Josemaría Escrivá
Josemaría Escrivá was a Spanish Catholic priest who founded Opus Dei, an organization dedicated to the principle of everyday holiness. He is remembered for his teachings on the universal call to holiness and the sanctifying value of ordinary work. Canonized in 2002, his life and legacy have also attracted controversy.
- Feast Day
- June 26
- Century
- 20th century
- Country Or Region
- Spain
Key Facts
- ›Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás was born on January 9, 1902, and died on June 26, 1975.
- ›He founded Opus Dei in 1928, an organization of laypeople and priests.
- ›Escrivá pursued doctoral studies in CIVIL law and theology.
- ›His best-known publication is 'the Way', translated into 43 languages.
- ›He settled in Rome in 1946 and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
- ›Escrivá and Opus Dei have faced allegations of secrecy, elitism, and collaboration with the Franco dictatorship.
Saint Josemaría Escrivá
About Josemaría Escrivá
Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás (1902–1975) was a Spanish Catholic priest and the founder of Opus Dei, an organization dedicated to the principle of everyday holiness. He is widely recognized for his teachings on the universal call to holiness and the sanctifying potential of ordinary work. His life and legacy have also been a subject of significant attention and controversy within the Catholic Church and in the wider press.
Life and Historical Context
Born in Barbastro, Spain, Josemaría Escrivá studied for the priesthood in Logroño and Zaragoza, where he was ordained in 1925. He later moved to Madrid to pursue doctoral studies in civil law. During the Spanish Civil War, he fled Madrid and resided in Burgos, the headquarters of the Nationalist forces. After the war, he completed his doctorate and dedicated himself to the initiation, government, and expansion of Opus Dei. He relocated to Rome in 1946 and received a doctorate in theology in 1955.
Mission and Opus Dei
On October 2, 1928, Escrivá founded Opus Dei, which he envisioned as a way for Catholics to sanctify themselves through their secular work. The organization received final approval from Pope Pius XII in 1950 and was later approved as an institution of pontifical right. Escrivá tirelessly guided the development of Opus Dei worldwide, fostering evangelization initiatives and vocations to the priesthood.
Later Years and Canonization
In his later years, Escrivá was appointed an Honorary Domestic Prelate and served as a consultor to Vatican congregations. He also founded educational institutions such as the Collegium Romanum Sanctae Crucis and the University of Navarre. Josemaría Escrivá died of cardiac arrest in 1975. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002, a process that also generated considerable discussion and debate.
Controversies and Legacy
Escrivá and Opus Dei have faced allegations of secrecy, elitism, cult-like practices, and collaboration with the Franco dictatorship. Some former members and associates have publicly questioned his personal character. Conversely, sources close to Opus Dei and some journalists argue that many accusations are unproven. Catholic leaders, including Pope John Paul II, have endorsed Escrivá's teachings on holiness and the role of the laity. His best-known publication, "The Way," has been translated into numerous languages and has achieved significant sales, cementing his legacy as the founder of Opus Dei and a significant figure in 20th-century Catholic spirituality.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Josemaría Escrivá born and when did he die?
Josemaría Escrivá was born on January 9, 1902, and died on June 26, 1975.
What is Josemaría Escrivá best known for?
He is best known for founding Opus Dei, an organization dedicated to the principle of everyday holiness, and for his teachings on the universal call to holiness through ordinary work.
What controversies are associated with Josemaría Escrivá and Opus Dei?
Escrivá and Opus Dei have faced allegations of secrecy, elitism, cult-like practices, collaboration with the Franco dictatorship, and financial malfeasance. His canonization also generated considerable comment and contention.
What are some of Josemaría Escrivá's significant writings?
His best-known publication is 'The Way', which has been translated into numerous languages and sold millions of copies. He also wrote 'The Holy Rosary'.
When was Josemaría Escrivá canonized?
He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002.
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