Alida

Dr. Alida Franceschi Dorta passed away July 5th, in Caracas, Venezuela.

Today, Alida passed away. She was an elderly Numerary, a Paediatrician, who had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis since 1973, and spent almost 30 years in a wheelchair.

I went to Mass in Arada, the Centre in Caracas where Alida lived for the last 15 years or so. She didn’t get up (was not moved from her bed by her nurses) as she was feeling poorly; but she did receive Holy Communion during Mass (her bedroom is next door to the Oratory), and was clearminded enough to realise she was getting worse.

Alida was a Professor of Paediatrics at the Universidad Central de Venezuela’s Hospital School of Medicine, and her book on “Examen pediátrico” (Paediatric Examination), is still in use. She was born in Miranda, Estado Carabobo, Venezuela in 1933, and became a member of Opus Dei in 1959, the eighth woman to do so in Venezuela.

Her illness never stopped her from carrying out a fruitful apostolic and professional work. Her constant smile and positive outlook charmed all who met her.

Today, July 6th, at the Funeral Mass, the Venezuelan Vicar of Opus Dei, Dr. Javier Rodríguez reminded us to pray for her, as is our Christian and family duty, but also to have recourse to her intercession, partircularly in the difficult times we are experiencing in the country.

Please, pray for Alida, and a little bit, for Venezuela.