St. Josemaría Escrivá

June 26, 2025

St. Josemaría Escrivá was born in 1902 in Barbastro, Spain. From a young age, he sensed a call to do something great for God in ordinary life. Ordained a priest in 1925, he soon founded Opus Dei—an organization within the Church dedicated to helping lay people live holiness in their everyday work, family life, and friendships. Amid war and political upheaval, he preached that everyone, not just priests or religious, is called to sainthood. With clarity and conviction, he taught that daily tasks—done with love and intention—could be transformed into acts of prayer. St. Josemaría traveled extensively, offering spiritual direction to thousands. He died in 1975 and was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002.

Practical Lessons:

Make Your Work Prayerful: Whether you’re changing diapers, writing reports, or mowing the lawn, offer your work to God. Start each task with a small prayer and strive for excellence—not for perfection, but out of love.
Start Small and Stay Consistent: Josemaría emphasized “the little things.” Make your bed, be punctual, follow through on commitments. Small habits, done faithfully, shape strong character and holiness over time.
Be Present with People: He taught that conversations, friendships, and family dinners matter. Put away your phone, make eye contact, and truly listen to those around you—it’s one of the most loving things you can do in today’s distracted world.

Prayer:

St. Josemaría Escrivá, you taught us to find God in the ordinary and to sanctify our daily lives. Pray for us, that we may transform our work, relationships, and struggles into opportunities for grace. Help us to love deeply, live simply, and serve God with joy in every corner of life. May we seek holiness not far away, but right where we are. Amen.

Quote:

“Either we learn to find our Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or else we shall never find Him.” — St. Josemaría Escrivá