On January 9, 2001, a year from the 100th anniversary of the birth of Opus Dei’s founder, Bishop Javier Echevarría established in Rome an institute to promote historical studies of Blessed Josemaria’s life, as well as theological, canonical and other studies of his spirit and teachings and of the apostolic undertakings born of his direct or indirect impulse. Known as the Josemaria Escriva Historical Institute, it will also begin preparing a critical editions of all his writings.

Monsignor José Luis Illanes will be the director of this international research center, assisted by Fathers Joaquin Fernandez Monistrol and Carlo Pioppi. An advisory board has also been established, made up of wide-ranging specialists from various countries.