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Saint20th century · Feast June 26

St Josemaría Escrivá

Also known as Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, Founder of Opus Dei, Saint Josemaría

Priest
Founder of Opus Dei

A Spanish priest who founded Opus Dei and taught that ordinary work, family and daily responsibilities can become paths to holiness.

A note on content. This profile is a prototype draft. Devotional traditions, historical facts and uncertain traditions will be clearly identified once entries are reviewed. We do not publish invented quotations.

The story of their life

A Spanish priest who founded Opus Dei and taught that ordinary work, family and daily responsibilities can become paths to holiness. Twentieth-century Catholic spirituality increasingly emphasised the vocation of laypeople in secular life.

Historical context

Twentieth-century Catholic spirituality increasingly emphasised the vocation of laypeople in secular life.

Defining moments

  • Discerning priesthood
  • Founding Opus Dei
  • Serving during civil war
  • Expanding internationally
  • Teaching sanctification of work

Faith and spirituality

Divine filiation, ordinary work offered to God and unity of life.

Why this saint matters today

A strong companion for professionals, parents and people who feel ordinary work is spiritually insignificant.

Patronage and intercession

People turn to St Josemaría Escrivá in matters of:

Professionals seeking holiness
Opus Dei members
Ordinary workers

A prayer

God of grace, through the intercession of St Josemaría Escrivá, guide us in truth, courage and love. Amen.

Timeline

    Sources and further reading

    • https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints.html
    • https://www.liturgyoffice.org.uk/Calendar/

    Source-quality status: unverified prototype