0626 St Josemaria Escriva 2p LETTER R1R 20260225St. Josemaria Escriva was born in Barbastro, Spain, on January 9, 1902. He was ordained to the priesthood in Zaragoza, Spain on March 28, 1925. On October 2, 1928, by divine inspiration, he founded Opus Dei—a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church that fosters among Christians the search for holiness in the world, especially in the ordinary circumstances of life and the sanctification of work. Speaking about his own life, St. Josemaria explained that, “the life of a man who lives by faith will always be the story of the mercies of God. At some moments the story may perhaps be difficult to read, because everything can seem useless and even a failure. But at other times Our Lord lets one see how the fruit abounds and then it is natural for one’s soul to break out in thanksgiving” On June 26, 1975, he died suddenly in Rome after a final affectionate glance at a picture of Our Lady in the room where he worked. Pope St. John Paul II canonized St. Josemaria in Rome on October 6, 2002. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 26.
St Josemaria Escriva – June 26th
St Josemaria Escriva
“God doesn’t ask for our ability or our inability, but our availability.”
“Don’t be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy.”
“To love God is something great and extraordinary, and to realize this is the most beautiful thing in life.”
“We must build and not destroy. We want to love, not hate. We want to create, not kill.”
“Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
June 26
ST. JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA
St. Josemaria Escriva was born in Barbastro, Spain, on January 9, 1902. He was ordained to the priesthood in Zaragoza, Spain on March 28, 1925. On October 2, 1928, by divine inspiration, he founded Opus Dei—a Personal Prelature of the Catholic Church that fosters among Christians the search for holiness in the world, especially in the ordinary circumstances of life and the sanctification of work. On June 26, 1975, he died suddenly in Rome after a final affectionate glance at a picture of Our Lady in the room where he worked. Pope St. John Paul II canonized St. Josemaria in Rome on October 6, 2002. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 26.
Speaking about his own life, St. Josemaria explained that, “the life of a man who lives by faith will always be the story of the mercies of God. At some moments the story may perhaps be difficult to read, because everything can seem useless and even a failure. But at other times Our Lord lets one see how the fruit abounds and then it is natural for one’s soul to break out in thanksgiving” (Conversations, no. 72).
The life of St. Josemaria Escriva, priest and founder of Opus Dei, was a life of faith, a life holy and full of God—a life dedicated to doing God’s will and bringing to the world the message God entrusted to him: “Sanctity is not for a privileged few. The Lord calls all of us. He expects love from all of us—from everyone, wherever they are; from everyone, whatever their state in life, their profession or job. For the daily life we live, apparently so ordinary, can be a path to sanctity: it is not necessary to abandon one’s place in the world in order to search for God…because all the paths of the earth can be the occasion for an encounter with Christ” (Letter 24-III-1930, no. 2).
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Prayer for Saint Josemaría’s intercession.
O God, through the mediation of Mary our Mother, you granted your priest St. Josemaría countless graces, choosing him as a most faithful instrument to found Opus Dei, a way of sanctification in daily work and in the fulfillment of the Christian’s ordinary duties. Grant that I too may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life into occasions of loving You and serving the Church, the Pope and all souls with joy and simplicity, lighting up the pathways of this earth with faith and love. Deign to grant me, through the intercession of St. Josemaría, the favor of … (make your request). Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be to the Father.
Saint Josemaría Escrivá
Saint Josemaría Escrivá is remembered as the “saint of ordinary life” because he taught that every Christian can become holy through faithful performance of everyday duties, prayer, and service to others. He was a Spanish Catholic priest and the founder of Opus Dei.
Basic Information
Full Name: José María Julián Mariano Escrivá de Balaguer
Common Name: Saint Josemaría Escrivá
Born: 9 January 1902
Place of Birth: Barbastro
Died: He died of natural causes in Rome on the 26th of June 1975 at the age of 73.
Nationality: Spanish
Occupation: Catholic priest, spiritual writer, founder of Opus Dei
Why Is Saint Josemaría Important?
Saint Josemaría is best known for teaching that every person is called to holiness, not only priests and religious.
He emphasized that ordinary daily work—whether as a teacher, farmer, engineer, student, parent, or businessperson—can become a path to sanctity when done with love for God and service to others.
In 1928, he founded Opus Dei, an institution of the Catholic Church dedicated to helping people seek holiness in everyday life.
His teachings greatly influenced Catholic spirituality in the 20th century.
Beatification and Canonization
He was beatified on the 17th of May 1992 by Pope John Paul II and canonized on the 6th of October 2002 by Pope John Paul II.
He is officially recognized as a saint of the Catholic Church.
Feast Day
The Church celebrates his feast on the anniversary of his death which is 26th of June
Patronage
Unlike some saints, Saint Josemaría does not have a universally designated patronage over a country or profession. However, he is especially associated with:
- Ordinary workers
- Professionals
- Students
- Families
- Lay Catholics seeking holiness in daily life
- The apostolate of work
- Members and cooperators of Opus Dei
Famous Quotes
Some of Saint Josemaría’s best-known sayings include:
- “Don’t let your life be sterile. Be useful. Blaze a trail.”
- “Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him.”
- “Sanctify your work. Sanctify yourself in your work. Sanctify others through your work.”
- “Dream, and your dreams will fall short.”
- “To begin is for everyone. To persevere is for saints.”
- “An hour of study, for a modern apostle, is an hour of prayer.”
Important Writings
Saint Josemaría wrote several influential spiritual books, including:
- The Way
- Furrow
- The Forge
- Christ Is Passing By
- Friends of God
Other Important Facts
1. Founder of Opus Dei: On 2 October 1928, he founded Opus Dei after receiving what he understood as divine inspiration concerning its mission.
2. Taught Holiness Through Ordinary Life: His central message was revolutionary for many Catholics of his time: holiness is achievable in everyday occupations and family life.
3. Lived Through Difficult Times: He ministered during the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War and faced significant challenges while protecting his priestly ministry.
4. Worldwide Influence: Today, Opus Dei operates in many countries and has inspired millions of Catholics to integrate faith into their daily work and family responsibilities.
5. Deep Devotion to Mary: Saint Josemaría had a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and frequently encouraged praying the Rosary.
6. Rapid Canonization: His cause for sainthood advanced relatively quickly due to the widespread reputation for holiness that surrounded his life and teachings.
His spirituality emphasized:
- Holiness in daily work
- Professional excellence
- Prayer in ordinary life
- Service to others
- Love for the Eucharist
- Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Christian family life
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