Sowing Love, Building a Culture of Gift | Rev. Javier Castillo at Strathmore University

At the Be Do Care Conference (Day 2) held at Strathmore University, Rev. Javier Castillo, Vicar General of Opus Dei, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Sowing Love, Reaping a Culture of Gift.” Reflecting on the legacy of St. Josemaría Escrivá, Rev. Castillo highlighted the vision behind institutions such as Strathmore and Kianda Colleges, founded in the early 1960s. He reminded the audience that these institutions were meant to be living testimonies of openness, fraternity, and service—rooted in the conviction that “we are all children of one race: the race of the children of God.” Key highlights from his message include: Family as the first school of love and forgiveness. -Work as a vocation of service to the common good. -Care as the most humanising response to fragility. Rev. Castillo emphasized that true societal transformation comes not only from structures and resources, but from the generosity and commitment of individuals who say “yes” each day to a culture of gift. Above all, he urged that authentic giving begins with listening and recognising the dignity of every person as a child of God. This talk is a call to renew society through self-giving love, building a culture of fraternity, dignity, and service.