The work is a historical research about the years in which Opus Dei grew (1939-1940) in Spain, immediately after the Spanish Civil War. Before the Spanish Civil War started, St. Josemaría Escrivá set up a residence for students in Madrid, with the aim of imparting formation to the first members as well as to others who wished to receive such formation. However, the war interrupted that apostolic work and the residence was badly damaged during the conflict.
Immediately after the war ended, St. Josemaría returned to Madrid on the first truck that entered the liberated city. Together with those in Opus Dei who had survived the war, he started a new residence. Soon after, together with those members, he went on trips to different cities in Spain in order to talk with young men who could understand the message of Opus Dei, that of sanctifying themselves in the fulfillment of their ordinary duties.
The book chronicles those trips to Valencia, Zaragoza, Salamanca, Valladolid, and Barcelona. The author also mentions the persons who were met, providing brief biographical sketches of each. He also narrates the formative activities that St. Josemaría organized for the members during those two years. Mention is made of the different trips St. Josemaría went on to preach retreats to diocesan priests or to conduct various spiritual activities upon request of some Bishops who were his friends.
This is a historical work based on interviews with protagonists in those years, as well as the diaries compiled by the persons who went on those trips, and the diaries of the residences and centers of Opus Dei that were established in that period. It is basic research that can provide a starting point for further research.