Number of articles: 4849

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

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

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

How does the diocese benefit from the work of the faithful of Opus Dei?

The work and entire life of the members of Opus Dei, to the extent to which they are loyal to their vocation, constitutes a part of the spiritual and apostolic good of the diocese.

Personal prelature

How do personal prelatures resemble and how do they differ from dioceses, religious orders and movements?

One should keep in mind that all ecclesial realities share in the life and purpose of the one Church. Therefore, all are called to live in the same ecclesial communion and to foster mutual affection.

Personal prelature

What was Opus Dei before it became a prelature? How did the 1950 statutes differ from the present ones?

From its foundation on October 2, 1928, Opus Dei was already in essence, although in an embryonic state, the same as we see it today: a part of the Church, made up of faithful and structured hierarchically around a head who was at first the founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá, a priest.

Personal prelature

Do the laity belong to the prelature, or only the priests?

Both belong equally to the prelature.

Personal prelature