St. Josemaria Escrivá de Balaguer was born in Barbaristo, Spain, on January 9, 1902. At 16, inspired by footprints in the snow made by discalced Carmelites, he discovered his vocation. Completing his formation at the Pontifical University of Saragossa, he was ordained a priest on March 28, 1925. In 1927, while studying civil law in Madrid, he began fervently spreading religious teachings, engaging with a diverse range of people.
On October 2, 1928, during a retreat, he felt called to pursue holiness and serve others—leading to the founding of 'Opus Dei.' This organization aimed to promote the quest for holiness through daily work. Devoting himself to this mission, Josemaria encouraged a personal commitment to Christ, love of neighbor, and daily sanctification, especially during the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), where he exemplified dedication and heroism.
In 1943, inspired at Mass, he founded the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross, allowing lay members of Opus Dei to become ordained priests. In 1946, he moved to Rome to establish Opus Dei as an institute of pontifical right, emphasizing its mission in close union with the Church's hierarchy. Pope Pius XII officially recognized Opus Dei on June 16, 1950.
Despite facing financial difficulties during the expansion of Opus Dei, Josemaria's humor and love for God shone through. In 1954, he experienced a miraculous cure from diabetes. In his later years, he traveled across Europe and America, focusing on love for God, the Church, and the sacraments. His core message was to sanctify daily life. When he died of cardiac arrest on June 26, 1975, Opus Dei had over 60,000 members from 80 nationalities. St. Pope John Paul II canonized him on October 6, 2002.
St. Josemaria Escrivá de Balaguer, obtain for us the grace to fulfill our duties faithfully to sanctify our daily lives.
Jonathan Fabian Ginunggil,
Most High Servant,
Jesus, Mary, Joseph Ministry of Love (Blessed and Saints and the Nine Choirs of Angels)
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