Opus Dei’s Blessed Álvaro a model of holiness, says Pope

September 29, 2014

Pope Francis has written a letter on the holiness of Blessed Álvaro del Portillo (1914-94), the second leader of Opus Dei.

In the letter, dated June 26 and released September 27, the day of Blessed Álvaro’s beatification in Madrid, the Pontiff reflected on the prelate’s gratitude, sense of forgiveness, and petitions for God’s help.

Blessed Álvaro served the Church with “a heart emptied of worldly interest, far from contention, friendly to everyone and always looking for the positive in others … never a complaint or criticism, even during difficult times,” the Pope wrote.

He added, “The servant of God Álvaro knew our need of God's mercy and devoted much personal energy” encouraging people to go to “the sacrament of confession, the sacrament of joy.”

 

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Further information:

• Lettera di Papa Francesco a S.E. Mons. Javier Echevarría, Prelato dell’ Opus Dei, in occasione della beatificazione di Álvaro del Portillo (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope Francis: Bl. Alvaro of Opus Dei a model of holiness (Vatican Radio)
• Beatification of Alvaro del Portillo