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The present prelate of Opus Dei was born in Madrid on June 14, 1932. He holds doctorates in both civil and canon law. He worked closely with St. Josemaría as his personal secretary from 1953 until the latter's death in 1975. Javier Echevarria was ordained priest on August 7, 1955, and joined the General Council of Opus Dei in 1966.

 

In 1975, when Álvaro del Portillo succeeded St. Josemaría as head of Opus Dei, Javier Echevarria was appointed secretary general, a position hitherto occupied by del Portillo. In 1982, when Opus Dei was established as a personal prelature, he became its vicar general. Bishop Echevarria has been a consultant to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints since 1981, and a consultant to the Congregation for the Clergy since 1995. His election and his appointment by John Paul II as prelate of Opus Dei took place on April 20, 1994. The Pope ordained him bishop on January 6, 1995, in St. Peter's Basilica.