Paul KeenanThe Vatican has announced that the beatification of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo, first successor to Opus Dei founder St Josemaria Escrivá. The late prelate, who led Opus Dei form 1975 until 1994 will be beatified in Madrid, Spain, this September 27 during a ceremony presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of the Saints.
Alvaro del Portillo was born in Madrid in 1914. He joined Opus Dei in 1935 and was ordained in 1944, later moving to Rome to continue his ministry in 1946.