Learning from Saint Josemaría Escrivá and the Saints
Many Christians frequently ask one another, “Please pray for me.” We understand the power of prayer and the importance of bringing our needs before God. In the same spirit, Catholics often ask the saints in Heaven to pray for them as well.
This practice is rooted in the belief that those who have faithfully followed Christ and now dwell in Heaven remain part of the Body of Christ. Just as we ask friends and family on earth to pray for us, we ask the saints to intercede for us before God.
Before someone is officially declared a saint by the Catholic Church, their life is carefully examined. Their virtues, writings, actions, and devotion to God are scrutinized. In most cases, miracles attributed to their intercession are also investigated. This thorough process gives Catholics confidence that these holy men and women are indeed with God in Heaven and can present our petitions before Him.
Yet the saints are much more than heavenly intercessors.
They are role models.
They show us what a life fully devoted to God looks like. Their lives provide a blueprint for holiness that we can follow in our own circumstances.
One saint who strongly emphasized this truth was Saint Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei.
Saint Josemaría taught a revolutionary yet deeply biblical message: every person is called to be a saint.
Not just priests.
Not just religious sisters and brothers.
Not just missionaries.
Every Christian.
Whether we are parents, teachers, business owners, students, retirees, or laborers, God calls each of us to holiness through our ordinary daily lives.
Saint Josemaría often spoke about finding God in everyday work and ordinary duties. He believed that our daily tasks, when offered to God with love, become opportunities for sanctification.
Changing a diaper.
Preparing a meal.
Working in an office.
Driving a truck.
Teaching a classroom.
Caring for an aging parent.
All of these can become pathways to holiness when done with love for God and neighbor.
This message is especially encouraging because it reminds us that sainthood is not reserved for a select few extraordinary individuals. Rather, holiness is available to every person who seeks to follow Christ faithfully in the circumstances of their own life.
I once heard a priest say, “Only saints get to Heaven.”
At first, that statement may sound surprising. Yet it contains a profound truth.
Heaven is the home of the saints.
Some saints have been formally canonized and recognized by the Church. Their names are known throughout the world.
Others lived quiet lives of faith that may never be recognized publicly. They may have been loving parents, faithful spouses, devoted workers, or humble servants whose names never appeared in history books.
These are the uncanonized saints.
Their holiness may have been known only to God and those closest to them.
Yet they, too, share in the glory of Heaven.
This should encourage all of us.
God is not asking us to become famous.
He is asking us to become faithful.
The lives of the saints remind us that holiness is possible. Saint Josemaría Escrivá reminds us that holiness is practical. It can be lived out in our homes, workplaces, churches, and communities every day.
As we ask the saints for their prayers, let us also imitate their virtues.
May their example inspire us to pursue holiness with renewed determination.
And may we never forget the beautiful truth that God calls every one of us to become saints.
For that is ultimately our destination: to know God, love God, serve God in this life, and be with Him forever in Heaven.
Suggested Closing Prayer
“Saint Josemaría Escrivá, pray for us. Help us discover God in our daily work and ordinary duties. Inspire us to seek holiness in all things and to follow Christ faithfully each day. Ame
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