To mark the 20th anniversary of Harambee, the Opus Dei Centenary Committee brought together professionals who, inspired by St. Josemaría Escrivá, promote social initiatives, work in public or private social organizations, or have launched projects in various fields.

It was an opportunity to reflect in a collaborative setting on their identity and purpose, their potential for raising awareness, and the importance of planning for their sustainability.

Ponentes en un panel de la conferencia BeDoCare Roma 2022

The event gave birth to what is now known as the BeDoCare Forum. These sessions were the beginning of a movement aimed at bringing together, inspiring, and supporting individuals and initiatives committed to leaving a positive mark on their communities.

BeDoCare Rome 2022

150

people involved

90

social initiatives

30

countries

See all photos on Flickr

Participants shared perspectives and experiences, focusing on three key themes:

PROMOTING SOCIAL AWARENESS

Fostering social awareness is essential for the success of initiatives. It’s important to nurture a consciousness of the realities faced by the communities served, recognizing the dignity of every individual. This includes educating in values and promoting a sustainable lifestyle, creating an atmosphere of empathy and collaboration.

REVITALIZING SOCIAL INITIATIVES

Revitalizing initiatives requires assessing their mission and how their services are received. It’s crucial to empower beneficiaries and develop a strategic plan tailored to the needs of the community. Professionalization and the exchange of best practices among organizations strengthen the impact of these initiatives.

PROJECTING THE LEGACY OF THE OPUS DEI CENTENARY

Projecting the legacy of Opus Dei in its centenary means reflecting on the impact of St. Josemaría’s message. It’s essential to focus on the identity and mission of each initiative, fostering the active role of beneficiaries. Building networks of collaboration and engaging young people will help keep the relevance of this legacy alive in today’s society.

Read the summary document

Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz's Conference at BeDoCare Rome 2022

Participant Testimonials

María Isabel Ochoa, Los Altos School

“Through social service, the students of Los Altos School are transforming lives and strengthening communities, showing that a small effort can make a big impact.”

María Isabel Ochoa, representative of Los Altos School in Jalisco, was inspired by the BeDoCare Rome conference to deepen the school’s social service efforts. Together with the Zapopan Foundation, the school works to improve the living conditions of vulnerable families affected by the pandemic.

High school students choose causes they are passionate about, and they recently built a house for a family of grandparents and their grandson. This project not only provides a home but also unites the community in fundraising, empowering students to use their talents for the benefit of others.

Alejandra Costas, Comprehensive Training Center "Painting the Future"

“The charity of Christ’s love invites us to see people with interest, as someone whom the Lord loves.”

The “Painting the Future” Comprehensive Training Center works with at-risk children, offering support to those exposed to street life, violence, and dysfunctional families. Its goal is to provide a safe space that fosters cognitive, motor, and social development, as well as value-based training, helping parents embrace their role as educators.

En 2022, tuve la oportunidad de participar en BeDoCare Roma, representando a este proyecto. Durante el encuentro, fue conmovedor ver cómo diversas realidades alrededor del mundo se unieron con el mismo propósito de difundir el amor de Dios. Escuchar las historias de otros participantes, quienes también trabajan con comunidades vulnerables, me inspiró profundamente y reafirmó mi compromiso con nuestra misión. I remembered the words of Blessed Álvaro del Portillo: “Never pass by indifferent to the suffering of others.”

Press Notes

The World We Live In...
and the One We Want to Live In

The Transformation of the Heart
as a Driver of Social Innovation