Canonization of Josemaría Escrivá by Pope John Paul II in 2002

Name: Canonization of Josemaría Escrivá by Pope John Paul II in 2002
Start: 1902-10-06
Location: Unspecified

The Canonization Ceremony of Josemaría Escrivá

Josemaría Escrivá's Canonization

On October 6, 2002, Pope John Paul II canonized Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei, making him a saint of the Catholic Church. This event was celebrated at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, where thousands of faithful gathered to honor the momentous occasion. The canonization was a significant recognition of Escrivá's work promoting the sanctification of ordinary life and the universal call to holiness.

Significance of Opus Dei

Opus Dei, which translates to "Work of God," was founded by Escrivá in 1928. The organization emphasizes the importance of integrating faith with everyday life, encouraging its members to seek holiness in their professional and family lives. The canonization underscored the Church's view on the relevance of lay people in the spiritual journey, highlighting Escrivá's teachings that every person, regardless of their situation, can strive for holiness.

The Legacy of Josemaría Escrivá

Josemaría Escrivá's Influence on the Catholic Church

After his canonization, Escrivá’s influence continued to grow within the Catholic community. His writings, including The Way, have inspired countless individuals to deepen their spiritual lives. He advocated for a spirituality rooted in daily experiences and taught that sanctity can be pursued in the midst of daily work.

Global Reach of Opus Dei

Following Escrivá's canonization, Opus Dei expanded its global outreach, emphasizing the importance of lay participation in the Church. The organization seeks to support and educate its members about living out their faith in various cultural contexts, contributing to the development of a more integrated spiritual life.

Fun Fact

Josemaría Escrivá’s Interesting Fact

Did you know that Josemaría Escrivá was declared a saint just 27 years after his death? His canonization process was one of the fastest in modern history, reflecting the impact he had on his followers and the Church.