A Look at Saint Josemaría Escrivá: The Patron Saint of Lay People and Founder of Opus Dei

Saint Josemaría Escrivá was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest, theologian and founder of Opus Dei, a global lay Catholic organization. He was born on January 9th, 1902, in Barbastro, Spain, and died on June 26th, 1975, in Rome, Italy. He was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 6th, 2002, and his feast day is celebrated on June 26th.

In 1928, Saint Josemaria Escriva experienced a profound spiritual experience that inspired him to found Opus Dei, which he envisioned as a way to bring the message of the gospel to people in their everyday lives. He began to travel throughout Europe and Latin America, preaching and forming small Christian communities in the workplace and in schools.

He founded Opus Dei in 1928. This organization, which is dedicated to helping lay people find God in their daily lives, has grown to become a global institution with members in more than 90 countries. Josemaría's teachings on the sanctity of work and the importance of lay people in the Church have had a profound impact on the Catholic Church and have helped to renew the Church's commitment to the laity.

Saint Josemaría is also known for his writings. He is the author of more than 300 books including, "The Way," a spiritual guide that has become one of the most widely read books in the Catholic Church. This book is a collection of 975 points of reflection and meditation that were given by Josemaría as he traveled around Spain, encouraging people to find God in their everyday lives.

He is also known for his devotion to the Virgin Mary, as he wrote several books on this subject, including "Friends of God" and "In Love with Mary." He also founded the Religious Association of Friends of the Holy Family, which is dedicated to promoting the family as a domestic church. He is also known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his encouragement of prayer, especially the Rosary.

Saint Josemaría Escrivá is the patron saint of lay people and is remembered for his commitment to helping lay people live a holy life in the world. He is remembered as a man who was deeply spiritual and who lived his life in the service of God and others.