Romana

“Since his days as a young priest, Josemaría Escrivá gave himself, generously and untiringly, to the integral formation and spiritual attention of children and young people. He dedicated thousands of joyful and self-sacrificing hours to working with children and adolescents in the poorest neighborhoods of Madrid.” These are words spoken by the Regional Vicar of Opus Dei in Brazil, Msgr. Vicente Ancona Lopez, during the July 1 ceremony inaugurating the Msgr. Josemaría Escrivá school in Londrina, the most important city in the northern part of the state of Paraná.

Attending the inauguration were many dignitaries, including the Governor of the State of Paraná, the Mayor of Londrina, council members and other civil, military and religious authorities. In their addresses, many references were made to the importance of Saint Josemaría as a model and intercessor for young people.

The Governor of Paraná, who officially inaugurated the school, said that the students were very fortunate to have the opportunity to study in a school with such a patron. “I want to express my gratitude for the presence of all the authorities, parents, and teachers gathered here. Following the example that we see in Msgr. Escriva’s life,” she continued, “all of us here can be sowers of a new seed, a seed that is already beginning to bloom in these students, who show a great desire to learn and to become better persons, attaining their true dignity.”

The mayor, Nedson Michelletti, emphasized the special opportunity that all the teachers, staff and students at the school will have "to get to know the life of Msgr. Escriva more deeply,” assuring them that “they will certainly grow to admire him more and more.” “I pray that Josemaria Escriva will intercede before God for our city, for the teachers and staff, and for all the young people who will pass through the halls of this school.”

The school, located in a working class neighborhood, has about 400 students, from 7 to 14 years of age.