Romana

Blessed Josemaria Escriva is no stranger to the streets of Soveria Mannelli, Italy. On February 10 a street was renamed after him. Present at the dedication were, among others, the Mayor, Mario Caligiuri, and the Bishop of Lamezia Terme, Vincenzo Rimedio.

A round-table discussion of the person and message of Opus Dei’s founder took place afterwards. Several professors joined the Bishop to address the topic, “Work and Holiness.” Soveria Mannelli is the fifth Italian city to name a street after Blessed Josemaria. The others are Rome, Bari, Palermo and Terrasini.

In the Philippines, in a suburb of Manila known as Pasig City, Amber Drive is now known as Blessed Josemaria Escriva Drive. The Deputy Mayor, Loma Angeles Bernardo, officiated at the ceremony. On the street are two undertakings promoted by the faithful of Opus Dei: the University of Asia and the Pacific, and the oratory of Sancta Maria Stella Orientis (Holy Mary Star of the East).

“The fact that many Christians with devotion to Blessed Josemaria come from throughout the Philippines to take part in liturgical events at the Star of the East oratory brings honor and standing to our beloved city,” said the Deputy Mayor. In particular she thanked the University for its pivotal role in the recent development of Pasig City. “We need institutions like this to support us continually in our efforts,” Loma Angeles said, according to The Philippine Star, a Manila newspaper reporting on the event that took place on January 12, 2001.