EUROPE/ITALY - Cause for the beatification of Opus Dei Prelate Alvaro del Portillo: opening diocesan stage in Rome Cardinal Ruini said: “An exemplary Bishop of extraordinary spiritual depth ”.

Saturday, 6 March 2004

Rome (Fides Service) - On 5 March in the Hall of the Conciliation at the Lateran Palace, in the Vicariate of Rome, Cardinal Camillo Ruini presided the opening session of the Ecclesiastic Court of the Vicariate of Rome for the cause for the Beatification of Bishop Álvaro del Portillo, prelate of Opus Dei (Madrid 1914 - Rome 1994). “The frequent opportunities I had to meet Bishop del Portillo - the Cardinal said - impressed on my mind that I was meeting an exemplary Bishop”. And he added “his unswerving adhesion to the doctrine of the Church, unity with the Pope, pastoral charity, humility and balance, revealed extraordinary spiritual depth”.
Giving a biographical profile of Bishop del Portillo, Cardinal Ruini said “profound pastoral experience at the side of Saint Josemaría, his proven human qualities and theological and juridical competence rendered him suited for many duties”. Then he emphasised “his long and varied activity at the service of the Apostolic See”. “Very relevant also - he added - his commitment to promoting unity of culture and faith” and his contributions to the theology of the laity and the priesthood.
Cardinal Ruini said that “many members of the ecclesiastical hierarchy and the people of God” have advocated “the prompt opening of this cause of canonisation”. We already have “numerous testimonies from people who knew him including many cardinals and bishops”. He also mentioned thousands of spiritual and material favours and unexpected healing, attributed to the intercession of Father Álvaro which demonstrate “widespread private devotion to the Servant of God”.
The Cardinal’s address was followed by a formal request by the postulator Monsignor Flavio Capucci for the opening of the diocesan inquiry. After Cardinal Ruini had confirmed the appointment of the Court, its members and the postulate were sworn in. Those present included friends of Bishop del Portillo, members and friends of the Prelature, as well as the successor of Rev. Álvaro, as Opus Dei Prelate Bishop Javier Echevarría.
Álvaro del Portillo is the seventh member of Opus Dei for whom a cause for beatification has been opened. For more information www.opusdei.org (Sezione “don Álvaro”) (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 6/3/2004 - Righe 27; Parole 387)


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