St. Josemaría Escrivá – Founder of Opus Dei

St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, born on January 9, 1902, in Barbastro, Spain, was a Catholic priest, theologian, and the founder of Opus Dei, a Catholic organization dedicated to promoting the pursuit of holiness in everyday life.

Raised in a devout Catholic family, Escrivá developed a deep faith from an early age. He was ordained a priest in 1925 and served as a spiritual director for seminarians and laypeople. In 1928, he received a divine inspiration to establish Opus Dei, which would provide a means for people to sanctify their daily lives through their work and personal relationships.

The Work Begins

Despite facing numerous challenges and opposition, Escrivá tirelessly worked to establish and spread Opus Dei. He emphasized the universal call to holiness, teaching everyone to strive for sanctity, regardless of their profession or social status. His teachings resonated with many, and Opus Dei grew rapidly, gaining recognition from the Vatican as a personal prelature of the Catholic Church in 1982.

Escrivá’s spirituality emphasized the value of ordinary life and the integration of faith into all aspects of one’s existence. He encouraged people to seek holiness by performing their daily tasks with love and offering them to God.

“We have to be contemplative souls in the middle of the world, who strive to turn our work into prayer” is a favorite expression of his that exemplifies his work.

Finding the Extraordinary in the Ordinary

His work and family life teachings influenced countless individuals, inspiring them to find meaning and purpose in their daily routines.

Throughout his life, St. Josemaría Escrivá demonstrated a deep love for God and a commitment to serving others. He dedicated himself to the spiritual formation of his followers, guiding them toward a closer relationship with God and a greater understanding of their vocation in the world. He authored several books, including “The Way,” which has been translated into numerous languages and continues to inspire readers worldwide.

Called the “saint of the ordinary” by John Paul II, St. Josemaría Escrivá passed away on June 26, 1975.

St. Josemaría Escrivá – Pray for us!

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