“We met each other at the Institute – recounts Bruno – and it was Nadine who advised me to join a spiritual retreat. Through this I began to have the desire to get to know the teachings of Josemaria Escriva better.”
“I gave Bruno this advice – explains Nadine – because I had already been to the spiritual retreats offered by Opus Dei. I found them very useful so I wanted to share this experience with the one who was then my fiancé.”
Was it the beginning of a new discovery?
BRUNO: Little by little, I realized that the message of Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer was in perfect harmony with my life. I liked the idea that it was possible to sanctify oneself without isolating oneself from the world, studying, working, having fun …
NADINE: It’s beautiful being aware of one’s defects and understanding one’s own limitations. This pushes us to constantly seek dialogue with others, without feeling superior to anybody. To always strive for more is to discover God’s love, which helps us along the way of personal sanctification.
How important is it for young people to sanctify themselves in their work?
BRUNO: It is important to be able to contribute to society through one’s work. Besides, it provides opportunities to meet new friends with whom one can communicate the discovery of the love of God. Whoever has found happiness cannot keep it to himself. He should give it to others. Moreover, friendship is more beautiful when one shares such profound experiences.
NADINE: To sanctify our work also means to be available to help our companions who need it. Certain small gestures can foster friendship and open people’s hearts. In this way, our colleagues would feel like talking and confiding in us. That helps them to be more optimistic and we, in turn, discover so many good people, more than we can ever imagine.
What does being happy and having fun really mean?
NADINE: To discover the joy of the little things. It’s not necessary to allow oneself to be carried away by breathtaking experiences in order to have fun. It’s enough to have good things, simple things, valuing the poetry of daily life. For example, an excursion, an outing or a meal in the house of a friend, which gives rise to dialogue and conversation, in the true sense of the word.
Throughout his life, Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer dedicated himself a lot to the youth. What have you, personally, received from the founder of Opus Dei?
BRUNO: I often think of the first years in the history of the Work, when the Founder was surrounded by a few young men who were ready to lay down their lives and give themselves. He always challenged the youth, opening great horizons for them. For this reason, he always said: Dream and your dreams will fall short.
NADINE: Josemaria Escriva’s love for the youth is the same as what the Pope transmits: his great confidence that we young people can really be the future of the world.
Source: www.josemariaescriva.info