Centres set up by Cooperators

But, as I have already said, in addition to these centres directed by the Work, I am thinking of those others, much more numerous, which will be set up and directed principally by Cooperators in our apostolic action, and which will also be marvellous instruments for bringing the divine spirit of our Opus Dei to very many souls, some of them from infancy; centres which will radiate, with supernatural naturalness, the doctrine of Jesus Christ, who said of himself, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

Personal work of teaching

And I am thinking, above all, of the immense apostolic work that many of you will carry out throughout the world. As citizens, in your own right, with personal training and competence, you will hold teaching posts in state educational establishments. Today, in many countries, these are either the only ones there are, or at least are the largest and have the highest standards. You will render loyal service to the state and to the whole of civil society, contributing effectively to human progress in all areas. You will make your professional work, study and teaching, into a means for personal holiness, union with God, and contemplative life: for, “since we are led to the contemplation of God through his effects – as St Paul teaches, ‘his invisible nature... has been clearly seen in the things that have been made’ – the contemplation of those effects is the secondary object of contemplative life, insofar as from them man is led to the knowledge of God.”¹³