Opus Dei in Rome

On Thursday morning, we visited the headquarters of Opus Dei in Rome and were told about the organization's spirituality and apostolate throughout the world.  Opus Dei (Work of God), founded in 1928 by St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, is primarily a lay movement, established as a "personal prelature" - meaning that it is constituted as a diocese without territorial boundaries.  Its members - lay supernumeraries, celibate numeraries, and clergy, strive to live a contemplative life in the midst of the world, and pursue sanctity in and through the circumstances of everyday life: work, family life, etc.  We had the privilege of celebrating Mass in the beautiful chapel, at the altar which holds the body of St. Josemaria.

Hearing about Opus Dei

Deacon Nick VanDenBroeke preaches on the importance of intercessory prayer

The Doxology, with St. Josemaria's tomb

The altar containing St. Josemaria's body.  The body of the Servant of God Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, St. Josemaria's first successor, is also housed at the Opus Dei residence in Rome.