Apostolic effectiveness of the St Raphael people

Our work with those young friends who seek to follow Christ is very effective. They move discreetly and naturally among others of their own condition, living our spirit with refinement and love, and carrying with them wherever they go the Christi bonus odor (2 Cor 2:15), the aroma of Christ. Their cooperation in the St Raphael work is a great help to the Numeraries who direct it. In general, with these friends it is not prudent to raise the possibility of a vocation as a Numerary. They themselves will bring it up, if Our Lord wants them to.

Not everyone will be faced with the problem of vocation

On the other hand, there are many young fellows for whom there will never arise the problem of their personal vocation or a dedication of any sort. They can be collaborators or simply remain good friends who willingly help us in our human and spiritual tasks.

Affection for Opus Dei

It is very moving to see how all the St Raphael boys and girls, even those who don’t receive the grace of vocation to Opus Dei, have a great affection for the Work. Over these last years there have been many cases where they have nobly spoken out to defend it and calmed the waters which some people had muddied with calumny.

Feeling a debt of loyalty and of gratitude for Opus Dei’s maternal care for them, they have been quick to refute falsehoods, because, also for them, Opus Dei is very much their own, and they have not been able to just sit back without putting the record straight.