Saint Josemaria was beatified on 17 May 1992. Here is the homily given by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger at the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Beatification of Josemaría Escrivá on 19 May 1992, in the Basilica of the Holy Apostles in Rome.
The mysterious Book of Revelation by Saint John terrifyingly speaks to us about the past and the future of our history, yet continuously tears the veil that separates heaven and earth, showing us that God has not abandoned the world. However great evil may be in certain moments, in the end God’s victory is certain.
Amid earth’s tribulations, we can still hear a louder song of praise. Around God’s throne there is a growing choir of the elect, whose lives—spent in self-forgetfulness—have now been transformed into joy and glorification. This choir does not sing only in the next world; it is prepared in the middle of history, while remaining hidden from it. This is made quite clear by the voice that comes from the throne, that is, from God’s seat: “Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great” (Rev 19:5). This is an exhortation to do our own part in this world, thus beginning to belong to the liturgy of eternity.
El sábado 12 de marzo de 2022 se conmemoran los 400 años de la canonización de cinco grandes santos católicos, cuatro españoles y uno italiano: Ignacio de Loyola, Francisco Javier, Teresa de Ávila, Isidro Labrador y Felipe Neri.
Con este motivo, el Papa celebrará una misa de acción de gracias en la Iglesia del Gesù de Roma, a las 17:00 (hora local), que se retransmitirá on line en español, inglés, francés e italiano. Se podrá seguir a través de interneten este enlace.
Se trata de un gran evento para la Compañía de Jesús, que celebra el Año Ignaciano. Para más información sobre los actos previstos, visitar la página web Ignatius500.
O God, merciful Father, through the Blessed Virgin, you granted your bishop, Blessed Alvaro, the grace of being an exemplary pastor in the service of the Church and a most faithful son and successor of Saint Josemaría, the Founder of Opus Dei. Grant that I also may respond faithfully to the demands of the Christian vocation, turning all the circumstances and events of my life into opportunities to love you and to serve the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Deign to grant the canonization of Blessed Alvaro, and through his intercession grant me the favor I request… (here make your petition). Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.
Blessed Alvaro del Portillo was born in Madrid (Spain) on 11 March 1914, into a large and deeply Christian family. As well as graduating as a Public Works official, he obtained doctorates in Civil Engineering, History and Canon Law.
In 1935 he joined Opus Dei. He lived his Christian vocation with great loyalty and faithfulness, through his work and everyday duties, and helped to draw fellow students, colleagues at work and many other people closer to God.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1944, he was completely committed to his pastoral ministry. In 1946 he moved to Rome. His service to the Church was also marked by his dedication to many tasks entrusted to him by the Holy See, especially in the Second Vatican Council. On 15 September 1975 he became the first successor of St Josemaría Escrivá at the head of Opus Dei.
On 28 November 1982 Pope John Paul II erected Opus Dei as a personal Prelature, made up of lay faithful and secular priests, and appointed Blessed Alvaro as its first Prelate. In 1991 he ordained him a bishop. The way he governed Opus Dei was characterized by a deep communion with the Pope and the other Bishops, complete faithfulness to the Founder of Opus Dei and his message, and tireless pastoral zeal.
Early on the morning of 23 March 1994, the Lord called this good and faithful servant to Himself, a few hours after his return from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where with deep piety he had followed in the footsteps of Jesus in that land. That same day, St John Paul II went to pray before his mortal remains, which now rest in the crypt of the church of the Prelature, Our Lady of Peace, at viale Bruno Buozzi 75, Rome.
Moral y Luces 