Saints Who Promoted Marian Devotion

Saints Who Promoted Marian Devotion:: Bishop († 1994)Feast: May 12 lessed Álvaro del Portillo

Blessed Álvaro del Portillo

Born in Madrid in 1914, Álvaro del Portillo grew up in a devout Catholic family. He became an engineer, and in 1935 joined the recently established Opus Dei. He became a dear friend of the founder, Saint Josemaría Escrivá. Escrivá told him and other members: “If you wish to imitate me in anything, imitate my love for Our Lady.”

As one of Opus Dei’s first priests, Álvaro moved to Rome and spent the next three decades supporting the community’s apostolate. He also served as a consultor for various Vatican congregations and helped to revise the Code of Canon Law. During this time, he and Josemaría found strength and solace in their practice of making mini-pilgrimages, praying the rosary while walking to Marian sites in Rome. After Josemaría’s death in 1975, Portillo decided to revisit the different paths they had taken; he counted over forty Marian sites.

As head of Opus Dei, Álvaro urged members: “Our Mother in heaven deserves all the love our poor hearts are capable of. Our Lady never forgets us…. Ask yourself: Do I try to put new love each day into my effort to stay close to Our Lady?” He became a bishop in 1991 and died three years later, just after a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Mary, our mother, we wish to console your loving heart. Help us find simple ways to honor you every day and every hour.