Saint of the Ordinary

By aldrich in Her Loyal Son

Today, June 26, the Church celebrates the 34th death anniversary of St. Josemaria Escriva, founder of Opus Dei and one of the most revered saints of the contemporary world. St. Josemaria founded Opus Dei in Madrid in 1928, and by his death 47 years later, the lay prelature had reached over 60 countries around the world, including right here in the Philippines. Nearly five centuries after Catholicism was brought to these islands by Magellan and his crew, two Harvard graduates introduced God’s Work to their fellow Filipinos in 1964. Today there are more than 3,000 members in the Philippines.

Although not as visible as the Knights of Columbus (whose logo marks many public parks and churches), it’s common to see Fr. Escriva’s portrait hanging in churches in the Philippines, in between saints of earlier centuries. That’s an incredible feat, considering many people here tell me all they know about Opus Dei is it “made news long ago.” It was probably news report of some goon babbling about Mary Magdalene did this and that.

Last Thurday, Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist, Belinda Olivares-Cunanan, announced the masses for today’s feast in the Philippines:

Masses for his 34th death anniversary on June 26 will be said all over the world. Here’s the schedule of Masses in the Philippines: June 26, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Manila in Intramuros, 6 p.m., with Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales as lead celebrant; at Stella Orientis Chapel, Ortigas Center, 12 noon; at Mt. Carmel Shrine in New Manila, 7 a.m. with Father Chito Reyes as celebrant; at the Holy Spirit Parish, Mariso Subdivision, Angeles City, 6:30 a.m.; and at the Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City, 5:30 p.m. to be officiated by San Fernando Archbishop Paciano Aniceto and Auxiliary Bishops Roberto C. Mallari and Virgilio S. David. On Saturday, June 27, at 7:15 a.m. there will also be a Mass at Sanctuario de San Jose, Greenhills, to be celebrated by Father Noel B. Magtaas, OSJ. The public is cordially invited.

Fun fact for my fellow philatelists:

For his 100th birthday in 2002, the Philippine Post Office issued a stamp commemorating then-Blessed Josemaria Escriva. According to the Postmaster General,Philippines_Stamp

“The inspiration brought by Escriva has contributed to educational, cultural and religious development as well as to empowerment of the poor in our country,” said Rodriguez. “It is therefore fitting for the Philippines to honor him in his centennial.”

Referring to the stamp’s caption, “Magpakabanal sa Gawain” (Tagalog for “Holiness through one’s work”), Rodriguez said that this message needed to spread. “Indeed, this is what the Philpost wants to achieve with this commemorative stamp, as our contribution to celebrate the centennial of a great man of God, Josemaria Escriva.”

Rodriguez reported that the stamp, which had been issued several days prior to the launching ceremony, was already sold out. “No other commemorative stamp issued to any individual, institution or province has sold as briskly as the birth centennial commemorative stamp that we have issued as part of the year-long celebration of Father Escriva’s 100th birthday. In fact, not even the stamps issued to commemorate the centennial of the Republic of the Philippines sold as well and as fast.”

That’s right. Fr. Escriva’s centennial stamp sold out sooner than the country’s own centennial stamp. Not good for my 1998 centennial first day release.