Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer
Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albá (January 9, 1902 – June 26, 1975) was a Spanish Catholic priest and founder of the Opus Dei movement. On October 6, 2002, he was canonized by Pope John Paul II, who declared Saint Josemaría as "counted among the great witnesses of Christianity."
Escrivá de Balaguer was born in Barbastro, Spain in 1902 and ordained to the priesthood in 1925. On October 2, 1928, Escrivá founded Opus Dei as a new lay movement through which Catholics might learn to sanctify themselves without abandoning secular life.
Roman Catholic Cardinals spoke highly of his influence in the Catholic world. The majority of the approximately 90,000 members of Opus Dei are lay people. They lead traditional family lives and have secular careers. Opus Dei has members in more than 80 different countries.
Since 1944 Escrivá suffered from an acute form of diabetes. He died in Rome on June 26, 1975.
The mortal remains of Saint Josemaría Escrivá are contained in a casket located beneath the altar of the Church of Our Lady of Peace, in Rome.
"St. Josemaría was chosen by the Lord to proclaim the universal call to holiness and to indicate that everyday life, its customary activities, are a path towards holiness". John Paul II.
Writings
- The Way.
- The Forge
- Furrow
- Friends of God
- Conversations with Monsignor Josemaría Escrivá.
You don't know how to pray? Put yourself in the presence of God, and as soon as you have said, "Lord, I don't know how to pray!" you can be sure you've already begun. The Way, 90.
