In 1974, St. Josemaría decided to embark on a journey to Latin America to spend time with his sons and daughters. It was an impactful journey, both for him and for the spread of Opus Dei's message around the world.
Fifty years later, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, Saint Josemaría's third successor as head of Opus Dei, will travel to some of the same countries with the same objective: spending time with the faithful of Opus Dei and many others who continue to live out the charism spread by its Founder.
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Chile: 24-30 July
"Your dreams will come true: dream and your dreams will fall short" (Saint Josemaría in Chile)
Monsignor Ocáriz will begin his journey by visiting Chile. On 28 June 1974, Saint Josemaría arrived in the Andean country after having visited Argentina and before going to Brazil. In one of his get togethers with Chilean families, he encouraged them to "spread the divine madness to others."
Peru: 30 July - 8 August
"This is the empire of the sun, but it must be the empire of the divine sun" (Saint Josemaría in Peru)
The next stop is Peru: the Father will land in Lima and spend several days in different parts of the country, close to the inhabitants of the "Empire of the Divine Sun," as Saint Josemaría called this land during his visit on 9 July 1974.
Colombia and Ecuador: 8-19 August
"YOU HAVE THE BOWELS OF THESE IMMENSE MOUNTAINS FULL OF RICHES... AND THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE TOO" (Saint Josemaría in Ecuador)
The journey will continue through Colombia and Ecuador. Saint Josemaría arrived in Ecuador on 1 August 1974, and was scheduled to continue his journey with some time in Colombia. Due to his health, he was only able to spend a few minutes in Bogotá, at El Dorado Airport.
Venezuela: 19-28 August
In Venezuela Saint Josemaría encouraged everyone to "love one another in order to foster peace"
Finally, Monsignor Ocáriz will spend ten days in Venezuela, the last stop on the journey the founder made 50 years ago. He returned again in 1975 to visit his children in Guatemala.