Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri
Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri was a Spanish Catholic professor and an early member of Opus Dei. She played a significant role in establishing Opus Dei in Mexico and collaborated with its founder, Josemaría Escrivá, in Rome. Her beatification occurred in Madrid in May 2019, recognizing her heroic virtue and a confirmed miracle attributed to her intercession.
Key Facts
- ›Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri was born in Madrid on December 12, 1916.
- ›She met Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, on January 25, 1944, and asked to be admitted shortly after.
- ›In 1951, she moved to Mexico to help establish Opus Dei there, founding a student residence and social projects.
- ›She later relocated to Rome in 1956 to work with Escrivá in the governance of Opus Dei.
- ›Ortiz de Landázuri was declared Venerable by Pope Francis in May 2017.
- ›Her beatification ceremony took place on May 18, 2019, in Madrid.
Professor, Lay Member
About Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri
Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri Fernández de Heredia (1916–1975) was a Spanish Catholic professor and a foundational member of Opus Dei. Born in Madrid, she pursued a career in chemical sciences, earning a doctorate and aspiring to teach at the university level. Her life took a significant turn when she encountered Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, in 1944, soon after which she joined the organization.
Life and Contributions
Ortiz de Landázuri's commitment to Opus Dei led her to undertake significant missionary work. In 1951, she moved to Mexico, where she was instrumental in establishing the organization. During her time there, she founded a student residence for university women and contributed to social projects, including a mobile medical clinic that served poorer neighborhoods. Later, in 1956, she relocated to Rome to collaborate directly with Escrivá in the governance of Opus Dei.
Despite facing a serious heart condition, Ortiz de Landázuri continued her academic pursuits in Spain, completing her doctoral thesis in 1965 and taking on leadership roles in educational institutions. She was also involved in the establishment of a center for domestic sciences. Her life concluded in 1975 after surgery for her heart condition, with her mother passing away in the same clinic shortly thereafter.
Beatification and Legacy
Following her death, requests for her beatification process began, with the cause officially opening in 2001. In 2017, Pope Francis recognized her heroic virtue, declaring her Venerable. The confirmation of a miracle attributed to her intercession—the inexplicable healing of a cancer patient—paved the way for her beatification. This ceremony took place on May 18, 2019, in Madrid, marking her as the first lay member and the first female member of Opus Dei to be beatified. Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri is remembered for her dedication to her faith, her intellectual pursuits, and her tireless work in spreading the message of Opus Dei.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri born?
Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri was born in Madrid, Spain, on December 12, 1916.
What is Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri's connection to Opus Dei?
She was one of the first women to join Opus Dei after meeting its founder, Josemaría Escrivá, in 1944. She played a key role in spreading Opus Dei's message, particularly in Mexico.
What was Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri's professional background?
She was a Catholic professor who pursued a doctorate in chemical sciences. She also worked as a teacher and held leadership positions in educational institutions.
When was Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri beatified?
Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri was beatified on May 18, 2019, in Madrid.
What led to her beatification?
Her beatification followed Pope Francis's declaration that she had lived a life of heroic virtue and after the confirmation of a miracle attributed to her intercession, which was the healing of a cancer patient.
What was the cause of Guadalupe Ortiz de Landázuri's death?
She died on July 16, 1975, due to complications following surgery for a serious heart condition.
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