The letter appears to prepare members for an impending reform of Opus Dei statutes, currently under review by the Holy See since June.
Newsroom (17/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a letter dated October 16, Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz, Prelate of Opus Dei, addressed the organization’s faithful with a message that, at first glance, reads as a spiritual reflection on fidelity and tradition. However, beneath its pastoral tone, the letter appears to prepare members for an impending reform of Opus Dei’s statutes, currently under review by the Holy See since June.
Ocáriz’s carefully chosen words, particularly the assurance that “nothing changes in the spirit or content of the norms of piety and family customs,” suggest an effort to preempt concerns about significant structural changes. While the prelate avoids explicit mention of reform, his language implies an imminent shift in Opus Dei’s juridical framework, likely involving a division into three distinct entities: the clerical prelature, the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross, and a public association of the faithful for the laity.
A Strategic Message Amid Reform
The letter’s emphasis on continuity—“nothing changes in the spirit”—is a deliberate signal, analysts suggest, that Opus Dei anticipates a transformation in its governance structure. Reports indicate that the reform, expected to be finalized soon, will significantly reduce the prelate’s authority over lay members, a change that would fundamentally alter the organization’s operational model.
Ocáriz’s message is both serene and protective, urging members to preserve “small customs” and the “family tradition” rooted in the teachings of Opus Dei’s founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá. By invoking a metaphor from Pope Benedict XVI—describing Tradition as a “living river that goes back to its origins”—Ocáriz underscores the need for spiritual resilience amid inevitable change. The subtext is clear: while Opus Dei’s legal structure may shift, its core identity must remain intact.
Timing and Context
The letter’s release, just hours after an official Opus Dei statement denying “new developments,” suggests a calculated effort to manage expectations. Ocáriz’s pastoral tone serves as a shield, preparing members for a reality the organization cannot deny. By framing the reform as secondary to spiritual fidelity, he seeks to maintain unity and obedience among the faithful as Opus Dei navigates uncharted waters.
The prelate’s call to “be faithful” echoes St. Josemaría’s exhortation, positioning members as stewards of a sacred inheritance. Yet the timing of the letter, coupled with its emphasis on continuity, betrays an acknowledgment that significant change is on the horizon.
A Broader Appeal
Beyond addressing internal reform, Ocáriz’s letter encourages members to live their vocation with “apostolic creativity” and to unite in prayer for Pope Francis and global peace. This broader focus situates Opus Dei’s challenges within the universal mission of the Church, reinforcing its commitment to serving despite internal reconfiguration.
As the Holy See finalizes its review, Ocáriz’s letter stands as both a reassurance and a rallying cry: Opus Dei may soon look different, but its essence, he insists, will endure. For now, the faithful are called to trust, adapt, and remain steadfast in their spiritual mission.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Infovaticana
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