Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer (1902–75,) born José María Mariano Escribá Albás, was a Spanish Catholic priest and theologian, best known for founding Opus Dei, an organization promoting holiness in everyday life. His teachings emphasized the sanctification of work and the universal call to holiness.
Born in Barbastro, Spain, Escrivá studied law at the University of Zaragoza before being ordained in 1925. In 1928, he founded Opus Dei, believing laypeople and clergy alike could achieve holiness through daily professions. His movement gained Vatican approval in 1950 and was established as a personal prelature in 1982.
His most influential work, The Way (1934,) contains 999 spiritual maxims and has been translated into over 40 languages. Other notable writings include Christ Is Passing By (1973,) Friends of God (1977,) and Conversations with Josemaría Escrivá (1981,) inspiring millions worldwide.
Despite controversy surrounding Opus Dei, Escrivá was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002, who praised his commitment to Christian values. His feast day is June 26.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Josemaria Escriva
If you don’t have a plan of life, you’ll never have order.
—Josemaria Escriva
Topics: Planning
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