I am a numerary priest of Opus Dei, and for some months now I have been trying to pray Pedro's prayercard every day, asking for the Prelate of Opus Dei and for my brothers in Opus Dei who are going to be ordained priests this year. So I wasn't asking for anything for myself, nor was I expecting to receive any favours for myself.

Today I spent a good part of the morning hearing confessions. And this afternoon I spent another two hours doing so. At one point, before giving absolution I began to say instinctively and inside: 'Pedro, help me.' It was a quick way of asking him to help me pay attention to what I was about to do, and to do it with piety when saying the words and making the gestures of absolution. After a few confessions I began to notice that I was savouring the words of the sacramental formula in a way I hadn't done for a long time.

I think this is what a saint should do: give what we don't ask for and that brings us closer to God. I am happy with this grace I received because for me it also meant a gesture of friendship from Pedro, whom I have never met personally on this earth, although I had heard of him when he was still alive.

Fr V (Portugal)

12 September 2022

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