June 26: Saint JosemarÃa Escrivá
Born: January 9, 1902, Barbastro, Spain
Died: June 26, 1975, Rome, Italy
Nationality: Spanish
Vocation / State: Priest, founder
Attributes: Priest's attire, rosary
Patronage: Opus Dei; people with diabetes
Canonization: October 6, 2002, by Pope St. John Paul II
St. JosemarÃa Escrivá believed that every person is called to become a saint. He spent his priesthood encouraging ordinary men and women to discover that everyday life can become a path to holiness.
Born in Spain, JosemarÃa grew up in a devout Catholic family and experienced both suffering and uncertainty from an early age. As a young man, he sensed God was calling him to something greater, a call that eventually led him to the priesthood. After his ordination in 1925, he devoted himself to pastoral ministry, serving the poor, the sick, families, workers, and students.
During a retreat in 1928, JosemarÃa received the inspiration to found Opus Dei, an apostolate that encourages Christians to seek holiness through their everyday responsibilities. He taught that work, family life, and ordinary duties could all become opportunities to grow closer to Christ when offered to God with love.
Throughout his priesthood, JosemarÃa reminded people that every honest task, no matter how ordinary, could become an act of prayer and service. His message inspired countless men and women to see that faith is not confined to Sunday worship but is meant to shape every part of daily life.
St. JosemarÃa reminds us that holiness often begins in the ordinary moments of life. Whether at home, at work, or in our communities, every task can become an opportunity to love God and serve others when it is offered to Him with faith.
St. JosemarÃa Escrivá, pray for us!