From April 23 to May 5, 2025, Opus Dei celebrates its Tenth Ordinary General Congress. With 279 congressmen from the five continents, this meeting will not only renew the offices of the General Council and the Central Advisory Board but will also delve deeper into the evangelizing mission and the adaptation of its Statutes in response to the indications of the Holy See.

The Congress, held every eight years, is a time of reflection and renewal for the members of Opus Dei. On this occasion, the central topics will revolve around the proposed modifications to the Statutes and the study of the conclusions of the Regional Assemblies held in 2024. These assemblies, under the title “Journey Toward the Centenary of the Work,” have gathered the reflections and proposals of more than 55,000 people from 70 countries, focusing on how Opus Dei can contribute to the sanctification of ordinary life in the 21st century.

A Legacy of Sanctification in Work and Daily Life

Founded by Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer in 1928, Opus Dei has been a pioneer in promoting the sanctification of work and daily activities. Its mission, as defined by its founder, is “to seek holiness in the ordinary circumstances of life,” a message that continues to resonate in the lives of its 94,450 members and in the countless people who participate in its Christian formation activities.

The 2025 Congress will be an opportunity to reaffirm this charism and adapt it to contemporary challenges. As Bishop Fernando Ocáriz, Prelate of Opus Dei, noted in a recent interview: “Opus Dei inspires the encounter with Christ in work, family life, and in ordinary daily activities. This Congress will be a time to delve deeper into how to live and transmit this message in today’s world.”

A Focus on Formation and the Apostolate

One of the focuses of the Congress will be a study of the conclusions of the Regional Assemblies, which have highlighted the importance of integral formation, family, and personal apostolate. These conclusions underscore the need for members of Opus Dei to be “light and salt” in their communities, bringing the message of Christ through their example and their work.

In addition, the Congress will address the adaptation of the Statutes of Opus Dei, a process requested by the Holy See through the motu proprio Ad charisma tuendum. This process, which has involved experts from the Prelature and the Dicastery for the Clergy, seeks to ensure that the Statutes faithfully reflect the charism of Opus Dei and respond to the current needs of the Church.

A Future of Hope and Renewal

The Tenth Ordinary General Congress of Opus Dei is being held at a crucial moment, just a few years before the centenary of its founding in 2028. This anniversary will not only be an occasion to celebrate, but also to reaffirm Opus Dei’s commitment to its evangelizing mission. As Bishop Ocáriz noted: “We want to deepen our identity and study how the Work can contribute to the sanctification of ordinary life through its charism. This Congress is one more step on that path.”

Looking to the future, Opus Dei prepares to continue being a beacon of hope and a driving force of transformation in the lives of thousands of people. Through its message of sanctifying work and everyday life, this institution continues to inspire men and women around the world to live their faith in the ordinary circumstances of life, bringing the love of Christ to every corner of the planet.

Questions and Answers about the Tenth Ordinary General Congress of Opus Dei 2025

What is Opus Dei and what is its mission?

Opus Dei is a pastoral institution of the Catholic Church founded by Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer in 1928. Its mission is to promote the sanctification of work and everyday activities, inspiring people to live their faith in their professional, family, and social settings.

What does the Ordinary General Congress mean for Opus Dei?

The Ordinary General Congress is a crucial event held every eight years. There, members of Opus Dei meet to evaluate their evangelizing work, renew leadership positions, and discuss future directions. This year, the Congress will focus on the adaptation of the Statutes and the conclusions of the 2024 Regional Assemblies.

Why is the adaptation of the Statutes important?

The adaptation of the Statutes is essential to align the structure of Opus Dei with the indications of the Holy See, especially after the motu proprio Ad charisma tuendum. This process seeks to ensure that the Statutes faithfully reflect the charism of Opus Dei and respond to the current needs of the Church.

What topics will be discussed at the 2025 Congress?

The main topics of the 2025 Congress will be the adaptation of the Statutes of Opus Dei and the study of the conclusions of the Regional Assemblies held in 2024. These assemblies focused on how Opus Dei can contribute to the sanctification of ordinary life in the 21st century.

Who will participate in the 2025 Ordinary General Congress?

The Congress will be attended by 279 congressmen, from all five continents. These congressmen include both men and women, priests and lay people, and represent the diversity and global reach of Opus Dei.

What impact will the Congress have on the mission of Opus Dei?

The 2025 Congress will be a time of renewal and reflection for Opus Dei. It is hoped that it will deepen the institution’s charism and adapt it to contemporary challenges, reaffirming its commitment to the sanctification of work and daily life.

How is Opus Dei preparing for the centenary of its foundation in 2028?

Opus Dei is preparing for its centenary in 2028 through a series of reflections and activities that seek to reaffirm its evangelizing mission. The 2025 Congress will be an important step in this journey, as it will focus on adapting the Statutes and the conclusions of the Regional Assemblies.

What role do the Regional Assemblies play in Opus Dei?

The Regional Assemblies are meetings held every ten years in each circumscription of Opus Dei. In 2024, under the title “Journey Toward the Centenary of the Work,” these assemblies gathered reflections and proposals from more than 55,000 people from 70 countries, focusing on the sanctification of work, family life, and integral formation.

How can Opus Dei inspire today’s society?

Opus Dei can inspire today’s society through its message of sanctifying work and everyday life. By promoting the idea that ordinary life is a path to holiness, Opus Dei encourages people to live their faith in their professional and family environments, contributing to a more just and spiritually rich society.

What does Opus Dei hope for the future?

Opus Dei hopes to continue being a beacon of hope and a driving force of transformation in the lives of thousands of people. Through its message of sanctifying work and everyday life, the institution continues to inspire men and women around the world to live their faith in the ordinary circumstances of life, bringing the love of Christ to every corner of the planet.

Congress Dossier – 2025