Romana

On Monday, September 25, the Archdiocese of Guadalajara (Mexico) solemnly opened the diocesan process for the cause of canonization of Arturo Alvarez Ramírez, a layman, engineer and Associate faithful of Opus Dei.

Cardinal José Francisco Robles Ortega promulgated an edict announcing the opening of the diocesan process of canonization and encouraging those who knew Arturo Alvarez Ramírez to provide testimony about his life and virtues.

For this purpose, a diocesan tribunal was formed, composed of a delegate judge, Fr. Antonio Bañales; a promoter of justice, Fr. Francisco Javier Sánchez Camacho; and a secretary-notary, María del Rosario Pía Sifuentes Gómez.

Arturo Alvarez Ramírez died on November 28, 1992, with a reputation for holiness. He was a professor of Chemistry at the University of Guadalajara for more than thirty years.

He became acquainted with Opus Dei in 1963 and joined definitively as an Associate in 1974. He had the opportunity to meet St. Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, in Rome, and also Blessed Alvaro del Portillo, who helped him realize that he could bring God to others through his work.

He was a person with a great love for God, a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist and an eagerness to do God’s will. He had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the advocation of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

With God’s help, he struggled to grow in the Christian virtues. He was punctual, orderly, dedicated to his work and ready to listen and give advice to all who approached him. Everyone who came close to him sensed his real concern for them. He always encouraged his friends to grow in their friendship with Christ and to go to the sacrament of confession.

Arturo tried to keep up a constant dialogue with God and to develop strong Christian friendships. He gave his classes with joy and loved to sing popular Mexican songs. He was concerned to see his students grow in many areas and had a real affection for them.

Arturo Alvarez (“El Inge,” as his students called him) was a true teacher who, with his humility and wise pedagogy, encouraged others to come closer to God. Thanks to his deep inner life and joy, his impact on others reached far beyond the classroom walls.