St. Josemaría Escrivá (1902–1975) is one of the beloved saints of the Catholic Church. Josemaría Escrivá was a Spanish priest who founded Opus Dei in 1928, a Catholic institution that promotes the idea that ordinary people can find holiness in their everyday work and daily life. His book 'The Way,' a collection of 999 spiritual maxims, has sold millions of copies worldwide. The Church celebrates St. Josemaría Escrivá's feast on 06-26.
Catholic Daily brings you the life of St. Josemaría Escrivá as part of our commitment to helping Catholics encounter the saints of the liturgical calendar every morning. Whether you are discovering St. Josemaría Escrivá for the first time or deepening a long-standing devotion, this page offers biography, prayers, and practical guidance for honoring this holy patron in your daily life.
Early Life and Calling of St. Josemaría Escrivá
Josemaría Escrivá was a Spanish priest who founded Opus Dei in 1928, a Catholic institution that promotes the idea that ordinary people can find holiness in their everyday work and daily life. His book 'The Way,' a collection of 999 spiritual maxims, has sold millions of copies worldwide. He spent decades developing Opus Dei from a small group in Madrid into a worldwide organization present in dozens of countries.
The vocation of St. Josemaría Escrivá reminds us that holiness is not the exclusive domain of monks and nuns but the universal call of every baptized Christian. The Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium teaches that all the faithful are called to the fullness of Christian life and the perfection of charity — and St. Josemaría Escrivá's life is a shining example of that universal call answered with total generosity.
Patron Saint: Opus Dei, ordinary Christians seeking holiness
St. Josemaría Escrivá is honored as the patron saint of Opus Dei, ordinary Christians seeking holiness. The designation of patron saints is a beautiful expression of the Catholic doctrine of the Communion of Saints — the belief that the saints in heaven are not distant figures from the past but active intercessors who accompany us in our earthly journey.
Those who work in or are associated with Opus Dei have traditionally invoked St. Josemaría Escrivá's intercession for protection, guidance, and grace in their particular circumstances. The patronage of St. Josemaría Escrivá is grounded in the specific details of Escrivá's life and ministry, which created a lasting bond between this saint and those who share similar callings or needs.
How to Honor St. Josemaría Escrivá in Your Daily Life
The Church's tradition offers many beautiful ways to honor St. Josemaría Escrivá and seek Escrivá's intercession:
On the Feast Day (06-26): Attend Mass if possible, as the liturgy on Escrivá's feast day will often include readings and prayers that illuminate Escrivá's particular sanctity. Light a candle before an image of St. Josemaría Escrivá and spend a few minutes in prayer.
Daily Devotion: Place an image or icon of St. Josemaría Escrivá in your home — in your prayer corner, on your desk, or in your car. A simple morning invocation, "St. Escrivá, pray for us," draws Escrivá's intercession into your day.
Novena: A nine-day novena to St. Josemaría Escrivá can be prayed before the feast day (beginning nine days prior) or at any time of particular need. Many Catholics have reported profound graces through novena prayer.
Study: Read a biography of St. Josemaría Escrivá. The lives of the saints are the living commentary on the Gospel — they show us what it looks like to follow Christ in a particular time, culture, and vocation.
Prayer to St. Josemaría Escrivá
O glorious St. Josemaría Escrivá, whose life was a testament to the love and power of Almighty God, look upon us with mercy from your place before His throne. You who walked the path of holiness with courage and fidelity, intercede for us who struggle in the pilgrimage of faith. Obtain for us from God the graces we most need — especially [state your intention here] — and help us to follow your example of love, courage, and total surrender to God's will. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Feast Day Prayer (from the Roman Missal):Lord our God, you have given us St. Josemaría Escrivá as a witness to your goodness and mercy. May we who honor Escrivá's memory imitate Escrivá's virtues and one day share Escrivá's joy in your presence. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Josemaría Escrivá in Art and Catholic Tradition
St. Josemaría Escrivá has been depicted in Catholic sacred art for centuries. Traditional iconography of the saints communicates theological truths through visual symbols — a language that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
Common symbols associated with St. Josemaría Escrivá in Catholic art may include:
- A halo or nimbus, indicating canonized sainthood
- Specific objects or instruments associated with Escrivá's life or martyrdom
- Liturgical vestments corresponding to Escrivá's state of life (religious habit, episcopal robes, or lay clothing)
- A palm branch, if St. Josemaría Escrivá is a martyr
A lesser-known fact about St. Josemaría Escrivá: His canonization Mass was attended by over 300,000 people in St. Peter's Square, one of the largest canonization ceremonies in history.
When praying before an image of St. Josemaría Escrivá, allow the symbols to draw your attention to the virtues they represent. Sacred art is not decoration but theology made visible — a window through which the heavenly reality shines into our earthly prayer.