75th anniversary of the arrival of Opus Dei women in the U.S.
Chicago commemorated the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first women of Opus Dei in the United States. The anniversary recalled the beginnings of their apostolic work in 1950 and the impact it has had since then.
26 | 05 | 2025
On Sunday, May 25, the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the first women of Opus Dei in the United States was celebrated in Chicago. The commemorative event began with a Mass of thanksgiving presided over by Thomas Bohlin, Vicar General of the Prelature of Opus Dei in the United States and Canada.
In 1950, a small group of courageous Catholic women with a strong apostolic spirit founded the first women's center of Opus Dei on U.S. soil. That initial step marked the beginning of a history that has spanned seven decades.
After the Mass, a presentation was given on the origins of Opus Dei in Chicago, addressing the historical context and the development of its activities since the mid-20th century. Participants included historian Inmaculada Alva, professor at the University of Navarra and researcher at the Center for the programs of study Josemaría Escrivá, and Theresa Wilson, one of the first women of Opus Dei in the United States, who shared her personal experiences of those early years.
The event was organized by the St. Josemaria Institute and the Midwest Theological Forum, and gathered numerous attendees interested in learning about this significant page in the recent history of the Church.
