BISHOP PRELATE OF OPUS DEI, JAVIER ECHEVARRÍA RODRÍGUEZ DIES IN ROME (Dec. 12, 2016)
Dear brethren in Christ, a holy man has just been called by Our Creator, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, at 9:10 pm, in Rome, Italy.
Preceded by Blessed Alvaro del Portillo as the successor of St. Josemaria, founder of Opus Dei, D. Javier, or the father, as the members of Opus Dei call him, was a holy example of piety, love for God and for Our Lady, for the Pope and the Church; of total self-giving to the service of God, the Church and all souls, to all his spiritual children in Opus Dei with concrete details and exuding with naturalness, simplicity, candor and warm humanity.
Though I am sure that he was very well-prepared to meet Our Lord, as a manifestation of our filial love and as thanksgiving for his selfless service to the Church, let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let your perpetual light shine upon him.
Lord, welcome into your presence your son, Javier, whom you have called from this life. Release him from all his sins, bless him with eternal light and peace, raise him up to live forever with all your saints in the glory of the resurrection. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
May his soul and all those of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Father, I am greatly indebted to you, for administering me the Sacrament of Orders, for the concrete details of affection during our informal family get-togethers, and for all the advice you gave me in our conversation before leaving Rome for Spain in 2001.
Father, pray for us your children in Opus Dei, for the Holy Father, for the Church and the entire world, as what you have always taught us, imitating the example of our beloved founder St. Josemaria. Pray for the sanctity, apostolic zeal and fidelity of all who have received their particular vocation from God. We will miss you!
Thank you once again and a big, strong filial hug!