On September 27th, the Beatification of Alvaro Portillo, the first successor of Josemaría Escrivá as leader of Opus Dei, will take place in Madrid.
MSGR. JAVIER ECHEVARRIA
Prelate of Opus Dei
'His message is that one must know one's place, sanctifying different areas of life, like work, family relationships and friendships.â?
The ceremony will be very international. The committee organizing the event expects pilgrims from roughly 80 countries.
The Beatification will be presided by the prefect for the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Angelo Amato. Eighteen cardinals and 130 bishops will concelebrate with him.
In fact, those present will be able to help different social projects overseas, many of which were launched by Alvaro del Portillo in Africa.
LINDA CORBI
Harambee International Coordinator
'We are contemplating financing some projects this year that were particularly dear to him in Nigeria, Congo and the Ivory Coast. There is a fourth project directed toward African priests who come to study at the University of the Holy Cross in Rome.â?
It was precisely in Rome where Alvaro del Portillo lived since 1946. There, he served as Secretary General of Opus Dei, along with other endeavors he carried out in the Holy See.
In 1975 he was elected as the successor of Josemaria Escriva. Pope John Paul II ordained him as a Bishop in 1991. When he passed away three years later, the Pope prayed before his body at the central headquarters of Opus Dei, where they are still located today.
In fact, two days after the beatification, his body will be transferred to the Basilica of Saint Eugenius between September 29 and October 2nd to facilitate the veneration of pilgrims. On the 30th, two thanksgiving Masses will be celebrated at the Basilicas of Saint John Lateran and Saint Mary Major, which will be presided by Cardinals Agostino Vallini and Santos Abril.
JRB/CA
RR
JM
-PR
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