In a context marked by prayer and mourning after the death of Pope Francis, the prelate of Opus Dei, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, has announced the simplification of the X Ordinary General Congress of the institution, scheduled for these weeks in Rome.
"In the midst of sorrow for the death of our beloved Pope Francis and gratitude to God for his generous witness, I am writing this message to tell you some immediate news," begins the prelate's message, released Monday.
Although the Congress was scheduled to begin this Wednesday, April 23, the proximity of its beginning and the arrival of the majority of the congress participants in Rome have led the Opus Dei leadership to modify its development. "After listening to the Central Advisory and the General Council, (...) it has been decided that the Congress will be reduced to the minimum necessary: the renewal of the positions of the General Council and the Central Advisory, which are expected to be appointed or renewed every eight years," explained Ocáriz.
Reform of the bylaws
The rest of the issues that were on the agenda, mentioned in a previous message of April 8, will be postponed. "The other issues that were to be dealt with at the Congress (...) will be studied later, since now is a time of mourning, prayer and unity with the whole Church."
These other topics refer to the reform of the statutes that Opus Dei is going to present to the Holy See and the pastoral lines that were to be proposed for the next eight years, especially in light of the proposals of the past regional work Assemblies that took place in the different countries where Opus Dei is spread.
Participation in funerals
During these days, the members of Opus Dei present in Rome will participate in the funeral rites of the Holy Father. "We will take advantage of these days to live in communion with the whole Church the mourning and funeral rites for the Holy Father. All the regions of Opus Dei will be in some way present in the Eternal City through your sisters and brothers in Congress."
The message concludes with an exhortation to prayer: "As I told you in my previous message, let us turn to Holy Mary, Mother of Hope, so that in this period of vacancy of the See she may be a consolation and guide for all in the Church."
