A prayer that went round the world

Fr Jesus Sancho-Bielsa

St Josemaria was taught a spiritual communion prayer by a religious. Where did this prayer come from originally? The author of this article found it by chance in the pages of an old Spanish catechism. Tags: Eucharist, Holy Communion

When love is strengthened

Bishop Javier Echevarria, Prelate of Opus Dei

St Josemaria recalled his parents' love: "They really loved each other, and they had to suffer a lot (...); and I always saw them smiling." In this article, Bishop Javier Echevarria talks about the love of married people in the teachings of St Josemaria. Tags: Javier Echevarria, Marriage, Love, family

We need to converse with God

Ferdinando Cancelli

The primacy of prayer over action. In this article published in L’Osservatore Romano on November 17, the author, Ferdinando Cancelli, comments on the teachings of St Josemaria about the importance of prayer. Tags: Alvaro del Portillo, Contemplation, Javier Echevarria, Prayer

St Josemaria’s visits to France

St Josemaria often crossed France, going from one country to another by car, with Don Alvaro del Portillo and Fr Javier Echevarria. In total there are at least twenty-two trips we know about. Tags: History

Newman and Escriva

by Fr. Mario Arroyo Martinez

On September 19, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will preside at the ceremony to beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman in the UK. The Holy Father accepted a friendly invitation from the British Government to make the first State visit of a Pope to the United Kingdom. Tags: Pope Benedict XVI, Consistency, lay, Beatification, UK

February 14: A new anniversary

Speaking about the paradoxes of the founding, saint Josemaría would say one day: “The foundation of Opus Dei happened without me; the women’s branch, against my personal opinion; and the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross, when I was seeking it but unable to find it.” Tags: February 14, Founding of Opus Dei, Opus Dei, Priesthood, Priestly Society of the Holy Cross, Priestly soul, Women

Antidote to consumerism

Bernardo Villegas

As an antidote to consumerism it is necessary to create "lifestyles in which the quest for truth, beauty, goodness and communion with others for the sake of common growth are the factors which determine consumer choices, savings and investments." Tags: Detachment

Einsiedeln

During his journeys through Europe St Josemaria often stopped at Einsiedeln. As soon as he caught sight of the towers of the shrine from the car, he said a Salve straight away. As Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, who went with him on these visits, later recalled, “He only went to pray to our Lady. He would stop the night in Lucerne, and go on from there to Einsiedeln, where he often celebrated Mass." Tags: Our Lady

Cornerstone or stumbling block?

Dwight G. Duncan

Dwight G. Duncan is professor at University of Massachusetts School of Law Dartmouth (formerly Southern New England School of Law). He holds degrees in civil and canon law. Tags: Church, Pope Benedict XVI

St Josemaria Escriva and Ireland

In 1916 the young Josemaría Escrivá avidly followed the events of the Easter Rising in Ireland. “I was then about fifteen and I eagerly read everything in the newspapers about the events of the First World War. Most of all, though, I prayed a lot for Ireland. I wasn't against England; I was for religious freedom.” Tags: Freedom, trips, Ireland