Opus Dei

During the BeDoCare conferences held in Kenya this October, Fr. Javier del Castillo, Vicar General of Opus Dei, gave a talk in which he invited participants to reflect on the “culture of gift,” rooted in people’s daily “yes,” their generosity, and their spirit of service, across three key areas: family, professional work, and care and social charity.

The third edition of Be Do Care, at Strathmore University (Nairobi, Kenya) brought together leaders from across the continent to explore how education, work, and solidarity can transform Africa, inspired by the Christian vision of the human person.

From 1 to 3 October, Strathmore University in Nairobi (Kenya) will gather changemakers from around the world for inspiring conversations on purposeful living, bold action, and radical compassion. We spoke with Martha Ogonjo, a member of the BeDoCare 2025 Organizing Committee, about the event.

Shiró is happiest spending time with people: “I need people, and feeling that they need me makes me want to give the best of myself. No man is an island... We need each other.” This openness led her to start her studies in healthcare, and later move to hospitality and catering in her country, Kenya. She also started a social initiative to help street children. All these experiences confirmed her vocation to Opus Dei as an assistant numerary.

It all started with a telephone call from Mike, a friend and fellow member of our Small Christian Community (SCC) on Thursday 30th May 2024 just before midday. An SCC is a small group of Catholics from the same parish who pray and discuss Bible passages together. Mike and I rarely talk on the phone, and I rarely take personal calls while in the middle of my daily work activities, I normally send an auto reply to call back, but I didn’t want to miss this one.

I was very young when I arrived in Kenya. I was grateful that from the beginning, I did not feel alone. Immediately I realized that I was another link in a chain and would be picking the baton from many brave women who worked from the first moment to bring the message of Opus Dei to Africa.

We spent the last two weeks of our holidays helping needy students in the north of Mombasa.

Everything started with a small program of solidarity in the school and now we are helping a big number of people in Togo and Kenya.

Strathmore University's Community Outreach Program (COP), under the Community Service Centre, this year hits its 20 year mark. A big year, worthy of celebration!

Chidinma describes how she found happiness through a friend and a three week internship at Wavecrest Students Hall, Surulere, Lagos.