Number of articles: 4742

John Paul II: "You come to Finland to do Opus Dei"

The Pope raised his eyes and looked intently at him. "The best way to help the Church in Finland," he said, "is to do Opus Dei." Fr. Barto Menchen recalls this encounter.

From the Church and the Pope

Letter from the Prelate (December 2007)

God comes to save us. With that hope, Bishop Echevarría suggests we prepare our hearts during Advent so that Jesus will be pleased to dwell there.

Pastoral Letters and Messages

Video: Bringing God into everything

Saints in ordinary life: an attractive goal for all Christians. How can we attain it? By loving our spouse, caring for our children, working with professional excellence… “And God will help us,” says St. Josemaria (Weekly Video : 01’27”).

Pray with Saint Josemaría

Opus Dei, 25 Years as a Personal Prelature

November 28th marks the 25th anniversary of the Apostolic Constitution "Ut Sit," by which the Servant of God, Pope John Paul II, gave Opus Dei the canonical form of a Personal Prelature.

From the Prelate

Close to our Lady, to give thanks to God

To give thanks to God for Opus Dei’s 25 years as a Personal Prelature, Bishop Echevarría invites the Prelature’s faithful to strive to go even more fervently to the intercession of God’s Mother during this year.

From the Prelate

Video: Bishop Alvaro del Portillo receiving the bull "Ut sit"

In 1982, with the Apostolic Constitution, "Ut sit," John Paul II erected Opus Dei as a personal prelature. The following video records the first Prelate, Msgr. Alvaro del Portillo, receiving the bull "Ut sit" in the Basilica of Saint Eugene in Rome.

Personal prelature

How is it financed?

The prelature of Opus Dei is financed in the same way as the dioceses and other future prelatures, that is, above all by the contributions of its own faithful and of other people who provide financial assistance for its mission.

Personal prelature

Video: Making Christ known

Welcome everyone, show them affection, do not reject anyone. So advised Opus Dei’s founder for those who want to imitate Christ, because our Lord did not reject anyone (Weekly Video 1’31”).

Pray with Saint Josemaría

How is it possible that it requires a specific vocation to be a member of a prelature?

Naturally this vocational requirement is not essential to personal prelatures, which could be based on very diverse circumstances, usually linked to social bonds among its faithful.

Personal prelature

Does Opus Dei have greater autonomy now that it is a prelature. Can one speak of Opus Dei as a church within the Church?

No part of the Church constitutes "a church within the Church."

Personal prelature