Pope says late Opus Dei prelate constantly served Church and souls

December 14, 2016

In a message following the death of Bishop Javier Echevarría Rodríguez, who led Opus Dei from 1994 until his death on December 12, Pope Francis expressed condolences as well as “gratitude to God for his paternal and generous witness of priestly and episcopal life.”

The Pope wrote that the late prelate followed “the example of St. Josemaría Escrivá and Blessed Álvaro del Portillo, whom he succeeded in leading all this family, giving his life in a constant service of love to the Church and to souls.”

“I raise to the Lord a fervent prayer for the repose of this faithful servant of His, that He welcome him in His eternal joy, and commend him with affection to the protection of our Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, on whose feast day he gave his soul to God,” the Pope added.

 

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Further information:

• Il cordoglio del Santo Padre Francesco per la morte di S.E. Mons. Javier Echevarría Rodríguez, Prelato della Prelatura Pesonale dell’Opus Dei (Holy See Press Office)
• The Pope’s condolences for the death of Msgr. Javier Echevarría Rodríguez, bishop prelate of Opus Dei (Holy See Press Office)
• Opus Dei leader dies at 84 (CWN, 12/13)