The extraordinary life of a man who went from being a successful engineer to the priesthood and a ministry spent at the centre of some of the most momentous Church events of the twentieth century. He was present at Vatican II as a theological expert and on the death of St Josemaría Escrivá became the prelate of Opus Dei. He set a wonderful example of faithfulness to the Church combined with openness and humility.

Ethel Tolansky is former Head of French at the University of Westminster. Her research interests are Occupied France and German resistance to Hitler. Helena Scott works as research assistant at the University of Westminster and as a freelance translator.