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 Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer Scott 1252 (2003) Josemaria Escriva was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest who founded the religious organization Opus Dei. His feast day is celebrated on June 26, the anniversary of his death in 1975. He was beatified on May 17, 1992, and canonized on October 6, 2002, both by Pope John Paul II. The stamp above was issued to commemorate the canonization. Born in Barbastro, Spain, on January 9, 1902, Escriva was raised in a devout Catholic family and was imbued with faith and Christian values. Educated in Spain, he was ordained a priest in 1925 and went on to earn a doctorate at the Lateran in Rome. His clerical work brought him into contact with people from all walks of life, although he focused on children, the sick and the poor among those he served. In 1928, while on a spiritual retreat in Madrid, Escrivá experienced a "divine inspiration", leading him to found Opus Dei. The first Opus Dei center opened in Madrid in 1933. The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 drove Escriva and the movement underground due to the violent repression of Catholic clergy, evidenced by the destruction of churches and religious buildings and the murder of many priests and religious across the country. Despite the obstacles that delayed the expansion of Opus Dei to other countries, it blossomed following World War II, and today boasts membership in the millions around the world. Opus Dei is an organization that includes both lay people and clergy and is founded on the belief that everyone is called to holiness by God and, moreover, ordinary life can lead to sanctity. Escriva is best known for his publication The Way, which has been translated into many languages. An understanding of his philosophy can be seen in the following quotations: “Your ordinary contact with God takes place where your fellow men, your yearnings, your work, and your affection are. There you have your daily encounter with Christ.”And: “We have to be contemplative souls in the middle of the world, who strive to turn our work into prayer. Married people, single people, workers, intellectuals, farmers…right where they are can and should be good children of God.”For some, Opus Dei is controversial. Much of the controversy has to do with the secrecy of the order and charges of its support for right-wing political causes, such as the Franco regime in Spain (which ended in 1975). However, its precepts have been endorsed by Popes John Paul I, St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. Escriva has been called the "saint of ordinary life.” He said spirituality can be found in everyday life and that holiness is present in everyday circumstances for all peoples and races. A look at his life and teachings are presented in a video from the Opus Dei website, which can be accessed from the link in the references. REFERENCES: |
