The city of Zaragoza hosts the commemorative events for the centenary of the priestly ordination of Saint Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei. The event, which brought together more than 300 priests and seminarians, highlights Saint Josemaría’s deep Aragonese roots and the universal impact of his charism.

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy; the Archbishop of Zaragoza, Carlos Escribano; the Prelate of Opus Dei, Fernando Ocáriz; and historian José Luis González Gullón participated in the opening event, organized by the Alacet Priestly Library in collaboration with the CARF Foundation.

Archbishop Escribano recalled St. Josemaría’s ordination on March 28, 1925, as “a moment of grace that the Holy Spirit wished to transform into the seed of a lasting mission.” He emphasized how his spirituality continues to be “a gift for the Church and for the world,” enriching the ministry of many diocesan priests.

Priest, Man of Mercy

Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik, on his first visit to Zaragoza, emphasized, quoting Pope Francis, that “the priest is a man of mercy and compassion, close to his people and a servant of all.” He recalled that priests “are all of God and of men” and must combine their vocation with the witness of the word, the celebration of the sacraments, and charity. In the words of St. Josemaría, he affirmed that “priests are ordained, not to command, not to shine, but to give themselves.”

Prayer at St. Charles

The Prelate of Opus Dei, Fernando Ocáriz, recalled St. Josemaría’s nights of prayer at the Seminary of St. Charles and emphasized that “pastoral charity leads the priest to be a servant of all.” He especially highlighted his mission to mercifully welcome those seeking reconciliation and to reach out to those who have strayed from the faith.

The day also included the testimony of three priests with different missions: Esteban Aranaz, a missionary in China; Jorge de Salas, judicial vicar in the Diocese of Stockholm; and Antonio Cobo, a priest in the Alpujarra region of Almería.

Prayer Vigil and Commemorative Eucharist

The day concluded with a prayer vigil for priestly vocations in the church of the Royal Seminary of St. Charles Borromeo. Today, March 28, a Eucharist will be celebrated in the same church, considered the central event of the commemoration.

On Sunday, March 30, a tribute to St. Josemaría’s early ministerial steps will be held in Perdiguera. The “Replaceta de Mosén Josemaría Escrivá” (Little Square of Mosén Josemaría Escrivá) will be inaugurated, and a roundtable discussion will be held on his legacy, highlighting the continuity of his message today.