Francisco Botella Raduán: los años junto a san Josemaría / Francisco Botella Raduán: the years at St. Josemaría’s side

Francisco Botella Raduán (1915-1987) met St. Josemaría in 1935 and was one of the first members of Opus Dei. The purpose of this article is to present his life giving special attention to the years when he spent more time with the Founder (1935-1950). His own extensive memories have been of great help. The article has an autobiographical style. The fact that Botella recounts Escriva’s life in parallel with his own life facilitates this style. This narrative method introduces the personality of the Founder into the interior world of Francisco Botella, and gives a broader meaning to the different events of his history –studies, family, friendships, academic work, and priesthood.