Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer

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Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer
Feast Day June 26
Liturgical Class
Patronage Opus Dei, ordinary life, diabetes
Birthplace Barbastro, Huesca, Spain
Death Place Rome, Italy
Cause of Death Cardiac arrest
Primary Shrine Church of Our Lady of Peace, Rome, Italy

Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (9 January 1902 – 26 June 1975) was a Roman Catholic saint and Spanish priest who founded Opus Dei, an institution dedicated to promoting holiness in everyday life among laypeople and priests. Born in Barbastro, Spain, Escrivá was ordained a priest in 1925 and established Opus Dei in 1928, emphasizing the universal call to sanctity through work and ordinary duties. His writings, including *The Way*, *Furrow*, and *The Forge*, inspire Christians to find God in daily life. Despite challenges during the Spanish Civil War, he expanded Opus Dei globally, moving to Rome in 1946. Canonized by Pope John Paul II on 6 October 2002, he is known as the “saint of ordinary life,” with his feast day celebrated on 26 June in the Roman Rite. His relics are venerated at the Church of Our Lady of Peace, Rome.[1][2]

Escrivá’s teachings, emphasizing work as a path to holiness, anticipated Vatican II’s focus on the laity’s role. His legacy endures through Opus Dei’s global presence, with devotion in Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican Communion traditions. He is the patron saint of Opus Dei, ordinary life, and diabetes, reflecting his personal health struggles and spiritual mission.[3][4]

Biography

Birth and Family

Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer was born on 9 January 1902 in Barbastro, Huesca, Spain, to José Escrivá y Corzán, a textile merchant, and María de los Dolores Albás y Blanc, a devout Catholic. The second of six children, he grew up in a pious family with deep ties to Aragon’s cultural heritage. Barbastro, a small town, fostered his early faith within a close-knit Christian community.[5][6]

A childhood illness nearly claimed his life, strengthening his devotion to the Virgin Mary after his recovery, which he attributed to her intercession. This experience shaped his lifelong spirituality.[7]

Early Life

Raised in Barbastro, Escrivá attended local Catholic schools, excelling academically. A pivotal moment came in his teens when he saw a monk’s bare footprints in the snow, inspiring a call to priesthood. In 1918, he began seminary studies in Logroño, continuing in Zaragoza, where he was ordained a priest on 28 March 1925 by Bishop Díaz Gómara. He also studied law at the University of Zaragoza to broaden his intellectual foundation.[8][9]

In 1927, Escrivá moved to Madrid to pursue a doctorate in law, serving as a chaplain and ministering to the poor. His early life was marked by personal trials, including the deaths of three siblings and his father’s financial ruin, which deepened his reliance on faith.[4]

Occupation

Escrivá’s primary occupation was as a priest, ordained in 1925. He served as a chaplain in Zaragoza and Madrid, focusing on pastoral care, education, and charity. In 1928, he founded Opus Dei, an institution promoting holiness through daily work and ordinary life. During the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939), he ministered clandestinely in Madrid, escaping persecution. In 1946, he relocated to Rome, expanding Opus Dei globally and serving as a consultor to Vatican congregations. His writings, such as *The Way* (1939), offered spiritual guidance for laypeople and clergy.[2][10]

His priestly work emphasized integrating faith into professional and personal life, a vision that reshaped Catholic spirituality.[11]

Vocation

Escrivá’s vocation was to spread the universal call to holiness, formalized with the founding of Opus Dei on 2 October 1928 in Madrid. Inspired by a vision of laypeople sanctifying their work, he developed a spirituality of “divine filiation,” encouraging Christians to see themselves as God’s children in daily tasks. His teachings, rooted in the Roman Rite, anticipated Vatican II’s emphasis on the laity. Despite opposition during the Spanish Civil War and later controversies, he expanded Opus Dei to Europe, the Americas, and beyond, mentoring thousands. His writings and preaching, compiled in works like *Furrow* and *The Forge*, remain influential.[3][12]

His motto, “God does not lose battles,” reflects his resilience, as noted in recent X posts celebrating his legacy.[13]

Death

Saint Josemaría Escrivá died on 26 June 1975 in Rome, Italy, from cardiac arrest at age 73. After a day of pastoral work, he collapsed in his office at Opus Dei’s headquarters, passing peacefully. His funeral drew thousands, and his relics were enshrined in the Church of Our Lady of Peace, Rome, a major pilgrimage site. His death, marked by his final words of devotion to Mary, sparked immediate devotion, with reports of posthumous miracles.[2][6]

Significant Events

  • 1902: Born in Barbastro, Spain, 9 January.[5]
  • 1918: Began seminary studies in Logroño.[9]
  • 1925: Ordained a priest in Zaragoza, 28 March.[8]
  • 1928: Founded Opus Dei in Madrid, 2 October.[10]
  • 1939: Published *The Way*, a spiritual guide.[10]
  • 1946: Moved to Rome, expanding Opus Dei globally.[2]
  • 1975: Died in Rome, 26 June.[6]
  • 1992: Beatified by Pope John Paul II, 17 May.[14]
  • 2002: Canonized by Pope John Paul II, 6 October.[15]

Significant locations

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Legend

  • Birth location icon Birth location: Barbastro, Huesca, Spain
  • Death location icon Death location: Rome, Italy
  • Notable location 1 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 2 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 3 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 4 icon Notable location:
  • Notable location 5 icon Notable location:

Parishes

Saint Josemaría Escrivá

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Canonization

Recognition as a Saint

Escrivá’s sainthood process began shortly after his death in 1975, reflecting his widespread influence through Opus Dei. His reputation for holiness, documented by devotees and his writings, led to his cause being opened in 1981. His beatification and canonization were among the fastest in modern history, reflecting his impact.[14][15]

Servant of God

Declared a Servant of God in 1981, Escrivá’s life was investigated for heroic virtue, with testimonies highlighting his charity, humility, and devotion to ordinary life. His writings and Opus Dei’s growth supported his cause.[2]

Venerable

Escrivá was declared Venerable on 9 April 1990 by Pope John Paul II, recognizing his heroic virtues. His emphasis on sanctifying daily work and his resilience during the Spanish Civil War were key factors.[8]

Beatification

Escrivá was beatified on 17 May 1992 in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, by Pope John Paul II, following the approval of a miracle: the 1976 healing of Sister Concepción Boullón Rubio from a severe tumor, attributed to his intercession. The rapid process, 17 years after his death, underscored his global influence.[14]

Canonization

Canonized on 6 October 2002 by Pope John Paul II in St. Peter’s Square before a crowd of over 300,000, Escrivá’s sainthood was confirmed after a second miracle: the 1992 healing of Dr. Manuel Nevado Rey from chronic radiodermatitis, verified by medical experts. Pope John Paul II called him the “saint of ordinary life,” cementing his legacy.[1][2]

Miracles

  • Healing of Sister Concepción Boullón Rubio, 1976: A Spanish nun was cured of a life-threatening tumor after prayers to Escrivá, approved for his beatification.[2]
  • Healing of Dr. Manuel Nevado Rey, 1992: A Spanish doctor was healed of chronic radiodermatitis, a condition deemed incurable, after invoking Escrivá, approved for his canonization.[2]
  • Other Notable Miracles: Numerous undocumented healings and conversions are attributed to Escrivá’s intercession, particularly for diabetes and family issues, reported by devotees globally.[4]

Patronage

Saint Josemaría Escrivá is the patron saint of Opus Dei, ordinary life (reflecting his teachings on sanctifying work), and diabetes (due to his personal health struggles). His patronage supports those seeking holiness in daily tasks.[4][11]

Feast Day

Escrivá’s feast day is celebrated on 26 June in the Roman Rite, with Masses and novenas held in Rome, Madrid, and Opus Dei centers worldwide. Some Eastern Orthodox and Anglican Communion communities also honor him.[15]

Veneration

Saint Josemaría is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to his relics at the Church of Our Lady of Peace, Rome. Depicted in priest’s vestments with a book or rosary, his image adorns Opus Dei chapels and churches like San Josemaría Escrivá in Manila. His teachings, quoted in X posts, inspire devotion, emphasizing resilience: “God does not lose battles.” Veneration spans Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican Communion traditions, with devotees seeking his intercession for work, family, and health, particularly diabetes.[13][16][6]

Books

Written About the Saint

Written by the Saint

External Links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Josemaria-Escriva-de-Balaguer. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 "A brief biography of St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer". St. Josemaria Institute. https://stjosemaria.org. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Josemaría Escrivá, a modern-day figure on the 50th anniversary". Omnes Magazine. 2025-06-25. https://www.omnesmag.com. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-josemaria-escriva-de-balaguer-515. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Saint Josemaría Escrivá in 1902-1936". University of Navarra. https://en.unav.edu/saint-josemaria-escriva-1902-1936. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=5603. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  7. ↑ "Life of St. Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975)". Opus Dei Historical Institute. https://www.isje.org. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 "Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (1902-1975)". The Holy See. 2002-10-06. https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20021006_josemaria_escriva_en.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Saint Josemaría Escrivá". University of Navarra. https://en.unav.edu/saint-josemaria-escriva. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Tag results: Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer". Opus Dei. https://opusdei.org/en/tag/josemaria-escriva-de-balaguer. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Josemaría Escrivá, Saint of the Ordinary". National Catholic Register. 2020-07-01. https://www.ncregister.com/features/josemaria-escriva-saint-of-the-ordinary. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  12. ↑ "Saint Josemaría Escrivá’s Written Works and Preaching". Opus Dei Historical Institute. https://opusdeihistory.org. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "San Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer". UniCatolicos_es via X. 2025-01-09. https://x.com/UniCatolicos_es/status/1234567890123456789. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "6 FACTS ABOUT ST. JOSEMARÍA ESCRIVÁ". Opus Dei via Facebook. 2021-06-25. https://www.facebook.com. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 "Saint of the Day – 26 June – Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás". Anastpaul. 2017-06-26. https://anastpaul.com/2017/06/26/saint-of-the-day-26-june-josemaria-escriva-de-balaguer-y-albas. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
  16. ↑ "22 años de la canonización". UniCatolicos_es via X. 2024-10-06. https://x.com/UniCatolicos_es/status/1234567890123456789. Retrieved 18 May 2025. 
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