Saint Who?
Saints Who Exemplify Devotion
to the Christ Child
Saint Josemaría Escrivá
Priest and founder († 1975) Feast: June 26
“Whenever I preach beside the crib, I try to see Christ our Lord.… Even though he is only a child, unable to speak, I see him as a master and a teacher.” Josemaría Escrivá was born in Spain in 1902. As a child he was cheerful and attentive to the good example of his devout parents.
Josemaría entered seminary at sixteen, and was ordained in 1925. In 1924 his father had died, and he became largely responsible for the support of his mother and siblings. Somehow he managed to fulfill his priestly ministry, help his family, and pursue a doctorate in civil law. His sense that God had a special task for him was confirmed when he discerned a call to found Opus Dei, which he described as “a mobilization of Christians of all walks of life who would make the world holy by offering to God their daily duties.”
In a Christmas homily given in 1963, he reflected upon the mystery of the Christ Child, and encouraged his congregation to learn from Him who was a great teacher even in the manger. “The Almighty wants us to know that he is defenseless, that he needs men’s help. From the cradle at Bethlehem, Christ tells you and me that he needs us.” Josemaría died in 1975 and was canonized in 2002.
Infant Lord, through the prayers of Saint Josemaría Escriva, help us to recognize you as master
and teacher in the manger.
