Opus Dei - EN

After World War II, Opus Dei already had more than 220 men and nearly 30 women in Spain. These young members drove its growth, establishing centers, residences, and student halls in Spain’s university cities. Soon, its international expansion began—first in Europe and later across other continents. Today, Opus Dei is present on all five continents.

Actualmente se encuentra presente en los cinco continentes.

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South America

Between 1950 and 1956, Opus Dei expanded its presence to several South American countries, establishing a stable presence in Chile, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, and Ecuador. This expansion was driven by requests from the local ecclesiastical hierarchy or by the return of members who had joined in Spain and later promoted apostolic work in their home countries. In the following years, some members traveled to neighboring countries, where they began developing apostolic activities.

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Central America

Opus Dei began its apostolic work in Central America in the 1950s, responding to requests from local bishops. Since then, the apostolate has developed in various countries of the region, with the arrival of more members and the creation of formation centers, youth clubs, and other initiatives inspired by the spirit of Opus Dei.

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North America

In 1948, three members of Opus Dei embarked on a long exploratory journey through the Americas to assess the possibilities for the institution's expansion on the continent. As a result of this mission, Opus Dei established its presence in Mexico and the United States in 1949, marking the beginning of its presence in North America. Since then, its presence has fostered numerous educational initiatives and Christian formation programs.

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Europe

Opus Dei began its expansion outside of Spain into European countries, where it started to strengthen its presence. Its international growth, long desired since its early years, was firmly consolidated between the 1940s and 1960s, a period in which the apostolic work intensified, tripling the number of members and expanding its reach to new territories.

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Africa

The beginnings of Opus Dei in Africa date back to 1957. That year, the apostolic delegate of the Holy See in Kenya, Gastone Mojaisky Perrelli, asked Saint Josemaría to found a Catholic university in Kenya. The aim was to strengthen Catholicism among African intellectuals in the face of the country's imminent independence and the formation of an interracial government. In the following years, Opus Dei expanded to other countries on the continent (such as Nigeria in 1965), consolidating its mission of Christian formation in various regions of Africa.

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Asia

San Josemaría referred to the Philippines as "the vanguard of the East." He saw this nation as a key point for the expansion of Opus Dei in Asia. His vision became a reality after his death, when the apostolic work spread from the Philippines to other regions: Hong Kong in 1982, Singapore in 1983, Taiwan in 1984, and Macau in 1990, solidifying its role as a center for the diffusion of the message of sanctification in the world.

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Oceania

In 1970, Saint Josemaría expressed his concern about the shortage of Catholics and priests in Oceania, a territory scattered across countless islands. Convinced of the urgency of bringing the Christian message to these lands, he entrusted this mission to the Virgin Mary, trusting that her intercession would make the apostolic effort in the region fruitful.

Brazil

In 1957, Opus Dei opened its first center in Brazil, in the city of Marília, São Paulo. The arrival of new members and the ordination of the first Brazilian priest, Pedro Barreto Celestino, in 1971, contributed to the expansion of its apostolic work in São Paulo’s capital and other cities. A key milestone was the visit of St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1974. During his stay, he met with thousands of people and made a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Aparecida. From 1975 onward, Opus Dei’s expansion accelerated, reaching cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Curitiba, Brasília, and Porto Alegre, among many others.

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Ireland

In 1959, St. Josemaría visited Ireland, encouraging his followers to live holiness in ordinary life and emphasizing the mission of the Irish in spreading the faith. By 1975, the work had expanded to various cities, and many Irish members of Opus Dei had moved to other countries such as Kenya, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Australia, and Japan, carrying the message of sanctification in the midst of the world.

In October 1947, at the request of St. Josemaría, the Spanish engineer José Ramón Madurga traveled to Ireland to begin the work of Opus Dei. Soon, the founder spoke of the "Irish miracle," as even before any priests arrived, several men and women had already joined this new apostolic venture. The beginnings were not without difficulties, especially due to the opposition generated by the novelty of the secular spirit of Opus Dei. In 1952, Álvaro del Portillo traveled to Dublin to meet with Archbishop John Charles McQuaid, who from then on supported the work, facilitating the opening of the first centers.

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United States

In 1946, a postdoctoral fellowship in Physics allowed José María González Barredo, one of the first members of Opus Dei, to settle in the United States. He also explored the possibilities for apostolate work in the country. Three years later, José Luis Múzquiz and Salvador Martínez Ferigle arrived in Chicago to begin Opus Dei's work. With few resources and limited English skills, they established Woodlawn Residence near the University of Chicago.

The work later expanded to New York and Boston, where Trimount House was inaugurated in 1954. At the same time, the first women of Opus Dei arrived in Boston and settled in an apartment on Clarendon Street, where they began to welcome university students.

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Portugal

Portugal was the first country, after Spain, where Saint Josemaría decided to begin the work of Opus Dei. Although he initially considered France, he later stated that "the doors of Portugal were opened to us by the Virgin through the hands of Sister Lúcia." In 1945, after meeting the seer of Fatima in Tuy, he crossed the border with Álvaro del Portillo and presented Opus Dei to Portuguese bishops, receiving the support of the Cardinal of Lisbon.

In 1946, the stable work began with the arrival of three members in Coimbra and the opening of the Montes Claros Residence. It soon expanded to Lisbon and Porto, with work also beginning with women and the formation of priests. The Aster publishing house contributed to spreading Saint Josemaría's message, thus consolidating the presence of Opus Dei in the country.

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Uruguay

The second General Congress of Opus Dei, held in 1956, decided to begin the apostolic work of Opus Dei in Uruguay. Priests Agustín Falceto and Gonzalo Bueno arrived in Montevideo on October 20 of that year. They settled in a house in the Pocitos neighborhood, which had been rented earlier by Father Ricardo Fernández Vallespín, who had already visited Uruguay from Buenos Aires in 1955. Soon, they established friendships, including one with the Russian-Jewish artist Boris Gurewitsch, who gifted them oils and watercolors to decorate the house. Years later, Gurewitsch requested admission to Opus Dei.

In a letter, St. Josemaría encouraged them and suggested finding a space for the women of the Work, which led to the rental of a house on Solano Antuña Street. In 1957, the first numeraries arrived and began carrying out apostolic activities.

New Zealand

The Prelate of Opus Dei, Álvaro del Portillo, accepted the invitation of Bishop Edward R. Gaines of the Diocese of Hamilton. The first members arrived in the country in 1989. Two university student residences (Rimbrook Study Centre for women and Greywood Study Centre for men) have been used to introduce the institution and its message in the higher education sector.

Mexico

The founder of Opus Dei had a strong desire to establish the Work in the Americas. For this reason, he entrusted this task to Pedro Casciaro, who traveled to several American countries in 1948 to explore potential destinations. In early 1949, the first center was established in Mexico City, with the support of Archbishop Luis María Martínez. Shortly afterward, the apostolic work expanded to other cities such as Culiacán, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. In 1950, the first women of the Work arrived in Mexico.

Japan

In 1957, the Bishop of Osaka, Monsignor Yoshigoro Paulus Taguchi, requested the presence of the Work in his diocese. San Josemaría sent José Luis Múzquiz to assess the feasibility of the project. The established apostolic work began on November 8, 1958, with the arrival of priest José Ramón Madurga in Tokyo. A few months later, other members of Opus Dei arrived. In 1961, Camino was translated and published in Japanese, contributing to the spread of the Christian message in the country.

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Nigeria

The Opus Dei began its apostolic work in Nigeria in 1965, in the city of Ibadan. That year, Jeremy White, a young Englishman, and Spanish priest Joseph Gabiola, a member of Opus Dei, arrived. The first center was established near the University of Ibadan.

Puerto Rico

Opus Dei began its stable apostolic work in Puerto Rico in 1969, although some locals had encountered the Work abroad. Since the 1950s, Puerto Rican women such as Lolita Román and Diana de Guzmán were part of the Work. In 1963, Father Antonio Modesto García, a member of the Priestly Society, arrived on the island. In 1969, initiatives for university students and professionals were launched, and in 1970, the Bairá Club for young people was established. The growth led to the expansion to Ponce and the creation of centers like Guaymar and Yaurel.

In 1975, more than one hundred Puerto Ricans traveled to Caracas to meet with St. Josemaría, which greatly boosted the development of Opus Dei on the island.

Belgium

St. Josemaría personally prepared the apostolic work of Opus Dei in Belgium, visiting the country several times during his trips around Europe in the 1950s. Before the stable work began in 1965, he left numerous notes on important aspects for the future development of Opus Dei in the region. In July of that year, the first members of the Work arrived in Leuven, and in September, the first women. Soon, the apostolate expanded to other cities such as Brussels, Liège, and Ghent.

Switzerland

In 1956, two young members traveled from Italy to Switzerland to establish the first center of Opus Dei in Zurich. The founder of Opus Dei visited the country several times to prepare the way. In 1964, the women of Opus Dei also settled in Zurich, and from there, the apostolic work grew progressively. The expansion continued with the opening of centers in Fribourg (1966), Geneva (1975), Lausanne (1991), and Lugano (1997).

Over time, its message about the sanctification of work reached professionals, students, and families.

Paraguay

Opus Dei established a stable presence in Paraguay in 1962, responding to the interest of Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Martini, a close friend of Álvaro del Portillo. From the moment they arrived, the first members of the Work began their apostolic activities with university students. At the same time, the apostolic work with women grew rapidly, driven by Ana María Brun Vierci, the first Paraguayan numerary, and further strengthened by the arrival of a group of Opus Dei women in 1963.

Over the years, Opus Dei promoted various educational and social initiatives. Although St. Josemaría was never able to visit Paraguay, he continuously encouraged this growth, and his legacy remains alive in the country today.

Colombia

The apostolic work of Opus Dei in Colombia began on October 13, 1951, with the arrival of Father Teodoro Ruiz, who was followed by Father Aurelio Mota and Dr. Ángel Jolín in 1952. The following year, more members arrived, including architect Luis Borobio and law student Pepe Albedea, who, under the direction of St. Josemaría Escrivá, started activities in Bogotá and Medellín, where the first vocations emerged. In 1954, the women of Opus Dei arrived in Colombia and began their work in Bogotá. The expansion of the Work continued with the opening of centers in several cities.

St. Josemaría briefly visited Colombia in 1974, leaving a profound spiritual impact on the apostolic work in the country.

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Australia

Opus Dei arrived in Australia in May 1963, at the invitation of the Cardinal of Sydney, Norman Thomas Gilroy. Over the decades, various educational and social projects have been launched in different cities.

England

The beginnings of Opus Dei in England date back to December 28, 1946, when Juan Antonio Galárraga, a young Spaniard, arrived in London to continue his studies at the University of London. Soon after, other numeraries joined him, establishing the first center in an apartment at Rutland Court. In June 1952, the first women of Opus Dei, including Esther Toranzo and María Rivas, arrived in London to begin their apostolic work.

They settled in The Cottage, at Netherhall Gardens, where they soon helped open a university residence for international students.

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Guatemala

Opus Dei began in Guatemala in 1953 with the arrival of Spanish priests Antonio Rodríguez Pedrazuela and José María Báscones. Following St. Josemaría's advice, they made every effort to integrate into their new country, being warmly welcomed in the Santa Marta parish by Father Juan Goicolea and a group of parishioners. In 1955, the first women of the Work arrived in the country. In the following years, both men and women created initiatives for the formation and promotion of students and professionals from various backgrounds.

Czech Republic

The apostolic work of Opus Dei in the former Czechoslovakia took its first steps in 1991, expanding from Austria after the fall of communism.

Philippines

The Opus Dei arrived in the Philippines in 1964 with Bernardo Villegas and Jesús Estanislao, who had encountered the Work at Harvard. Shortly after, priests and laypeople joined, and in 1965, the apostolate with women began. Over the decades, it has promoted educational centers such as the University of Asia and the Pacific, schools like Woodrose and Southridge, and technical training programs.

Italy

The apostolate of Opus Dei in Italy began in 1942 with the arrival of José Orlandis and Salvador Canals in Rome, where they established relationships with university students and ecclesiastics during the Second World War. In 1946, Don Álvaro del Portillo joined them in Rome to help present the Work to the Vatican. Shortly after, the founder moved to the Eternal City. At the end of that same year, the first women arrived: Encarnita Ortega, Dorita Calvo, Dora del Hoyo, Julia Bustillo, and Rosalía López. The expansion to other Italian cities was driven by Saint Josemaría himself.

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Bolivia

Opus Dei has been present in Bolivia since 1978. Since then, in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and other cities across the country, its members have promoted various social and educational initiatives.

Canada

The beginning of Opus Dei's established apostolic work in Canada was solidified with the arrival of Juan Manuel Martín in 1957. After being welcomed by Cardinal Léger, he established the first residence in Montreal. In the following years, other members joined this effort, expanding the presence of the Work to other cities such as Quebec and Toronto. In 1959, the work with women began with the arrival of the first numeraries, establishing the Montboisé residence.

Peru

In 1953, Father Manuel Botas arrived in Peru. A year later, three young Spanish women began the apostolic work of Opus Dei with women in Lima. Gradually, various initiatives emerged, such as formation centers, university residences, and educational and social projects in different regions of the country. St. Josemaría Escrivá visited Peru in 1974 and left a profound spiritual mark. Today, the Work remains present in several Peruvian cities, promoting sanctification in daily life through work and service to others.

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Costa Rica

Costa Rica was the third country in Central America where Opus Dei established its presence in 1959, after Guatemala and El Salvador. The Archbishop of San José, Monsignor Rubén Odio, had encountered the Work in Guatemala and welcomed the arrival of priests Antonio Rodríguez and José Luis Masot, although he passed away suddenly just days later. In 1960, the first women of Opus Dei arrived and began various apostolic initiatives, including the Veragua house.

Congo

Invited by Cardinal Joseph-Albert Malula and other bishops of the country, some members of the Work arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1980. Almost ten years later, in 1989, Blessed Álvaro del Portillo made a pastoral visit to strengthen the apostolic work in the country.

Austria

The work of Opus Dei in Austria began in 1957, after its founder visited Vienna in 1955 to pray and study the possibility of starting the mission there. He considered Austria as a gateway to the East, at a time when communist countries were restricting religious freedom. The first members, two Spanish priests, arrived in 1957 and soon established a center in Vienna. Over the years, Opus Dei’s presence expanded to various cities through educational and pastoral initiatives.

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Argentina

Opus Dei arrived in the city of Rosario in 1950, at the request of Cardinal Antonio Caggiano. Three members of the institution came to the country to assess the environment and prepare for apostolic work. In fact, they established the first university residence in Rosario, where the first vocations soon emerged. Starting in 1952, Opus Dei expanded to Buenos Aires, and over time, centers and residences multiplied in other cities. In 1956, the women of Opus Dei opened their first center in Buenos Aires, consolidating their work in the country.

Over the decades, educational and formative initiatives have emerged. In 1974, St. Josemaría visited Argentina, leaving a significant impact on the expansion of the Work in the country.

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Venezuela

In 1951, Bartolomé Roig Amat and Rafael García-Planas arrived in Caracas to begin the work of Opus Dei in Venezuela. Three years later, in 1954, the first women of the Work arrived. From that moment, the apostolic work expanded to other cities across the country, establishing centers for education and apostolate, and encouraging the incorporation of Venezuelans. During his visits to Venezuela in the 1970s, St. Josemaría encouraged the pursuit of a more just and Christian social development, emphasizing the importance of work and unity.

Spain

On October 2, 1928, during a spiritual retreat in Madrid, Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer founded Opus Dei. In 1930, he began his work with women, and three years later, he opened the DYA Academy in Madrid, focused on the formation of university students. During the Spanish Civil War, the work of Opus Dei was interrupted, but in 1939, Escrivá resumed his expansion across Spain. In 1941, Opus Dei received its first diocesan approval, and in 1943, the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross was established.

Saint Josemaría moved his residence to Rome in 1946, and in the following years, the Holy See granted definitive pontifical approval in 1950.

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Netherlands

The established work of Opus Dei in the Netherlands began in 1959, after several previous visits by St. Josemaría, who laid the foundations for the apostolate in the country since 1955. In October 1959, Father Hermann Steinkamp arrived in Amsterdam. Starting in 1965, the first women of the Work arrived, promoting formative activities and youth centers. Despite the challenges and the secularization of the Dutch Church in the following decades, Opus Dei continued its work, expanding to other cities and contributing to the spiritual renewal of the country.

Chile

Priest Adolfo Rodríguez Vidal, welcomed by Cardinal José María Caro, arrived in Chile on March 5, 1950. He established the first university residence. Over time, the Work grew with the arrival of new priests, as well as men and women, starting in 1953. The expansion continued in cities such as Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Concepción, alongside educational and social initiatives like the University of Los Andes and technical-professional schools. A key milestone was the visit of St. Josemaría Escrivá in 1974, which gave a strong boost to the apostolic work in the country.

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Slovakia

In 1996, the first center was inaugurated in Bratislava (Slovakia), thus consolidating its presence in the region.

South Africa

During the Second Vatican Council, Cardinal Owen McCann, Archbishop of Cape Town, requested St. Josemaría to initiate the work of Opus Dei in South Africa. However, this was not possible at that time due to the founder’s decision to work with all races. With the arrival of democracy after the 1994 elections, members of Opus Dei settled in the country. In 1998, the first center was opened in Johannesburg, followed by others in Pretoria. Additionally, educational and social initiatives have emerged.

France

Paris was one of the first cities that Saint Josemaría aimed to reach with the work of Opus Dei, starting a prayer campaign in 1936. Although the Spanish Civil War and World War II delayed his plans, the first members arrived in 1947 and settled in the University City. The apostolic work was consolidated in 1953 with the opening of a center on rue du Docteur Blanche. From Paris, Opus Dei expanded to other cities such as Grenoble, Marseille, and Toulouse, spreading its apostolate throughout France.

Kenya

The arrival of Opus Dei in Kenya took place at the dawn of the country’s independence from the United Kingdom. The beginnings were marked by a desire to contribute to the education and professional development of its people. In 1957, the Apostolic Delegate of the Holy See in East Africa, Monsignor Gastone Mojaisky-Perelli, requested help from Josemaría Escrivá, who sent the first members of the Work in 1958. To provide educational opportunities for Africans, Strathmore College was founded, the first multiracial institution of higher education in the country.

In 1960, the first women of Opus Dei arrived to promote the education of young people and the empowerment of women, establishing Kianda College. Escrivá insisted that these lay-led centers be open to people of all races and beliefs, reflecting his vision of universal fraternity.

Germany

In 1952, Alfonso Par moved to Bonn to begin the apostolic work in the country. He received the support of the Cardinal of Cologne. Soon, other young people joined him to help establish a student residence. In 1956, the work with women began in Cologne with the arrival of Carmen Mouriz and Ana María Quintana, consolidating the women's apostolate. Saint Josemaría visited Germany several times.

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Ecuador

The apostolic work of Opus Dei in Quito began between 1952 and 1954, when Juan Ignacio Larrea, who had joined the Work in Rome in 1949, returned to his country. Larrea spread the message of sanctification in the midst of the world among his friends. In 1954, Father Joaquín Madoz arrived and began preaching retreat courses and talks to both men and women. Soon, vocations from both men and women emerged, and the work of Opus Dei was consolidated in Quito and Guayaquil. St. Josemaría visited Quito in 1974, leaving a strong spiritual impact on those who heard him.

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El Salvador

After the work began in Guatemala, St. Josemaría asked Pedro Casciaro to travel to El Salvador. In 1953, as soon as Casciaro arrived in San Salvador, Roberto Simán, his family, and friends helped prepare the beginnings of Opus Dei in the country. In 1958, the numerary priests José Reig and Antonio Linares arrived. The first numerary women who arrived in 1962 helped consolidate the nascent work with women.