Saint Josemaria Escrivá

Saint Josemaría Escrivá is known as the founder of Opus Dei, a group in the Catholic Church that helps people grow closer to God through daily work. He is often called “the saint of ordinary life” because he taught that everyday things—like work, chores, and family life—can be paths to holiness. His full name was Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, but most people simply call him Saint Josemaría.

He was born in the early 20th century, a time when the Church was facing many changes. People were starting to ask how to live their faith not only in church, but also in jobs, schools, and homes. Saint Josemaría gave an answer that many people needed. He said you don’t need to be a priest or a nun to be close to God. Anyone can be holy by doing simple things well, with love for God.

His message was new in some ways, but also very old. Jesus himself lived most of his life doing simple work in a carpenter’s shop. Saint Josemaría reminded people that Jesus showed us how to live with love and purpose in the middle of the world.

Many people were touched by his words and example. His writings, such as The Way, reached people in many countries. He was not a flashy speaker. He was gentle, clear, and full of faith. He helped people see that God is near in every moment.

Saint Josemaría’s life shows that even in busy, noisy, and modern times, it is still possible to live a life close to God. His feast day is June 26, and people around the world remember him on that day.

Josemaría Escrivá was born on January 9, 1902, in Barbastro, a small town in northern Spain. His family was Catholic and worked hard to make a living. He had several siblings, but sadly, many of them died when they were young. This left a mark on him, and from an early age, he learned that life is full of both joy and loss.

As a boy, he was friendly and serious. He enjoyed school and helped out at home. When he was around sixteen, he saw the footprints of a barefoot monk in the snow. This moment moved him deeply. He began to feel that God was calling him to do something special with his life, though he didn’t yet know what it would be.

His family later moved to the city of Logroño after his father’s business failed. Times were hard, but Josemaría kept studying and praying. He started to think more about the priesthood. After finishing school, he entered the seminary and was ordained a priest in 1925.

Even as a young priest, he knew he was called to more than just leading a parish. He felt that God had a plan for him, something that would help many people. He prayed often and asked God to show him what to do. He didn’t rush. He waited and listened.

These early years shaped who he became. He learned patience, trust, and faith through loss, struggle, and prayer. His quiet start in life helped him understand regular people, which later became a key part of his message.

On October 2, 1928, during a time of prayer, Josemaría felt God was showing him something new. He understood that God was calling him to start a new work in the Church. This would be a group that helped ordinary people find God in their everyday lives. He called it Opus Dei, which means “Work of God” in Latin.

The idea was simple but powerful. You don’t have to leave the world to be holy. You can stay in your job, care for your family, study, or do business—and still grow close to God. What matters is how you do it. Do your work well, offer it to God, and treat people with love and respect.

At first, not many people understood his idea. Some thought holiness was only for priests, monks, and nuns. But Josemaría was patient. He met with people one at a time, taught them to pray, and encouraged them to take their faith seriously in daily life.

These were not easy years. Spain was going through hard times. There was political unrest, and later, a civil war. Josemaría had to move often. At times, he had to hide because of the danger. But he kept going. He trusted that God would help him continue the work.

Opus Dei slowly began to grow. First in Spain, then in other countries. Both men and women joined. Some were married, some were single, and a few were priests. Josemaría helped each of them see that their daily tasks were a way to serve God.

Josemaría’s message was clear. Holiness is for everyone. Not just the few. Not just on Sundays. He said, “There is something holy, something great, hidden in the most ordinary situations, and it is up to each of you to find it.” These words became the heart of his mission.

He wrote many short, simple teachings to help people live this out. One of his most famous books is The Way. It is full of short thoughts that guide people in prayer, work, and daily life. The book has been printed in many languages and read by millions.

He also taught people how to pray in simple ways. He encouraged regular confession, daily Mass when possible, and time set aside for quiet prayer. But he never forced. He invited. He walked with people and helped them take small steps toward God.

Josemaría was joyful, even when tired or sick. He smiled often and treated people with kindness. He didn’t try to be famous. He just wanted to do God’s will. As Opus Dei grew, he stayed focused on its mission—to bring Christ into every corner of the world through daily life.

He also worked hard to help women see their dignity and their place in the Church. From the start, Opus Dei included women in full ways. This was new at the time, and Josemaría made sure they were treated equally and given leadership roles.

By the time he died, Opus Dei had members on every continent. People in many walks of life—teachers, doctors, parents, farmers—were learning how to find God in their everyday lives, thanks to the path he had opened.

Saint Josemaría Escrivá died in Rome on June 26, 1975. He had lived a quiet but active life, helping people see that God is near in all things. After his death, many people shared stories about how his teachings had helped them live better and love God more.

The Church began to look closely at his life. People from many countries gave witness to his goodness, his faith, and his example. In 1992, Pope John Paul II declared him Blessed. Then, on October 6, 2002, he was declared a saint.

His canonization was attended by people from all over the world. Pope John Paul II said Saint Josemaría helped spread the call to holiness in every part of life. This was a message the Church needed, and it still matters today.

His feast day is celebrated on June 26, the day he died. He is remembered as the patron saint of workers and those seeking holiness in ordinary life. People pray to him for help in their jobs, families, and daily struggles.

Saint Josemaría’s life shows that we don’t need to do big or famous things to be saints. We just need to do the little things with love, faith, and care. He helped people see that work, family life, and small duties are not a waste—they are paths to God.

Even now, people around the world follow the way he taught. His books are still read, his example still followed, and his message still brings hope. Saint Josemaría reminds us that God is not far away. He is right here, in the middle of our day.

He was born in Spain in 1902. Not that long ago—telephones existed, but no internet!

He came from a big, loving Catholic family. Money was tight, but faith was strong.

He saw footprints in the snow from a barefoot monk when he was young. That moment made him think, “God wants something from me.”

He became a priest in 1925. Fancy collar, big dreams, small budget.

In 1928, he started Opus Dei, which means “Work of God.” His big idea: you can become a saint through your ordinary work. Desk job? Mop? Keyboard? Holy tools!

He said, “Your work is your prayer.” So typing a report could be like saying a rosary—if you offer it to God.

He believed in cheerful holiness. No grumpy saints allowed.

He told people to clean their shoes well. Seriously. Why? Because little things done with love matter.

He said, “Don’t say ‘I can’t’—say, ‘I don’t want to.’” Ouch. Holy truth bomb.

He liked to say, “Either we learn to find the Lord in ordinary, everyday life, or we never find Him.” So basically: holiness is hiding in your planner.

During the Spanish Civil War, being a priest was dangerous. He had to hide and escape across the mountains. Wild faith adventure!

He wrote a little book called The Way—full of short, punchy quotes. Super Catholic. Super quotable.

People loved him for being direct. He didn’t sugarcoat things. He just pointed to Jesus and said, “Follow Him—right where you are.”

He had a great laugh. Even serious saints can be joyful.

He traveled a lot, giving talks to students, workers, and business folks. He showed that anyone could live for God—anyone.

He died in 1975 at his desk—just like he taught: holiness in the middle of daily life.

He’s the patron saint of people who want to sanctify their daily work—and those who feel stuck in ordinary life.

His symbols are a pen, a desk, and sometimes a path—because he helped people walk toward God through daily things.