Opus Dei members from all over the world are expected to gather in Madrid, Spain, on Sept. 27 for the beatification of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, successor of Msgr. Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei.
The beatification ceremony will be presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.
Pope Francis had approved the required miracle for beatification and issued the formal decree of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints last July 5.
“In this moment of profound joy,” said Bishop Javier Echevarría, now the head of the prelature. “I wish to thank Pope Francis for his decision to proceed with the beatification of this bishop who loved and served the Church so much. From now on, let us entrust to the soon-to-be Blessed Alvaro the intentions of the Holy Father: the apostolic renewal and service to God of all Christians, the care and support of the needy, the upcoming synod on the family, and the holiness of priests.”
Don Alvaro and Madrid
Bishop Del Portillo, whom people called “Don Alvaro,” is closely linked to the cities of Rome (where he lived most of his life) and Madrid, where he was born on March 11, 1914, and where he spent his childhood and youth with his parents and seven siblings. It was also in Madrid that he met Father Escrivá and joined Opus Dei in 1935.
While he was a 19-year-old engineering student in Madrid, the young Alvaro del Portillo took part in the activities of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, teaching catechism to children in Vallecas and other poor neighborhoods and distributing donations and food to needy families.
Later, encouraged by St. Josemaria, he continued to carry out similar activities with the young people who participated in the initial work of Opus Dei organized around the DYA Academy.
He was ordained in 1944 in Madrid and moved to Rome in 1946.
Answered prayer
Vicky Javellana-Echauz, who handles our “Circle” as Opus Dei Cooperators (once a month), suggested to me one time that I pray to Don Alvaro, if I needed money. She explained that Father Alvaro was a civil engineer and he raised money for the building of Opus Dei centers. And so it was that I prayed to him and, lo and behold, the answer came at once. Ever since then, I have been praying to him.
Those who want prayer cards can write to me c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chino Roces Ave., Makati City. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for easier mailing.