Álvaro del Portillo

Álvaro del Portillo was born on March 11, 1918, in Madrid, Spain, into a devout Catholic family. His early years were marked by a deep commitment to his faith, and he demonstrated an exceptional intelligence from a young age. Growing up during the tumult of the Spanish Civil War, he developed a robust understanding of the importance of his faith in the face of adversity. Álvaro pursued higher education at the University of Madrid, studying civil engineering, which he completed in 1941.

In 1935, he met Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, a pivotal encounter that would significantly influence his life. He later joined Opus Dei, dedicating himself to the mission of spreading the call to holiness in everyday life. In 1944, Álvaro was ordained a priest, and his love for Christ and the Church became even more pronounced. He became an indispensable collaborator of Escrivá, assisting in the expansion of the organization across various countries.

As Opus Dei grew, so did Álvaro's responsibilities. He was named Regional Vicar for the organization’s new territories, including Italy, in the 1950s. His deep spirituality and pastoral approach attracted many people to the Work, as he emphasized the importance of integrating faith into everyday life. Throughout his service, he was known for his humility, keen intellect, and boundless energy, often visiting communities to provide support and guidance.

Álvaro was appointed Bishop Prelate of Opus Dei by Pope Paul VI in 1975, succeeding Escrivá after the founder's death. In this role, he continued to promote the ideals of Opus Dei, emphasizing the universal call to holiness and the importance of laypeople in the Church. He played a significant role in the Second Vatican Council, contributing to discussions concerning the laity and the role of the Church in the modern world.

His dedication to education is well documented, as he supported numerous initiatives to provide quality Catholic education around the globe. Under his leadership, Opus Dei flourished, expanding both its membership and its outreach activities, which served the poor and met various community needs. He traveled extensively, fostering connections and reinforcing the message of Christian lay spirituality.

Álvaro del Portillo's life was also marked by personal suffering. He faced health challenges throughout his life, yet he never wavered in his commitment to God and the Church. He maintained a deep prayer life, which sustained him through difficult times.

He passed away on March 23, 1994, in Milan, Italy, after a well-lived life devoted to God, the Church, and the mission of Opus Dei. Following his death, many began to seek his intercession, leading to a burgeoning cult of devotion. He was beatified by Pope Francis on September 27, 2014, a testament to his virtuous life and the impact that his work had on countless individuals around the world.

His legacy endures in the ongoing mission of Opus Dei, which continues to inspire people to embrace their daily lives as pathways to holiness. Through his life, Álvaro del Portillo exemplified the belief that every individual, regardless of their state in life, can pursue excellence in their professional and personal endeavors while deepening their relationship with God.