Msgr. Ocariz briefly outlined his goals for the programs of Opus Dei. He said there needed to be many programs directed to the great challenges facing Christians and civil society. In many places young people feel "crushed, without ideals" and many times lack hope. Families too need pastoral care, as so many recent Popes have said.
"Thanks to God the prelature is working a lot to help families in different ways," he commented.
He recognized the feeling that sometimes it seems like one's work isn't accomplishing anything:
"When things are done out of love for God, to serve others, which are inseparable, nothing is lost, even if at times it seems like something is lost. Nothing is lost. We have faith that the love of God is behind every moment, every event in our lives."
He also recounted the challenges facing those in poverty or sickness.
He recounted the first time he met Pope Francis, when he was Auxiliary Bishop Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, and four years later after he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
"On both of these occasions he seemed like a very serious person, not like now, always smiling. He seemed serious, very caring, simple, educated, you could clearly see a positive interest for the people, a pastoral interest," he recounted. The Pope seemed like "a serious person who at the same time showed a big heart for the people. You could see this in just 10 minutes of being with him."
The Prelature of Opus Dei was founded in 1928 by St. Josemaria Escriva. Its spirituality emphasizes that holiness can be achieved by anyone.
Elise Harris was senior Rome correspondent for CNA from 2012 to 2018.
Kevin J. Jones is a senior staff writer with Catholic News Agency. He was a recipient of a 2014 Catholic Relief Services' Egan Journalism Fellowship.