Álvaro del Portillo
Álvaro del Portillo y Diez de Sollano was a Spanish Catholic bishop and engineer who served as the prelate of Opus Dei from 1982 to 1994. He was recognized for his faithful service to God, his significant contributions to the Second Vatican Council, and his role in the governance and expansion of Opus Dei. He was beatified in 2014.
Key Facts
- ›Álvaro del Portillo was born in Madrid on March 11, 1914, the third of eight children.
- ›He earned doctorates in CIVIL engineering and in Philosophy and Letters in history, and later in Canon Law.
- ›He joined Opus Dei in 1935 and was ordained a priest in 1944, becoming one of the first three priests for the organization.
- ›He served in various dicasteries of the Holy See during the pontificate of Pope Pius XII and was a consultant on the Pontifical Commission for the revision of the Code of Canon Law.
- ›He was appointed the first Prelate of Opus Dei in 1982 and consecrated a bishop in 1991 by Pope John Paul II.
- ›He died on March 23, 1994, in Rome after returning from a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
Major Works
- Descubrimientos y exploraciones en las costas de California, 1532-1650
- Faithful and Laity in the Church
- On the Priesthood
- Dinamicità e funzionalità delle strutture pastorali
- ¿Un nuevo Derecho Canónico?
- Morale e Diritto
- Immersed in God: Blessed Josemaria Escriva, Founder of Opus Dei as Seen by His Successor, Bishop Álvaro Del Portillo
- Journey with Jesus through the Liturgical Year
- Orar: Como sal y como luz
Bishop, Confessor, Theologian, Engineer
About Álvaro del Portillo
Álvaro del Portillo y Diez de Sollano (March 11, 1914 – March 23, 1994) was a Spanish Catholic bishop, engineer, and the second Prelate of Opus Dei. He is remembered for his faithful service to God and the Church, his significant contributions to the Second Vatican Council, and his leadership in the governance and apostolate of Opus Dei.
Early Life and Education
Born in Madrid, Spain, Álvaro del Portillo was the third of eight children. He pursued higher education in engineering, earning a doctorate and subsequently teaching at the University of Madrid. He also obtained doctorates in Philosophy and Letters (history) and in Canon Law.
Ministry and Leadership
In 1935, del Portillo joined Opus Dei and was ordained a priest on June 25, 1944, becoming one of the first three priests of the organization. He dedicated himself to the ministry and governance of Opus Dei, serving as its Secretary General. He also worked in various departments of the Holy See and was a consultant for papal commissions, including those related to the revision of the Code of Canon Law and post-conciliar reforms.
In 1975, he was elected the successor of St. Josemaría Escrivá as the head of Opus Dei, and in 1982, the Holy See appointed him as the first Prelate of Opus Dei. He was consecrated a bishop in 1991 by Pope John Paul II.
Role in the Second Vatican Council
Álvaro del Portillo played a notable role as a consultant and conciliar 'Peritus' (expert) during the Second Vatican Council. He was actively involved in the Commission for the Discipline of the Clergy and the Christian People, contributing to the synthesis of decrees, particularly concerning the priesthood. His work was recognized for its prudence and fidelity to priestly spirituality.
Beatification and Legacy
Following his death in 1994, his cause for sainthood commenced, and his heroic virtue was recognized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, styling him "Venerable Servant of God." He was beatified on September 27, 2014, in Madrid. His feast day is celebrated on May 12. He is venerated for his example of fortitude, trust in divine providence, and unwavering fidelity to the See of Peter.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Álvaro del Portillo born?
Álvaro del Portillo was born in Madrid, Spain, on March 11, 1914.
What was Álvaro del Portillo's profession before his religious life?
Before dedicating himself fully to Opus Dei, Álvaro del Portillo was a civil engineer. He earned a doctorate in the field and taught at the University of Madrid.
What significant role did Álvaro del Portillo play in Opus Dei?
He joined Opus Dei in 1935 and was ordained a priest in 1944. He later served as its Secretary General and was appointed the first Prelate of Opus Dei in 1982, succeeding its founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá.
What was Álvaro del Portillo's involvement in the Second Vatican Council?
Álvaro del Portillo served as a consultant and later as a 'Peritus' (expert) during the Second Vatican Council. He was instrumental in the Commission for the Discipline of the Clergy and the Christian People, helping to synthesize decrees, notably concerning priests.
When and where was Álvaro del Portillo beatified?
Álvaro del Portillo was beatified on September 27, 2014, in Madrid, Spain. Cardinal Angelo Amato presided over the Mass on behalf of Pope Francis.
What is the feast day assigned to Blessed Álvaro del Portillo?
The feast day assigned to Blessed Álvaro del Portillo is May 12.
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