Josemaría Escrivá, Spanish priest and saint, founded Opus Dei (d. 1975)

The Enduring Legacy of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer

Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás (1902–1975) was a revered Spanish Roman Catholic priest, theologian, and the visionary founder of Opus Dei. Born on January 9, 1902, in Barbastro, Spain, and passing away on June 26, 1975, in Rome, Italy, Escrivá dedicated his life to promoting a profound spiritual message within the heart of the Church.

His most significant contribution was the establishment of Opus Dei, formally founded in Madrid on October 2, 1928. This groundbreaking organization, initially composed primarily of laypeople and later including priests, is dedicated to the core teaching that every individual is called by God to holiness, and that this divine call can be fulfilled through the sanctification of ordinary life and work. This concept, often referred to as the "universal call to holiness" and the "sanctification of ordinary work," encourages individuals to find God in their daily activities, transforming their professional endeavors, family life, and social interactions into pathways to spiritual growth and union with God. For instance, a tailor can sanctify their work by striving for excellence, serving their customers with integrity, and offering their efforts to God, just as a contemplative monk might through prayer.

Academic Foundations and Influential Writings

Escrivá's intellectual depth was underpinned by significant academic achievements. He earned a doctorate in civil law from the prestigious Complutense University of Madrid, demonstrating a keen understanding of societal structures and human relations. Later, he pursued and obtained a doctorate in theology from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, solidifying his theological expertise and ensuring his spiritual insights were rooted in sound doctrine.

While his principal work was the initiation, governance, and global expansion of Opus Dei, extending its presence across continents and diverse cultures, he also left behind a powerful literary legacy. His best-known publication, "The Way" (Camino), first published in 1939, is a concise yet profound collection of 999 spiritual maxims. This spiritual guide has achieved remarkable global reach, translated into 43 languages and selling several million copies worldwide, offering practical spiritual guidance for daily living. Other notable works include "Furrow" and "The Forge," which further elaborate on his spiritual teachings.

Canonization and Associated Controversies

Josemaría Escrivá was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II on October 6, 2002, in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, an event that drew hundreds of thousands of pilgrims. During the canonization ceremony, Pope John Paul II notably declared that Escrivá should be "counted among the great witnesses of Christianity," recognizing his profound impact on modern Catholic spirituality and his pioneering efforts in highlighting the universal call to holiness that would later become a central theme of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).

Despite this high ecclesiastical recognition, Escrivá and Opus Dei have been subjects of considerable public scrutiny and controversy. Accusations have included concerns about perceived secrecy in its operations, allegations of elitism due to the high professional standing of some members, and claims of cult-like practices regarding spiritual direction and internal discipline. Furthermore, Opus Dei has faced criticism for its perceived involvement with right-wing political causes, notably during the regime of General Francisco Franco in Spain (1939–1975), where some members held influential positions.

The canonization itself attracted significant attention and debate among certain Catholic circles and within the worldwide press. However, several investigative journalists and Vatican analysts, including the highly respected John L. Allen Jr., have critically examined these accusations. Allen and others have argued that many of these claims are either unsubstantiated, unproven, or have been propagated by individuals or groups hostile to Escrivá and Opus Dei, often stemming from misunderstandings or historical biases. They emphasize that Opus Dei's primary focus has always been spiritual, and the political involvement of individual members reflects their personal freedom rather than an institutional stance.

Broad Ecclesiastical Endorsement and Diverse Perceptions

The core spiritual teachings of Josemaría Escrivá, particularly regarding the universal call to holiness, the vital role of the laity in the Church, and the transformative power of sanctifying ordinary work, have garnered widespread endorsement from numerous prominent Catholic leaders. This includes not only the popes who have overseen Opus Dei's development—Cardinal Albino Luciani (later Pope John Paul I), Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—but also other highly influential figures such as Saint Óscar Romero, the Salvadoran archbishop known for his advocacy for social justice. Romero's endorsement is particularly significant as it demonstrates that Escrivá's message transcends political alignments and appeals to a broad spectrum of Catholic thought.

In summary, Josemaría Escrivá's legacy, as observed by John L. Allen Jr., is characterized by a striking duality: he is "reviled by some and venerated by millions more" among Catholics worldwide. This dichotomy underscores the profound impact and often polarizing nature of his vision for living a holy life in the midst of the world, a vision that continues to inspire and challenge countless individuals today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Josemaría Escrivá and Opus Dei

When was Josemaría Escrivá born and when did he die?

Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer was born on January 9, 1902, in Barbastro, Spain, and passed away on June 26, 1975, in Rome, Italy.

What is Opus Dei?

Opus Dei, meaning "Work of God" in Latin, is a personal prelature of the Catholic Church founded by Josemaría Escrivá. Its primary purpose is to help people integrate their faith into their daily lives, teaching that ordinary work and circumstances can be a path to holiness and service to God.

What does "sanctification of ordinary work" mean?

This central teaching of Escrivá means that through intentional effort, prayer, and offering one's daily tasks to God, any honest work or activity—whether professional, domestic, or social—can become a means of spiritual growth and a way to contribute to the good of society. It's about performing everyday duties with excellence, integrity, and a supernatural outlook, seeing them as opportunities to serve God and others.

Why was Josemaría Escrivá canonized?

Josemaría Escrivá was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002 because the Church recognized the heroic virtue of his life, his profound spiritual insights, and his enduring contribution to Catholicism through Opus Dei's message of the universal call to holiness. His life and teachings were seen as exemplary models of Christian discipleship in the modern world.

What are some common criticisms or controversies associated with Josemaría Escrivá and Opus Dei?

Common criticisms include allegations of secrecy, elitism, cult-like practices, and perceived ties to right-wing political ideologies, particularly in Spain during the Franco regime. However, these accusations have been widely debated and investigated, with some prominent journalists and scholars, like John L. Allen Jr., arguing that many are unproven or originate from hostile sources and misunderstandings of Opus Dei's spiritual nature and mission.