Description
Letter 29. On the Work of St. Gabriel
Book Summary
In this work, Josemaría Escrivá sets out the foundation and mission of the apostolate of St. Gabriel, one of the most extensive branches of Opus Dei. Addressed to people who have passed their youth and, for the most part, are called to marriage, Letter 29 highlights the role of supernumeraries as ordinary Christians called to sanctify their daily lives. The reader will find a spiritual guide that underscores the universality of the call to holiness and the ability to influence the world from any social condition, without borders or limitations.
What is it about?
Letter 29 focuses on the Work of St. Gabriel, an apostolate of Opus Dei aimed at people who have passed their youth and who, generally, follow the path of marriage. Escrivá describes supernumeraries as men and women of all classes and social conditions, called to live their faith in the midst of the world. The text develops the idea of an apostolate without borders, compared to a sea without shores, where each person can exert a Christian influence on their family, work, and social environment. It is a reflection on the lay vocation and the sanctification of daily life.
Main themes
- Vocation and mission of supernumeraries in Opus Dei.
- Sanctification of ordinary life and marriage as a path to holiness.
- Lay apostolate without borders, adapted to every social condition.
- Christian influence in the family, work, and social environment.
- Universality of the call to holiness beyond youth.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at people interested in the spirituality of Opus Dei, especially those who wish to understand the role of supernumeraries and the lay vocation. It is also recommended for readers seeking a reflection on the sanctification of marriage and daily life, as well as those who want to know Josemaría Escrivá's thinking on the apostolate in adulthood.
What this book provides
- A clear and well-founded vision of the Work of St. Gabriel and its relevance within Opus Dei.
- Spiritual guidance for adults called to live Christianity in marriage and social life.
- A reflection on how to exert a Christian influence on one's environment without needing to leave ordinary life.
- Deepening of the concept of the lay apostolate as a sea without shores, accessible to all.
- Direct access to an original letter by Josemaría Escrivá, contextualized by a note from Luis Cano.
Technical specifications
- Author: ESCRIVA DE BALAGUER, JOSEMARIA
- Publisher: EDICIONES RIALP S.A.
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: CHRISTIANITY
- Collection: BOOKS BY JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA DE BALAGUER
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: February 2024
- Number of pages: 110
- Weight: 93 g
Editorial assessment
This letter offers a unique perspective on a specific aspect of Opus Dei, being of great value to scholars of Josemaría Escrivá's work and to those who seek a lay spirituality rooted in daily life. Its brevity and direct focus make it an accessible read, while its theological and pastoral content establishes it as a reference text within the collection. Recommended for an audience interested in Christianity lived from maturity and family commitment.