through this writing, that we recognize that the drop of blood of Blessed Alvaro del Portillo is applied on the cloth skillfully and respectfully placed in a silver case of round form, with fortified glass lined with red silk, well-closed and sealed with our seal.