On April 21, Father Fernando Valenciano, the longest-serving member of Opus Dei worldwide, passed away in Rome at the age of 103. He had joined the prelature on December 23, 1939, nearly 87 years ago. Surrounded by the prelate of Opus Dei, Monsignor Fernando Ocáriz, and the community at Villa Tevere, the organization's headquarters in Rome, he received the last sacraments before his peaceful departure to the Father's house.
Born in Seville on February 1, 1923, Valenciano moved to Madrid to study engineering. During his time there, he lived in a student residence inspired by Saint Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei. This marked the beginning of a faith journey that would make him a pillar of the institution.
In addition to a doctorate in engineering, Valenciano earned a degree in canon law as a layperson. He worked professionally in Spain until 1961, when he was called to serve on Opus Dei's General Council, where he remained active until 1994. During this time, he worked closely with the founder and his successor, Blessed Álvaro del Portillo.
Lessons from a Life Devoted to God
In his funeral homily, Monsignor Ocáriz highlighted a lesson Valenciano learned from Saint Josemaría and Blessed Álvaro: that to enjoy the vision of God in heaven, we must seek to contemplate Him already here on earth, in the performance of our ordinary duties in the midst of the world
. This phrase encapsulates a spirituality centered on the sanctification of work and daily life.
The Bible reminds us in Colossians 3:23:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (NIV).Valenciano's life was a living testimony to this verse, as he remained dedicated to his responsibilities until his final years.
At age 70, in 1993, he was ordained a priest by Blessed Álvaro del Portillo. From then on, he ministered with devotion, hearing confessions at the Basilica of Saint Eugene in Rome and cultivating friendships that spanned generations.
A Legacy of Faithfulness to the End
According to the prelature, until age 100 Valenciano remained active and independent, attending family gatherings and formation events. For decades, his priestly work at the basilica allowed him to maintain and nurture friendships that passed from one generation to the next.
In his last three years, his physical dependence increased, but this did not affect his piety, apostolic zeal, mental clarity, or desire to make good use of time. His life is an example of aging with grace and faithfulness, as expressed in Psalm 92:14-15:
“They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming that the LORD is upright” (NIV).
His remains rest at Villa Tevere, in the crypt of the prelatic church of Saint Mary of Peace, near the remains of Saint Josemaría, Carmen Escrivá, Blessed Álvaro del Portillo, Servant of God Dora del Hoyo, Monsignor Javier Echevarría, and Rosalía López. This place serves as a reminder of a life given to the service of God and the Church.
Final Reflection
The story of Father Fernando Valenciano invites us to ask ourselves: Are we making the most of each day to serve God and others, regardless of our age or circumstances? His faithfulness to the end encourages us to persevere in faith, trusting that God sustains us at every stage of life. May his example inspire us to live with purpose and leave a legacy of love and service.
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