Requiem Masses a month after the death of the late Prelate of Opus Dei, bishop Javier Echevarria, were celebrated by Mgr. Nicholas Morrish in London. Several hundred people attended each Mass.

In his homily Mgr. Morrish recounted various memories of bishop Echevarria, who had visited London four times since becoming Prelate in 1994.

“It is very significant that the Prelate of Opus Dei is referred to, at least by the faithful of the Prelature, as the Father,” said Fr Nicholas. And he added, “This is something which the founder wanted, and through the goodness of God this is not simply a title – both blessed Alvaro and bishop Javier have been very fatherly.”

Mgr Morrish highlighted how the Father came to London when the previous Regional Vicar, Mgr Philip Sherrington, died in a hiking accident in Ireland in 1995, in order to be with his children in London at a difficult moment. Bishop Javier decided to celebrate the funeral and preach the homily himself in English for the sake of the people attending. Mgr Morrish also gave examples of the Father’s capacity for work witnessed during short trips to London.

At the end of the Mass Mgr Morrish asked us to pray for the elective congress which will take place in Rome starting on 21 January, to elect the new Prelate for Opus Dei.