Pope Declares Alvaro del Portillo "Venerable"

On June 28, Benedict XVI signed a decree that recognizes the "heroic virtues" of Alvaro del Portillo, the first successor of St. Josemaría Escrivá.

2012/06/28

DOCUMENTS: Some testimonies about Bishop Alvaro del Portillo

DOCUMENTS: Brief biography of Bishop Alvaro del Portillo (1914-1994)

DOCUMENTS: Chronology of his Cause of Canonization

DOCUMENTS: Postulator speaks about Bishop Alvaro del Portillo's Cause of Canonization

On June 28, in Rome, the Pope signed a decree that recognizes the "heroic virtues" of Alvaro del Portillo. He was the first successor to St. Josemaría Escrivá, who founded Opus Dei. He was also the person who worked most closely with him.

This is an important step in his beatification process. It means that Benedict XVI recognizes that “Don Alvaro” exemplified heroic Christian virtues in his life.

The Vatican is also studying a documented miracle attributed to the intercession of Alvaro del Portillo. If approved by experts, theologians and of course the Pope, his beatification could follow.

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