Opus Dei

"The identity card of the Christian is joy," the Prelate tells us, echoing Pope Francis. And he urges us to put into practice the spiritual work of mercy of "comforting the sorrowful."

From 2-6 June, Bishop Javier Echevarría was in Slovenia and Croatia for a brief pastoral visit. He met with faithful of the Prelature and friends and encouraged them in their apostolic efforts.

"Saint Josemaría always taught us that one of the 'dominant passions' that has to guide our conduct is that of spreading Christ’s teachings," the Prelate reminds us in his letter this month.

"The Marian month par excellence has just begun, when we try to put devotion to our Lady at the center of each day."

"Forgiving offenses is, in a certain sense, the most divine thing we can do," the Prelate tells us, stressing the mercy God has shown in redeeming us.

Bishop Javier Echevarría, Prelate of Opus Dei, encourages university students from all over the world attending the 2016 UNIV Congress in Rome during Holy Week to strive to stay close to Christ each day and to share their faith with those around them, and to pray especially for the Pope.

The Prelate speaks about some of the spiritual works of mercy, especially spreading peace to others, and points to the example of Blessed Alvaro.

The Prelate urges us to make these words of Saint Josemaría a reality in our life during Lent: “each day is not just one conversion: it is many conversions."

In his first monthly letter for 2016, the Prelate writes about our Lady's role in the upcoming Year of Mercy.

Bishop Javier Echevarria this month focuses on the meaning of Advent, "joyful and impatient weeks of preparation for Christmas."