WHEN YOU'RE THE

BEST OF FRIENDS...

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:

What! You too? I thought I was the only one.

C.S. Lewis

But is friendship founded on mere coincidences?

You can't measure it in likes or group chats

He who finds a friend has found a treasure.

IT CAN'T BE BOUGHT... only searched for, found, & loved

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is one of God's greatest inventions

FRIENDSHIP

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The Prelate wrote us  a letter   all about this topic

And we could summarize his ideas in 3 words:

understanding sharing loving

3 KEY IDEAS ABOUT

UNDERSTANDING

1. There are different ways to see and approach life

2. We need to let go of our desire for comfort

3. We're trying to help others be their true selves,  just as they are

St. Josemaría Founder of Opus Dei

FRIENDSHIP LEADS US TO

SHARE

MANY MOMENTS

"Friends share their joys ... and their hopes and plans, and also their sorrows."

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"A friend is strong & sincere  in the measure  in which he  thinks generously about other people even at the cost of personal sacrifice."

St. Josemaría

this is

Pedro Ballester

a good friend to his friends

he died of cancer at 21 and had a huge effect on the lives of the people around him, especially friends and family

Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz Prelate of Opus Dei

SHOWING

LOVE

MEANS WANTING THE BEST FOR THE OTHER

1. It means looking at them affectionately and letting go of prejudices

2. It means correcting them when they've gone astray

3. It means asking for forgiveness and learning to forgive when we're hurt

WHAT DOES FRIENDSHIP LOOK LIKE?

some examples you might enjoy

"Growing in all the virtues that make living with others agreeable is important for helping people to feel welcomed and to be happy."

Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz Prealte of Opus Dei

FRIENDSHIP & FRATERNITY

ARE COMPATIBLE

Fraternal affection, which is charity, leads us on the one hand to see others through Christ’s eyes, always rediscovering their value.

HERE'S WHAT THE POPE SAYS

I HAVE CALLED YOU

FRIENDS

(Jn. 15:15)

This is what Jesus tells his apostles, and He calls us friends too. He wants to be your friend.

"Friendship multiplies our joys and offers comfort in our sorrows. A Christian’s friendship desires the greatest happiness—a relationship with Jesus Christ—for those close to him or her."

Msgr. Fernando Ocáriz Prelate of Opus Dei

Read the  full letter