2014_01_22_beatificacion-donalvaro

Bishop Álvaro del Portillo, Chancellor of the University between 1975 and 1994, will be beatified in Madrid, his native city, on September 27. This has been announced by the Holy See, after Pope Francis approved the miracle attributed to Bishop Alvaro on July 5. The beatification ceremony will be presided over by the Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Amato. The following day, Bishop Javier Echevarría, Prelate of Opus Dei and Chancellor of the University, will celebrate a Mass of thanksgiving.

In this moment of profound joy," said Bishop Javier Echevarría, "I wish to thank Pope Francis for the beatification of this bishop who loved and served the Church so much. From now on we entrust to the future Blessed the intentions of the Holy Father: the apostolic renewal and service to God of all Christians, the promotion and financial aid of the most needy, the next Synod on the family, the sanctity of priests".

Bishop Álvaro del Portillo and the University of Navarra

Don Alvaro was the first-hand driving force behind the launching of research center (CIMA), and what is now Institute for Culture and Society (ICS). The School of Theology also owes its growth to the future Blessed.

Brief biography of Bishop Álvaro del Portillo

He was born in Madrid on March 11, 1914.

In 1935 she joined Opus Dei. She soon became the steadfast financial aid of the founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá, remaining at his side for almost forty years, as his closest partner .

He holds a PhD in Civil Engineering, a PhD in Philosophy and Letters (History) and a PhD in Canon Law.

On June 25, 1944, he was ordained a priest. From then on he dedicated himself entirely to the pastoral ministry, in service to the members of Opus Dei and to all souls.

In 1946, he established his residence residency program in Rome, together with St. Josemaría. His tireless service to the Church was also manifested in his dedication to the assignments conferred upon him by the Holy See as consultant of various Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, such as the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for the Clergy, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints and the Pontifical committee for Social Communications. He worked at the Second Vatican Council.

In 1975 he was elected the first successor of St. Josemaría as head of Opus Dei.

He was Chancellor of the University of Navarra from that date until the day of his death in Rome on March 23, 1994.