A contemporary saint

The feast of San Josemaria Escriva (founder of Opus Dei) was celebrated by thousands in dozens of parishes all over the country on June 26.

Ironically, San Josemaria abhorred praise. The worst thing that can happen to a person he said – is to receive nothing but praise. On the other hand, he was very happy for corrections that he received. He warded off with great naturalness, manifestations of the gratitude, admiration and enthusiasm of those who heard him, when his prestige grew greater by the day. At one point he asked the permission of his spiritual adviser to make a vow never to accept the duty and dignity of being a bishop. He was very fond of calling himself a “sinner” but he would quickly add “But a sinner who would love Jesus Christ very much.”