The 25 articles of "In the Footprints of Our Faith" offer religious, historical, and archaeological considerations about important sites in the Holy Land: Nazareth, Ein Karem, Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Cana, Capernaum, the Lake of Gennesaret, Bethany, Emmaus... They have been written in hopes of helping each reader personally take part in the Gospel, as Saint Josemaria advised, so that the Word of God may have a deep and lasting effect on the reader's life. This is a non-commercial book. The price covers just printing costs. The ebook can be freely downloaded at the website of Saxum International Foundation (http://www.saxum.org/). This title is £30 for the UK, US and Asia // This title is £38 for Australia.

To purchase the book at cpibookdelivery (except for Australia) click here.

In Australia, click here.

Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, auxiliary vicar of the Prelature of Opus Dei, has convoked an elective Congress that will start on January 23rd to elect the next Prelate. Bishop Javier Echevarría, the previous Prelate, died on December 12th in the “Campus Bio-Medico” hospital in Rome from respiratory insufficiency.

The elective process involves both women and men and concludes with the confirmation of the election by the Pope. The Opus Dei website will offer updated information about the various phases of the Congress.

Only a priest can be elected as the Prelate. He must be at least forty years old and a member of the Congress of electors, and incorporated in the Prelature for at least ten years and a priest for five years.

The statutes of the Prelature describe the various human, spiritual and juridical qualities the Prelate must possess to ensure that this responsibility is carried out suitably. In summary, he has to stand out for the way he lives the virtues of charity and prudence, for his life of piety, love for the Church and her Magisterium, and fidelity to the spirit of Opus Dei. He also needs to possess a deep culture, both in ecclesiastical and civil studies, and the requisite gifts for pastoral government. These qualities are similar to those required by canon law for candidates to be bishops.

The faithful of Opus Dei who take part in the elective Congress (currently about 150) are priests and lay people at least thirty-two years old, who have been in the Prelature for at least nine years. They have been appointed from among the faithful of the Prelature in the various countries where Opus Dei is carrying out its pastoral work.

The elective process begins with a plenary meeting of the women’s Council of the Prelature, called the Central Advisory, which will take place starting January 21. At present, this Council is made up of women from twenty different countries. Each of them submits a list with the name or names of the priests seen as best suited for the position of Prelate. The members of the Congress, keeping these suggestions in mind, then proceed to the voting process. Once the election has been concluded and the person chosen has accepted, he, in person or through someone else, asks the Holy Father for confirmation, as the Pope is the one who appoints the Prelate of Opus Dei.

SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

Vatican Basilica
Saturday, 24 December 2016

“The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all” (Tit 2:11). The words of the Apostle Paul reveal the mystery of this holy night: the grace of God has appeared, his free gift. In the Child given to us, the love of God is made visible.

It is a night of glory, that glory proclaimed by the angels in Bethlehem and by ourselves as well, all over the world. It is a night of joy, because henceforth and for ever, the infinite and eternal God is God with us. He is not far off. We need not search for him in the heavens or in mystical notions. He is close at hand. He became man and he will never withdraw from our humanity, which he has made his own. It is a night of light. The light prophesied by Isaiah (cf. 9:1), which was to shine on those who walked in a land of darkness, has appeared and enveloped the shepherds of Bethlehem (cf. Lk 2:9).

The shepherds discover simply that “a child has been born to us” (Is 9:5). They realize that all this glory, all this joy, all this light, converges to a single point, the sign that the angel indicated to them: “You will find a child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger” (Lk 2:12). This is the enduring sign for all who would find Jesus. Not just then, but also today. If we want to celebrate Christmas authentically, we need to contemplate this sign: the frail simplicity of a tiny newborn child, the meekness with which he is placed in a manger, the tender affection with which he is wrapped in his swaddling clothes. That is where God is.

With this sign, the Gospel reveals a paradox. It speaks of the emperor, the governor, the high and mighty of those times, yet God does not make himself present there. He appears not in the splendour of a royal palace, but in the poverty of a stable; not in pomp and show, but in simplicity of life; not in power, but in astonishing smallness. In order to meet him, we need to go where he is. We need to bow down, to humble ourselves, to make ourselves small. The newborn Child challenges us. He calls us to leave behind fleeting illusions and to turn to what is essential, to renounce our insatiable cravings, to abandon our endless yearning for things we will never have. We do well to leave such things behind, in order to discover, in the simplicity of the divine Child, peace, joy and the luminous meaning of life.

Let us allow the Child in the manger to challenge us, but let us also be challenged by all those children in today’s world who are lying not in a crib, caressed with affection by their mothers and fathers, but in squalid “mangers that devour dignity”. Children who hide underground to escape bombardment, on the pavements of large cities, in the hold of a boat overladen with immigrants… Let us allow ourselves to be challenged by those children who are not allowed to be born, by those who cry because no one relieves their hunger, by those who hold in their hands not toys, but weapons.

The mystery of Christmas, which is light and joy, challenges and unsettles us, because it is at once a mystery of hope and of sadness. It has a taste of sadness, inasmuch as love is not accepted, and life discarded. Such was the case with Joseph and Mary, who met with closed doors, and placed Jesus in a manger, “because there was no place for them in the inn” (v. 7). Jesus was born rejected by some and regarded by many others with indifference. Today too, that same indifference can exist, whenever Christmas becomes a holiday with ourselves at the centre rather than Jesus; when the lights of shop windows push the light of God into the shadows; when we are enthused about gifts but indifferent to our neighbours in need. This worldliness has kidnapped Christmas; we need to liberate it!

Yet Christmas has above all a taste of hope because, for all the darkness in our lives, God’s light shines forth. His gentle light does not frighten us. God, who is in love with us, draws us to himself with his tenderness, by being born poor and frail in our midst, as one of us. He is born in Bethlehem, which means “house of bread.” In this way, he seems to tell us that he is born as bread for us; he enters our life to give us his life; he comes into our world to give us his love. He does not come to devour or to lord it over us, but instead to feed and serve us. There is a straight line between the manger and the cross where Jesus will become bread that is broken. It is the straight line of love that gives and saves, the love that brings light to our lives and peace to our hearts.

That night, the shepherds understood this. They were among the marginalized of those times. Yet no one is marginalized in the sight of God, and that Christmas, they themselves were the guests. People who felt sure of themselves, self-sufficient, were at home with their possessions. It was the shepherds who “set out with haste” (cf. Lk 2:16). Tonight, may we too be challenged and called by Jesus. Let us approach him with trust, starting from all those things that make us feel marginalized, from our limitations and our sins. Let us be touched by the tenderness that saves. Let us draw close to God who draws close to us. Let us pause to gaze upon the crib, and relive in our imagination the birth of Jesus: light and peace, dire poverty and rejection. With the shepherds, let us enter into the real Christmas, bringing to Jesus all that we are, our alienation, our unhealed wounds, our sins. Then, in Jesus, we will enjoy the taste of the true spirit of Christmas: the beauty of being loved by God. With Mary and Joseph, let us pause before the manger, before Jesus who is born as bread for my life. Contemplating his humble and infinite love, let us simply tell him: Thank you. Thank you because you have done all this for me.

On December 22, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, auxiliary vicar of Opus Dei, publically convoked the Congress that will elect Bishop Javier Echevarría’s successor as head of the Prelature. On January 21, a plenary session of the Council for women in the Prelature will be held in Rome, which will present to the Congress a list of suggestions for candidates. The voting of the elective Congress will begin on January 23.

by Rodrigo Ayude

How are the people in the Prelature of Opus Dei living this period of preparation for the election of the new Prelate. As auxiliary vicar, what are your sentiments during these days?

I think that all of us, both men and women, in the Prelature are trying to foster during this period a spirit of prayer, going especially to the Holy Spirit. In fact, the elective Congress will begin with the votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, to ask for guidance in all our steps. Faith gives us the certainty that our Lord is leading his Church, and therefore also this portion of his people.

Moreover, this time of Christmas will help us prepare our heart for the elective Congress, by directing our eyes to what is essential: to Jesus, the Child-God, the face of the Father’s Mercy. In contemplating the mystery at Bethlehem, we will also find our Lady, Mother of the Church, and we will have recourse to her intercession.

We are living these days closely united to the Holy Father Francis and the whole Church, of which Opus Dei is a small part. Naturally, we also have a great sense of gratitude for the pastoral guidance and good example Bishop Javier Echevarría left us.

Following Saint Josemaría’s footsteps and the witness of his first two successors, we are pondering in our heart on the inheritance we have received, which we need to pass on as light and consolation for today’s world, just as Christ’s disciples have tried to do over the centuries. I am certain that we will unite ourselves wholeheartedly to the Prelate who is elected, to help him guide the Prelature in current-day society.

In the two previous elections, the “number 2” in Opus Dei was chosen as Prelate. In 1975, Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, who for many years had been the Founder’s main assistant. Then, with Bishop Del Portillo’s death, the vicar general, Bishop Javier Echevarría, was elected. Do you think this trend might repeat itself in future elections?

It’s true that this was the case in the previous elections. I think this was due to the special situation of the first two successors, who were formed directly by Saint Josemaría. The electors voted in conscience for these persons. It wasn’t an automatic process. It seemed best to them to elect those who had worked most closely with the Founder.

Now circumstances have changed somewhat. The new Prelate won’t be someone who worked so directly with the Founder as Blessed Alvaro del Portillo and Bishop Javier Echevarría did, although they may have known and interacted with him.

In my opinion, the elective Congress has before it many worthy candidates, who have the virtues and prudence needed to take on this responsibility. The electors have the responsibility to vote, in conscience, for the person they consider best suited. The name of the person chosen will be sent right away to Pope Francis, since the confirmation of the Roman Pontiff is required.

When an election takes place, public opinion tends to view things in political terms, speaking often about “currents,” “trends” etc. What is your reaction when things are focused in this way?

These interpretations are far removed from how those who experience this election as a spiritual and ecclesial reality view it. Those who have the responsibility for an election like this place their trust in the “current” of the Holy Spirit, as Pope Francis encouraged us to do a few days ago, when speaking about the immediate future of Opus Dei.

It’s true, as you said, that sometimes partial interpretations are made, from an overly human or political point of view. In placing the accent on these features, variety comes to be viewed as a problem. In my opinion, pluralism and variety are a great treasure. The electors of Opus Dei, like the other faithful in the Prelature, come from countries all over the world, and have quite different ways of being and cultural trends, with tastes and styles typical of their homeland and family. This diversity, so strongly fostered by Saint Josemaría, is compatible with what is essential: fidelity to the charism received by the Founder and recognized by the Church. Being faithful to this spiritual inheritance (with some clear features such as the sense of divine filiation, the search for sanctity in the ordinary circumstances of each day, a lay mentality and priestly soul, etc.) assures an underlying unity among everyone

The two previous Prelates worked directly with the Founder. Does the election of the third Prelate open up a new epoch in Opus Dei?

There come to mind some words that Bishop Echevarría often told us: “Opus Dei is in your hands, in the hands of each person in the Work.” This is a reality that now takes on new force. The current circumstances are a call to responsibility, since each of us has to strive more diligently to incarnate the legacy of Saint Josemaría in the world as it is now, for people today.

Certainly, whoever is elected Prelate will be able to rely on the prayer of the faithful of Opus Dei and of so many other people. He will also have the support of the team he assembles, and work alongside others: collegiality is another key feature of Saint Josemaría’s legacy.

What do you see as the main challenges that the new Prelate of Opus Dei will face?

The principal challenge is helping each person in Opus Dei to learn to build up the Church in their own place of work and professional environment, in the world of culture and the family. By their Christian witness, the Prelature’s faithful can help people today to find Christ in “the middle of the street,” in a society that each day is becoming more varied. Thus the need exists to carry out a catechesis that is up to date in the world of the professions, right where people today find themselves.

Another challenge is giving joy and hope to today’s world. Not to an ideal world but to this complex world of ours, riven with wounds and so in need of charity. In other words, sanctifying ordinary life today, bringing Christ to all the existential peripheries, as Pope Francis reminds us.

With God’s grace, it will be possible to teach people to strive to live with their heart placed in Christ and their feet on the ground, aware of their own limitations. The joy of living the Christian message, embodied in their own life, will be spread among those alongside them: from mechanic to mechanic, from nurse to nurse, from businessman to businessman, from journalist to journalist…

There will also be the need to strengthen the personal initiative of thousands of people who, spurred by love for Christ and other men and women, will be able to begin initiatives that respond to the great challenges of our day and age: fostering professional honor and ethics, the struggle against poverty, help for refugees, the fight against unemployment, strengthening the family, etc. In summary, hopefully we can contribute to building up the Church as the “world reconciled with God,” as Saint Augustine said.

HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS

Vatican Basilica
Sunday, 1st January 2017

“Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart! (Lk 2:19). In these words, Luke describes the attitude with which Mary took in all that they had experienced in those days. Far from trying to understand or master the situation, Mary is the woman who can treasure, that is to say, protect and guard in her heart, the passage of God in the life of his people. Deep within, she had learned to listen to the heartbeat of her Son, and that in turn taught her, throughout her life, to discover God’s heartbeat in history. She learned how to be a mother, and in that learning process she gave Jesus the beautiful experience of knowing what it is to be a Son. In Mary, the eternal Word not only became flesh, but also learned to recognize the maternal tenderness of God. With Mary, the God-Child learned to listen to the yearnings, the troubles, the joys and the hopes of the people of the promise. With Mary, he discovered himself a Son of God’s faithful people.

In the Gospels, Mary appears as a woman of few words, with no great speeches or deeds, but with an attentive gaze capable of guarding the life and mission of her Son, and for this reason, of everything that he loves. She was able to watch over the beginnings of the first Christian community, and in this way she learned to be the mother of a multitude. She drew near to the most diverse situations in order to sow hope. She accompanied the crosses borne in the silence of her children’s hearts. How many devotions, shrines and chapels in the most far-off places, how many pictures in our homes, remind us of this great truth. Mary gave us a mother’s warmth, the warmth that shelters us amid troubles, the maternal warmth that keeps anything or anyone from extinguishing in the heart of the Church the revolution of tenderness inaugurated by her Son. Where there is a mother, there is tenderness. By her motherhood, Mary shows us that humility and tenderness are not virtues of the weak but of the strong. She teaches us that we do not have to mistreat others in order to feel important (cf. Evangelii Gaudium, 288). God’s holy people has always acknowledged and hailed her as the Holy Mother of God.

To celebrate Mary as Mother of God and our mother at the beginning of the new year means recalling a certainty that will accompany our days: we are a people with a Mother; we are not orphans.

Mothers are the strongest antidote to our individualistic and egotistic tendencies, to our lack of openness and our indifference. A society without mothers would not only be a cold society, but a society that has lost its heart, lost the “feel of home.” A society without mothers would be a merciless society, one that has room only for calculation and speculation. Because mothers, even at the worst times, are capable of testifying to tenderness, unconditional self-sacrifice and the strength of hope. I have learned much from those mothers whose children are in prison, or lying in hospital beds, or in bondage to drugs, yet, come cold or heat, rain or draught, never stop fighting for what is best for them. Or those mothers who in refugee camps, or even the midst of war, unfailingly embrace and support their children’s sufferings. Mothers who literally give their lives so that none of their children will perish. Where there is a mother, there is unity, there is belonging, belonging as children.

To begin the year by recalling God’s goodness in the maternal face of Mary, in the maternal face of the Church, in the faces of our own mothers, protects us from the corrosive disease of being “spiritual orphans.” It is the sense of being orphaned that the soul experiences when it feels motherless and lacking the tenderness of God, when the sense of belonging to a family, a people, a land, to our God, grows dim. This sense of being orphaned lodges in a narcissistic heart capable of looking only to itself and its own interests. It grows when what we forget that life is a gift we have received – and owe to others – a gift we are called to share in this common home.

It was such a self-centred orphanhood that led Cain to ask: “Am I my brother's keeper?” (Gen 4:9). It was as if to say: he doesn’t belong to me; I do not recognize him. This attitude of spiritual orphanhood is a cancer that silently eats away at and debases the soul. We become all the more debased, inasmuch as nobody belongs to us and we belong to no one. I debase the earth because it does not belong to me; I debase others because they do not belong to me; I debase God because I do not belong to him, and in the end we debase our very selves, since we forget who we are and the divine “family name” we bear. The loss of the ties that bind us, so typical of our fragmented and divided culture, increases this sense of orphanhood and, as a result, of great emptiness and loneliness. The lack of physical (and not virtual) contact is cauterizing our hearts (cf. Laudato Si’, 49) and making us lose the capacity for tenderness and wonder, for pity and compassion. Spiritual orphanhood makes us forget what it means to be children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, friends and believers. It makes us forget the importance of playing, of singing, of a smile, of rest, of gratitude.

Celebrating the feast of the Holy Mother of God makes us smile once more as we realize that we are a people, that we belong, that only within a community, within a family, can we as persons find the “climate,” the “warmth” that enables us to grow in humanity, and not merely as objects meant to “consume and be consumed.” To celebrate the feast of the Holy Mother of God reminds us that we are not interchangeable items of merchandise or information processors. We are children, we are family, we are God’s People.

Celebrating the Holy Mother of God leads us to create and care for common places that can give us a sense of belonging, of being rooted, of feeling at home in our cities, in communities that unite and support us (cf. Laudato Si’, 151).

Jesus, at the moment of his ultimate self-sacrifice, on the cross, sought to keep nothing for himself, and in handing over his life, he also handed over to us his Mother. He told Mary: Here is your son; here are your children. We too want to receive her into our homes, our families, our communities and nations. We want to meet her maternal gaze. The gaze that frees us from being orphans; the gaze that reminds us that we are brothers and sisters, that I belong to you, that you belong to me, that we are of the same flesh. The gaze that teaches us that we have to learn how to care for life in the same way and with the same tenderness that she did: by sowing hope, by sowing a sense of belonging and of fraternity.

Celebrating the Holy Mother of God reminds us that we have a Mother. We are not orphans. We have a Mother. Together let us all confess this truth. I invite you to acclaim it three times, standing [all stand], like the faithful of Ephesus: Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God, Holy Mother of God.

© Copyright - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

"Just Start. Ways to help people" is the title of an eleven-video series whose aim is to highlight the importance of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy by presenting the testimonies of more than 100 people from 12 different countries. The series, produced for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, seeks to help make Pope Francis' desire a reality: that we Christians may contemplate God’s mercy and adopt it as our lifestyle.

These eleven videos, with quotes from Sacred Scripture, Pope Francis and Saint Josemaria, can now be accessed on a single page here.

The material in the “Just Start” series is suitable for use in schools, parishes, and catechism classes.

Since December 12^th, thousands of messages of condolence have been received via this website and at the central offices of Opus Dei, for the death of Bishop Javier Echevarría. Below, in alphabetical order, is a small selection of these expressions of gratitude, prayer, and closeness. We also include a video summary of the Mass celebrated for the repose of his soul on December 15^th in Rome.

Card. Angelo Amato (prefect) and the entire Congregation for the Causes of Saints

Upon hearing the news and recalling his generous episcopal service and cooperation with this dicastery as a consultant and member, on behalf of the officials of the congregation, we invoke the Lord Jesus to welcome his faithful servant into the peace of his celestial kingdom, in communion with the saints and blessed.

Bishop Philip Anyolo, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Kenya

As bishops, we have known Bishop Echevarría as a great Shepherd and a loyal Servant of the Church. We cherish his faith, fidelity, commitment and his great contribution to the holiness of the Church in the entire world.

Kiko Argüello, initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way

The Prelate will join Carmen, co-initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way, in heaven, and from there he will intercede for the Work throughout the world, so that it may be faithful to the charism received from God for the benefit of the whole Church and for his greater glory.

Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations

I pray that the great and contagious hunger for holiness that characterized his whole life, through the sanctification of the daily work that constituted his continuous liturgy of the hours, would now be satiated in the presence of God whose good servant he was, of Mary, the Woman he loved more than any other, of Saint Josemaría, Blessed Alvaro and the many men and women, young and old, who have been helped to live out the universal call to holiness through the charism given to Saint Josemaría, his successors and his spiritual sons and daughters.

Archbishop Miguel Angel Ayuso, secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue

To your Holy Dwelling Place! With heartfelt thanks to God for the gift of the Prelate to the universal Church.

Card. Lorenzo Baldiserri, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops

Together with the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, we express our condolences for the death of the Prelate, assuring our prayers for his soul and for the consolation of the members of the personal Prelature. We remember his active participation in the synod assemblies.

Bishop Virgil Bercea, Bishop of Oradea (Romania)

Bishop Echevarría greatly assisted our Church, helping us in the formation of our seminarians, now priests, and was always happy to meet and talk with us.

Uxue Barkos, President of Navarra (Spain)

I would like to express my deep regret at the death of the bishop prelate of Opus Dei, who has been so linked to this community with his visits as chancellor of the University of Navarra. May he rest in peace.

Card. Giuseppe Bertello, President of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City

I accompany you with friendship and prayer in suffrage for the venerable Prelate. I will always remember, with gratitude, his example of dedication to the Lord and of love and fidelity to the Church.

Card. Ricardo Blázquez, president of the Spanish Episcopal Conference

I express my condolences and those of the bishops who are members of the Spanish Episcopal Conference, which I extend to all the members of the Prelature. We offer the Lord our prayers for the eternal rest of His Eminence Bishop Echevarría. God will reward his great efforts and labors for the Church.

Don Julián Carrón, president of Communion and Liberation (in the Osservatore Romano)

Don Julián Carrón and all of Communion and Liberation share the pain of the great family of Opus Dei for the passage to heaven of the beloved Bishop Javier Echevarría. Grateful for his witness of a life united to Christ, fully identified with Him and spent in carrying out the work of God in the world, we ask Saint Josemaria and Don Giussani to intercede before our Lady of Guadalupe so that his life may reach its fulfillment in the embrace of Mercy, and so he may continue to accompany those for whom he was their father in the faith, called to be like him bearers of mercy following the path marked out by Pope Francis, whom Bishop Echevarría loved so much.

Card. Edward Cassidy, president emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity

I have known the Prelate for many years and treasure that friendship. May he now rest in peace with the Lord he loved and served so well.

Antonio Coscullela, mayor of Barbastro (Spain)

My condolences go hand in hand with recognition and gratitude for the affection that Don Javier always expressed to this city and its people, on the many occasions he visited us.

Hebrew Community of Rome

The Hebrew Community of Rome joins in expressing condolences for the death of Bishop Javier Echevarría. Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni and Community President Ruth Dureghello send their deepest condolences to Opus Dei for this sad loss.

Latin American Jewish Congress

May his work be remembered by doing good. Blessed be his memory.

Monsignor Guerino De Tora, auxiliary bishop of Rome

I thank the Lord for the example of the Father, and express all my pain and my condolences.

Georges El Khoury, Lebanon's ambassador to the Holy See

His name will be engraved in the memory of the Church and of posterity as a great architect of peace and good works in favor of the family, the marginalized and the disadvantaged.

Zion Evrony, former Israeli ambassador to the Holy See

He was a man with a good heart and much wisdom. He always welcomed us with warmth and friendship at the center of Opus Dei, and we were happy to welcome him to our home.

Philip VI, King of Spain

On receiving, with great sadness, the news of the death of Bishop Javier Echevarría, I send my most sincere condolences, which I wish to extend to his relatives and members of the Prelature. In these difficult moments, together with the Queen, we raise up our prayers for the eternal rest of his soul.

Jesús Fonseca, journalist

He was one of those people capable of “sneaking” into the lives of others to stay in the recesses of their heart. He showed me his friendship more than anything. With the kinds of details that only true friends have and that one never forgets. Like that Mass he wanted to celebrate on his own initiative, after the death of my beloved Esther, and whose long and heartfelt homily was dedicated to her, with words that carried weight, depth and comfort that will accompany me for the rest of my life. Only he and I, in that Roman crypt where his remains now rest, next to two friends. Nobody else.

Sister María Soledad García, Superior General of the Servants of Jesus Institute

I thank God for the saints who have led the prelature of Opus Dei. I have had the joy and honor to converse with Don Javier for years. I will always remember his accompaniment and the words with which he encouraged me to lead my Servant Sisters of Jesus to God.

M. Azucena García Sánchez, religious of the Order of the Discalced Carmelites

I am sure that he will continue being close to us and intercede for all before God, and watch over, together with Saint Josemaría and Don Alvaro, all his sons and daughters in the Work, while fostering its evangelizing expansion as a leaven for a better world.

Reverend M. Marta Garro Pérez, Superior General of the Religious Institute of the Daughters of Divine Providence

He has preceded us and we know that our prayers will be a “return trip ticket,” for Bishop Javier Echevarría will intercede in heaven for all those who personally or through the members of Opus Dei have known him and been nourished by your teachings.

Paloma Gómez Borrero, journalist

With great sadness I received news of the death of our beloved Don Javier, although, as when John Paul II left us, I am sure Bishop Echevarría “has gone to the Father’s House.” I had a sincere and filial affection for the Prelate, and I can only say to the great Opus Dei family that I share their pain, even though we know we now have him in heaven.

Emilia Guarnieri, President of the Rimini Meeting Foundation

We remember with sincere thanks our encounters with Bishop Echevarría, including his participation in the Rimini Meeting in 2014. We join in the pain and prayer of those who have had him as a father and guide. We are grateful to have been able to know and listen to him; we have been edified and encouraged by his strong missionary zeal and his fatherly and welcoming cordiality.

Sister Ana María Kalathil, prioress of the Monastery of Santa Isabel, Madrid

We wish to convey to all the members of the prelature our sentiments of pain and sorrow. May the Virgin Mary accompany him to the Kingdom reserved for those who have been faithful to the mission entrusted to them by God.

Sr. Vega María López, O.A.R., prioress of the Monastery of Saint Mary Magdalene (Spain)

Bishop Javier Echevarría is already in the place he longed for, for himself and all his children. He trusted in the prayers of the nuns and, as one would do for one’s father, we pray more intensely that he may enjoy the glory already possessed by Saint Josemaría and Blessed Alvaro.

Mother Julia of the Mother of God, I.C.D., Prioress of the Convent of Saint Joseph of Avila (Discalced Carmelites)

We pray for all the members of the Work so that this blow – still hard to accept although he has left behind the peace of his holy life – may be a spur for fidelity, for inner renewal, for greater union with God. We treasure the pleasant memory of his visit.

Archbishop Juan Jose Omella, Archbishop of Barcelona

I unite myself to the pain of the whole family of Opus Dei for the loss of Bishop Javier Echevarría. I pray for his eternal rest. May the Lord grant him the prize reserved for good shepherds in his Church.

Card. Sean Patrick O’Malley, O.F.M., Archbishop of Boston

We have a very important presence of Opus Dei in the Archdiocese of Boston, where they do such important work, particularly with university students, as well as at Montrose School and their retreat house in Pembroke, Arnold Hall. So, I wanted to be there to express my condolences and to assure them of my prayers during this time of transition.

Card. Carlos Osoro, Archbishop of Madrid

I thank God for these years of work and service to the Church that Bishop Echevarría has offered through the Work, as well as for his friendship and closeness, which he showed me in visits he made to the dioceses where I have been, and in various encounters with him. In the name of the archdiocese of Madrid, to all those who are part of Opus Dei, I offer my prayer for the eternal rest of the Prelate. And with all of you, we give thanks for what Don Javier, with his intense, serene, discrete and firm work, has offered to the Church.

Card. Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregation of Bishops

In the name of the whole Congregation, I wish to express my sentiments of condolence, assuring prayers of suffrage for this beloved bishop as we remember with gratitude his faithful service to the Church.

Mons. Paolo Pezzi, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of the Mother of God (Moscow)

This news filled my heart with the assurance that he has faithfully completed a life lived for God and in service to his Church.

Virginia Raggi, mayor of Rome

We join in the pain caused by the death of Bishop Javier Echevarría, so as to remember his example of priestly life and to learn from his loving service to the Church.

Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant'Egidio

Bishop Echevarría led the Work following the “furrow” left by its founder; he sought new languages to reach the disoriented people of our time, and set forth anew for everyone a path to holiness in the life of the laity.

Fr. Eduardo Robles Gil, L.C., General Director of the Legionaries of Christ

We trust that Divine Mercy has allowed Bishop Echevarría to experience what Saint Josemaría said: “Death is a door that opens to Love, to Love with a capital letter, to happiness, to rest, to joy.” We thank the Lord for so many blessings He has given to the Church through the ministry and service of this good father to the faithful of the Prelature.

Card. José Francisco Robles Ortega, president of the Mexican Episcopal Conference

We want to express our closeness with the passing to eternal life of Bishop Javier Echevarría. We are sure that the evangelical service of this Work will continue growing and its participation in the Church, in benefit of the world, will be ever greater.

Card. Franc Rodé, prefect emeritus of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life

He made the decision to open a new front for the apostolate and presence of Opus Dei in Slovenia, which is already proving a blessing for our Church and the promise of a future rich in spiritual fruits for our people.

Sergio Rodríguez López-Ros, director of the Cervantes Institute in Rome

I keep in my memory his warm character, his intellectual keenness and his evangelizing zeal. I remember my last meeting with him for the recent consistory of Cardinals, where I was able to witness his pastoral charity with the staff who served us dinner that night, taking an interest in their work and their families.

Card. Camillo Ruini

I take part with all my heart in the condolences for the death of the Prelate, Bishop Javier Echevarría, and I join you in praying for him and for the whole prelature.

Card. Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches

I entrust him to the Risen Lord with a special remembrance in the celebration of the Divine Sacrifice, and I raise up a prayer of intercession to Our Lady of Guadalupe, to Saint Josemaria and to Blessed Alvaro del Portillo.

Alfonso Sánchez Tabernero, rector of the University of Navarra

With immense affection from the whole University of Navarra to our beloved Grand Chancellor, who from now on will be helping us from heaven.

José San José Prisco, rector of the Pontifical Spanish College of Rome

You can count on our prayers so that God will reward so much service and dedication to the mission of the Church from the Prelature.

Abbess of the Convent of Saint Claire (Poor Clares) of Borja

We were notified of his death: Easter with the Risen One! For you it will be very hard without his presence, kindness and strength, but from the bosom of God he will help you together with Saint Josemaria and Blessed Alvaro del Portillo. We are praying.

Daughters of Holy Mary of the Heart of Jesus

Together with our Mother Foundress, Mother Mary of Jesus, we thank him for his dedication, affection and prayer. We entrust ourselves to his intercession.

Card. Angelo Scola, Archbishop of Milan

Following the footsteps of Saint Josemaría and Blessed Alvaro, he has guided the Work with clear direction, with an intelligent grasp of the signs of the times and with creative prudence. I thank the Lord for the relationship we have had all these years, and through his person, with the whole Work.

Sister Teodora, O.C.D., Monastery of San José (Discalced Carmelites), Bari (Italy)

The Holy Child wanted to welcome to heaven the unforgettable Father Echevarria, to give a deserved reward to this faithful and brave servant. He now contemplates what he gave witness to in his life, with his example and faith.

Bishop Fausto Trávez, OFM, Archbishop of Quito and President of the Ecuadorian Episcopal Conference

The bishops of Ecuador wish to express our deep regret for such an irreparable loss. We include in our prayers the family of Opus Dei in Ecuador, and especially the auxiliary vicar, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, and the vicar general, Monsignor Mariano Fazio. Bishop Javier Echevarría is sure to enjoy eternal rest with Saint Josemaria and Don Alvaro del Portillo.

Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa Medieta, O.S.A., president of the Episcopal Conference of Panama

The Catholic Church in Panama wants to express its solidarity in these moments of pain to all the members of the prelature, and to encourage them with the hope of our faith that death is a necessary step for enjoying Eternal Glory.

Bishop Rosario Vella, S.D.B., Ambanja (Madagascar)

I had the joy and grace to meet him personally at the Synod for the New Evangelization and at a meeting in Rome: a man of God in his gestures, in his words, in his life. His gaze saw right into your heart, purified you, and loved you very much.

Archbishop Joan-Enric Vives Sicilia, Archbishop of Urgell and co-Prince of Andorra

It was always a joy to talk with him and enjoy his capacity for discernment in confronting problems, and the sharpness of his observations.

Maria Voce, President of the Focolare Movement

He has returned to the House of the Father, along with his predecessors Saint Josemaría Escrivá and Blessed Alvaro del Portillo. He leaves behind an edifying example of self-giving to God and to his brothers and sisters.

Can you recall the first time you saw Bishop Javier Echevarria?

The first time that I saw the Prelate of Opus Dei, I was not a Catholic, and I saw him on a stage in an open-air gathering in Santiago de Chile in 1997. And he was talking to a crowd of people – families, mums, dads, kids were all running around – and he was talking to them about daily life, giving them solutions, giving them ideas: things they could put into practice to help unite their faith with how they live in daily life. And he connected with them, something that really struck me as somebody who was not a Catholic, somebody who didn’t really understand all the words because I didn’t understand Spanish so well at that time, but I saw that there was a connection, and that he really reached out to them. You could see as he talked that he was somebody that was in constant conversation with God – you felt like he was talking to God, and encouraged you to do the same. And that for me as somebody who was new to this whole world of the Catholic faith, who had had no contact before, was very attractive. It was something that I felt...I want that!

What was the Prelate like as a person?

I think you could say so many things, but he was definitely somebody who loved people and who wanted to be with them. He had an extraordinary memory for people’s birthdays, maybe people’s concerns – for example, if somebody had a loved one who was sick. Once he called me, and he said, “Have you called Antonietta?” Antonietta is the mom of a priest, Fr. Robin, who lives here in Rome. When he said, “Have you called Antonietta?” I said, “Why, Father?” He replied, “Because today’s her 90th birthday.” I said, “Father, I hadn’t remembered.” He said, “Call her on my behalf. Call her and tell her that I’m praying for her.” That’s what he was like. Remembering those little things, wanting to reach out to people as much as he could. Somebody once asked him, “Father, how do you remember?” And he said, “If you pray, you remember.”

Can you describe his way of governing?

The way of governing of the Prelate has struck me ever since I arrived here six years ago. Firstly because I arrived only having been in Opus Dei for 11 years, and here was a man in his 80’s with so much experience, having lived with Saint Josemaria and Blessed Alvaro. But he had asked me and other women to come to Rome to work with him. And I felt completely inadequate – I still feel hugely lacking in experience – and yet I felt the trust that he had from the very beginning. He would entrust us with tasks and never doubt that we would fulfill them. I remember that after six months of being in Rome, he called me and he said, “Would you go to the States – would you go to the United States on a trip on my behalf?” And there wasn’t time in the conversation to say, “I don’t feel up to it - I don’t feel I can.” He just communicated, “You can do it!” – not by saying that but just by the way he was – and he didn’t leave any space for you to kind of doubt. So I feel that working with him, I’ve learnt that he just “launched” us. He’s launched me to reach further, to be more than I ever would have imagined.

How did he encourage the family and the New Evangelization?

One of the things I’ve seen the Father really encouraging us to work on is supporting the family. Ever since the Year of the Family that Pope Francis called us to have in the Church last year, and with the publication of Amoris Laetitia, the Father’s been encouraging us to work on all those guidelines that the Pope has given us. Just recently, the Father had a meeting with families that are running family enrichment courses, where couples come together, discuss a case, and ideas on how to help family life be happier and be better. He used to always say to couples to love one another, to love one another first, and then to love the children. To love one another even though there are difficulties, even though there are challenges in family life, and to go through those difficulties together.

The process planned for the election and appointment of the prelate of Opus Dei will begin in Rome on January 21. Once he has been confirmed by the Pope, the new prelate will become the third successor of Saint Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975), and will take over the position held by Bishop Javier Echevarría, who died in Rome on December 12.

Once he has been confirmed by the Pope, the new prelate will become the third successor of Saint Josemaría Escrivá

The auxiliary vicar of the prelature, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, stated: “We are living this period in an attitude of prayer, going especially to the Holy Spirit.”

He added: “We live these days very close to the Holy Father Francis and the whole Church, of which Opus Dei is a small part. Of course, we feel a strong sense of gratitude for the pastoral work and the good example given by Bishop Javier Echevarría.”

Only a priest can be elected as the prelate. He must be at least forty years old and a member of the Congress of electors, and incorporated in the prelature for at least ten years and a priest for five years. There are currently 94 priests, from 45 countries, who meet these requirements.

Among them are numerous regional vicars (representatives of the prelate in each country or circumscription) as well as other priests who work or have worked in the pastoral work of Opus Dei in Rome or in the 49 circumscriptions of which the prelature is currently composed.

The auxiliary vicar of the prelature, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, stated: “We are living this period in an attitude of prayer, going especially to the Holy Spirit.”

The statutes of the prelature describe the various human, spiritual and juridical qualities the prelate must possess to ensure that this responsibility is carried out suitably. In summary, he has to stand out for the way he lives the virtues of charity and prudence, for his life of piety, love for the Church and her Magisterium, and fidelity to the spirit of Opus Dei. He also needs to possess a deep culture, both in ecclesiastical and civil studies, and the requisite gifts for pastoral government.

The electoral process involves both women and men and concludes with the confirmation of the election by the Pope.

The electoral process begins with a plenary meeting of the women’s council of the prelature, called the Central Advisory, which will take place starting January 21. The electoral Congress begins on January 23. In total 194 faithful of Opus Dei will participate in the process. They will include both priests and lay people, at least 32 years old, who have been in the prelature for at least nine years. They have been appointed from among the faithful of the prelature in the various countries where Opus Dei is carrying out its pastoral work.

The electoral process involves both women and men and concludes with the confirmation of the election by the Pope.

In the Central Advisory, each member submits a list with the name or names of those priests in the electoral Congress seen as best suited for the position of prelate. The members of the Congress, keeping these recommendations in mind, then proceed to the voting process. Once the election has been concluded and the person chosen has accepted, he, in person or through someone else, asks the Holy Father for confirmation, as the Pope is the one who appoints the prelate of Opus Dei.

Once the prelate is elected, the participants in the Congress meet for several days for the selection of the members of the central councils who assist the prelate in the government of the prelature. Finally, the members of the Congress examine the state of the prelature and its apostolic activities around the world. The proposals are studied in plenary sessions, which determine the guidelines for the government of the prelature during the eight-year period until the next ordinary general congress.

Updated information on the various phases of the Congress will be available on the Opus Dei website.

Link to Preparatory Document

My Dear Young People,

I am pleased to announce that in October 2018 a Synod of Bishops will take place to treat the topic: “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.” I wanted you to be the centre of attention, because you are in my heart. Today, the Preparatory Document is being presented, a document which I am also entrusting to you as your “compass” on this synodal journey.

I am reminded of the words which God spoke to Abraham: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.” (Gen 12.1). These words are now also addressed to you. They are words of a Father who invites you to “go”, to set out towards a future which is unknown but one which will surely lead to fulfilment, a future towards which He Himself accompanies you. I invite you to hear God's voice resounding in your heart through the breath of the Holy Spirit.

When God said to Abram, “Go!”, what did he want to say? He certainly did not say to distance himself from his family or withdraw from the world. Abram received a compelling invitation, a challenge, to leave everything and go to a new land. What is this “new land” for us today, if not a more just and friendly society which you, young people, deeply desire and wish to build to the very ends of the earth?

But unfortunately, today, “Go!” also has a different meaning, namely, that of abuse of power, injustice and war. Many among you are subjected to the real threat of violence and forced to flee their native land. Their cry goes up to God, like that of Israel, when the people were enslaved and oppressed by Pharaoh (cf. Ex 2:23).

I would also remind you of the words that Jesus once said to the disciples who asked him: “Teacher [...] where are you staying?” He replied, “Come and see” (Jn 1:38). Jesus looks at you and invites you to go with him. Dear young people, have you noticed this look towards you? Have you heard this voice? Have you felt this urge to undertake this journey? I am sure that, despite the noise and confusion seemingly prevalent in the world, this call continues to resonate in the depths of your heart so as to open it to joy in its fullness. This will be possible to the extent that, even with professional guides, you will learn how to undertake a journey of discernment to discover God's plan in your life. Even when the journey is uncertain and you fall, God, rich in mercy, will extend his hand to pick you up.

In Krakow, at the opening of the last World Youth Day, I asked you several times: “Can we change things?” And you shouted: “yes!”. That shout came from your young and youthful hearts, which do not tolerate injustice and cannot bow to a “throw-away culture” nor give in to the globalization of indifference. Listen to the cry arising from your inner selves! Even when you feel, like the prophet Jeremiah, the inexperience of youth, God encourages you to go where He sends you: “Do not be afraid, [...], because I am with you to deliver you” (Jer 1:8).

A better world can be built also as a result of your efforts, your desire to change and your generosity. Do not be afraid to listen to the Spirit who proposes bold choices; do not delay when your conscience asks you to take risks in following the Master. The Church also wishes to listen to your voice, your sensitivities and your faith; even your doubts and your criticism. Make your voice heard, let it resonate in communities and let it be heard by your shepherds of souls. St. Benedict urged the abbots to consult, even the young, before any important decision, because “the Lord often reveals to the younger what is best.” (Rule of St. Benedict, III, 3).

Such is the case, even in the journey of this Synod. My brother bishops and I want even more to “work with you for your joy” (2 Cor 1:24). I entrust you to Mary of Nazareth, a young person like yourselves, whom God beheld lovingly, so she might take your hand and guide you to the joy of fully and generously responding to God’s call with the words: “Here I am” (cf. Lk 1:38).

With paternal affection,

FRANCIS

Given at the Vatican, 13 January 2017

© Copyright - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

With Lucía Bassani

What are your thoughts during these days?

Certainly Bishop Javier Echevarría continues being very present now as well, as he gave us a great example of how to assume responsibility for the government and formation in Opus Dei, with magnanimity and a spirit of service. I have had the joy of working with Don Javier for the past 18 years, and in a closer way, over the last six. His rich and multi-faceted personality impressed me from the start. He was a man of deep prayer, a friend of God.

"Opus Dei is simply a small portion of the Church, an element of apostolic dynamism in the heart of the universal Church."

One aspect in particular made a deep impression on me. The Prelate was a very determined person who struggled energetically, someone for whom "no" never meant the door was shut forever. He was always striving to discover how to do the good in new ways. This aspect of his personality was especially seen in the final hours of his life, in the hospital where he spent that last week and where I was lucky enough to see him two days before his death. It was yet another opportunity to realize that we can love right to the end. As we pray for his soul, I am sure he will continue to be very present for us during these days, as a father and protector, and as someone who gives us renewed strength and who follows us affectionately from heaven.

How does the election of the new Prelate take place?

The process begins with the vote of the plenary session of the Central Advisory, who will present the names of the candidates that it considers most suitable for carrying out the office of Prelate. Following this, the name that is voted for by the majority of electors requires the confirmation of the Pope. This is quite natural, since Opus Dei is simply a small portion of the Church, an element of apostolic dynamism in the heart of the universal Church.

This new Prelate will then convoke and preside over two general congresses, bringing together a larger number of participants (almost 300 people), who represent the countries where the apostolic work of the Prelature is currently carried out. They will evaluate what has been done since the previous congress and propose plans of action for the next eight years. I think the diversity of cultures and races of the participants will greatly enrich these meetings.

In your view, what will be the guiding ideas for this Congress?

Since the beginning of Opus Dei, with Saint Josemaria and then later with Blessed Alvaro and Bishop Echevarría, the path to follow has been that of serving the Church as she needs, wants and hopes to be served. Opus Dei will seek to respond to the challenges of evangelization proposed by the Pope and bishops for the whole Church.

"Opus Dei will seek to respond to the challenges of evangelization proposed by the Pope and bishops for the whole Church."

The Congress will map out some guidelines to make Christ more present in society today. The goal is to spread more effectively the Christian message and thus contribute to sowing peace, to valuing human life in all its states and conditions, to fostering harmonic development between the different hemispheres... As you can see, we're dealing with a such a wide panaroma that only general guidelines can be offered, which are specified in each place in accord with local conditions. It is up to each of the Prelature's faithful to transform these great dreams into small but steady deeds each day, because this is what actually changes the world, with the help of grace.

But isn't this a bit unrealistic, given the widespread de-Christianization and lack of faith today?

It is certainly a beautiful challenge. But we Christians know that, with Christ at our side, impossible dreams become reality. He asks us to employ all the means, and he is the one who produces the fruit, completely out of proportion to our efforts.

"Christians know that, with Christ at our side, impossible dreams become reality."

Pope Francis has asked us to go out to the peripheries and open ourselves to God's mercy. In Opus Dei, we try to put this into practice according to our own charism: in daily work, in the middle of one's own family, among friends and colleagues, trying despite our personal weaknesses to be a better person each day and to serve the others, with an attitude that can make a positive impact on our surroundings. And we do so in this world of ours that God has created, for us to live in and attain happiness. When one discovers the meaning of life with the light of faith, everything changes, and even the hardest situations become more bearable.

What means does Opus Dei count on for carrying out this endeavor?

Saint Josemaria used to say that "Opus Dei is you and me." The good that we can do depends on the life of each person in the Prelature. Clearly, the first means we have is prayer. Only by being constantly in contact with God will we be able to evaluate correctly the choppy seas of this world. Without prayer, nothing good lasts, nothing worthwhile endures.

The second means we have is self-mastery: dominion over oneself to be able to give ourselves to God and to others, so that we can serve others without succumbing to our moods, without falling sway to the constant pressure of material goods. This daily struggle to master one’s own freedom is in part what Christians call "mortification": freeing ourselves from what weighs us down and is deceptive, in order to offer to God and to others a better, more intense love.

"Among the riches contained in Saint Josemaria's message lies a Christian truth that is still somewhat a novelty today: the radical equality of men and women."

Finally, we need to open our hearts to the tenderness God offers us in the sacraments, especially in the Eucharist and Confession. Then comes each one's personal initiative and creativity, collaboration with others, the civic responsibility that leads one to dig deep to find solutions that are more human and more Christian, responding to the challenges of a world full of both truly awful situations and also wonderful opportunities.

How will the new Central Advisory work with the next Prelate?

The charism that Saint Josemaria received is like a treasure full of jewels destined to adorn, enrich, and beautify the world in which we live. Among the riches contained in Saint Josemaria's message is a Christian truth that is still somewhat a novelty today: the radical equality of men and women. While taking their diversity as a starting point, this entails the conviction, not only in theory but in a real and practical way, that women are called to contribute significantly to the Church, to civil society, to culture, to science, to the family, to all the spheres of human knowledge and life.

Finding ways to highlight this message, helping each of the women to discover where and how to leave their very personal mark on the world around them, how to humanize it and make it a fount of goodness, will be where the new Prelate will principally rely on the advice of this organ of government.

All this implies a very encouraging panorama, and I think the new Prelate will focus it in this way: as a marvelous challenge. And I have no doubt that the new Central Advisory will do everything they can to follow him and give him their full support.

Moreover, it will be a great joy to continue following Pope Francis, and together with so many other institutions in the Church, to announce the Gospel message in all environments, living together with everyone, with respect, with a desire to serve, with our noble human work.

(Click on flicker file below)

How is Opus Dei governed?

With the favorable opinion of the members of the general elective Congress, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz appointed Monsignor Mariano Fazio as Vicar General of Opus Dei. The new Vicar will be the Prelate's main assistant in governing the Prelature.

Mariano Fazio was born in Buenos Aires on April 25, 1960. He studied History at the University of Buenos Aires and received a doctorate in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

In 1991, he was ordained a priest by Saint John Paul II, after having worked for 7 years in Ecuador as a professor of Philosophy of Law and editorial writer for the newspaper El Telégrafo.

From 1996 to 2002, he was the first dean of the School of Church Communications at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, and then, from 2002 to 2008, the rector of the same university. During the same period, he was elected president of the Conference of Rectors of the Pontifical Universities of Rome.

In 2007, he was named an expert for the Fifth General Conference of Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, which was held in Aparecida, Brazil. There he had the opportunity to get to know the then Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

Several months later, he returned to South America, where he has served as the Vicar of Opus Dei in Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. In December 2014 he was names Vicar General of Opus Dei by Bishop Javier Echevarría, the Prelate at that time.

He has wide-ranging cultural and philosophical interests. He is a member of the Chesterton Society in Argentina and the National Academy of History in Ecuador.

He is the author of more than 20 books on modern society and the process of secularization. These include Historia de la filosofía contemporánea,Historia de la filosofía moderna, and Historia de las ideas contemporáneas.

One of his recent books, Pope Francis: Keys to His Thought, has been translated into English and is reviewed here.

Other publications include San Juan XXIII;Beato Pablo VI: Gobernar desde el dolor; De Benedicto XV a Benedicto XVI.

Mgr Fernando Ocáriz, new prelate of Opus Dei, has named the members of the general Council that, together with the central Advisory, assists him in the pastoral government of the prelature. The names of the women who will form part of the new Advisory will also be published on this website in the next few days.

With the approval of those participating in the third elective congress of Opus Dei, the prelate has named Mariano Fazio (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1960) vicar general and Rev. Antoni Pujals i Ginebreda (Terrassa, Spain, 1955) central vicar secretary. He has been the Delegation Vicar of Opus Dei in Catalonia from 2002 until 2016.

The prelate has also named three vice secretaries, a prefect of studies and an administrator general to attend the different areas of the formative and apostolic activity of the men of Opus Dei: initiatives with youth, evangelization of the family, theological and spiritual formation, etc. They are: Javier de Juan (Albacete, Spain, 1975), vice secretary; Carlos Cavazzoli (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1962), vice secretary; Matthew Anthony (St. Louis, United States of America, 1981), vice secretary; Luis Romera (Barcelona, Spain, 1962), prefect of studies; and Julien Nagore (Pamplona, Spain, 1951; he lived in Paris since he was young), administrator general.

Delegates of the prelate in the different circumscriptions in which the apostolic work of the Prelature is divided geographically – currently 49 – have also been named. They come from more than 30 nations.

Once the congress has concluded, the prelate will also name a spiritual director as well as a procurator before the Holy See, which collaborate directly with the Council. The spiritual director helps the prelate with the spiritual orientation of the faithful of the prelature and in questions of doctrine and liturgy. Included among his tasks is the accompaniment of the members of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross, an association of clergy intrinsically united to the prelature of Opus Dei. The procurator deals more directly with the relations of the prelature and the Holy See.

More information on the elective congress