80 Years

14 February 1930 to 14 February 2010, that's eighty years since Opus Dei started imparting Christian formation to women from all walks of life, helping them find God in their daily lives and in their ordinary work. Below is an excerpt from the letter of Opus Dei's Prelate, Bishop Javier Echevarria, written this month:

We have come a long way in the past eighty years, thanks to the efforts of countless people who have contributed to ensuring that the dignity of women, their equal rights and duties with men, is recognized, also in civil laws. Among these people, it is only right to recognize, a special role was played by St. Josemaría, who from the first moment encouraged his daughters, and the women who drew close to the Work, to attain the highest goals possible, in the most varied sectors of human activity. I recall many specific events in this regard: from the strength with which he encouraged those who had the required intellectual conditions to aim high in their professional life (in the fields of culture, science, etc.), to his effort, equally great, to ensure that the immense service women render to society in other areas of work also be recognized.

In the continuation of his letter, Bishop Javier points out something that explains this anniversary's particular importance for Anihan and the other schools established by the Foundation for Professional Training, Inc. (FPTI):

It was due to his direct urging, for example, that many educational institutions dedicated to preparing young women professionally for work in the home were begun all over the world, so that these tasks would receive the recognition they merit, both in civil laws and in society. (Read more)

The services rendered in hotels, restaurants and other similar food establishments are rated, together with the professional efficiency with which it is carried out, for creating that special ambience of being a home away from home.

With the inspiration given by St. Josemaría, Anihan will continue to contribute to nation-building by helping women develop their talents and capabilities in the areas of food service and home-related courses. Thus empowered, they will, in turn, contribute greatly in their own spheres to the humanization and progress of our society.

Here's to another 80 years and more!


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FPTI (Foundation for Professional Training, Inc.)
BCPD (Banilad Center for Professional Development)
Punlaan School