Saint Josemaría Escrivá, founder of Opus Dei, was born in Barbastro, Spain, in 1902. From a young age, he displayed a deep love for God and a desire for holiness. After studying law, he was ordained a priest in 1925, and it was during his time in Madrid that he received the divine inspiration for Opus Dei—a movement dedicated to helping people sanctify their daily work and ordinary lives.
Josemaría understood that holiness was not reserved for monks and nuns but was attainable for everyone, regardless of their occupation or social status. He emphasized the idea of “divine filiation,” teaching that all baptized Christians are children of God and called to live lives of holiness in their everyday activities.
Despite facing opposition and misunderstanding, Josemaría remained steadfast in his mission, tirelessly spreading the message of the universal call to holiness. He encouraged people to sanctify their work by offering it up to God, seeing it as a means of fulfilling God’s will and serving others.
Throughout his life, Josemaría embodied the virtues of humility, simplicity, and charity. He lived a life of prayer and sacrifice, always seeking to imitate Christ in his thoughts, words, and actions. His deep love for the Church and unwavering fidelity to the teachings of the Magisterium earned him the admiration and respect of many.
Lessons
Lesson 1: Holiness in Everyday Life: Saint Josemaría Escrivá’s life teaches us that holiness is not confined to religious rituals or extraordinary deeds but can be found in the ordinary activities of daily life. He reminds us that we can encounter God and grow in holiness through our work, our relationships, and our everyday responsibilities.Lesson 2: Fidelity to God’s Will: Josemaría Escrivá’s unwavering commitment to his vocation and mission despite opposition and difficulties challenges us to remain faithful to God’s will in all circumstances. He teaches us the importance of trusting in God’s providence and persevering in our efforts to live according to His plan for our lives.
Prayer
O Saint Josemaría Escrivá, you who dedicated your life to spreading the message of the universal call to holiness, pray for us, that we may imitate your virtues of humility, simplicity, and charity. Help us to sanctify our daily work and activities, offering them up to God for His greater glory. Through your intercession, may we grow in holiness and strive to fulfill God’s will in all things. Amen.
Other Saints We Remember Today
Saints John and Paul (362), MartyrsSt. Pelagius (925), MartyrSt. Anthelm (1178), Bishop, Abbot
Photo by Random Institute on Unsplash
