St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer

Have you ever heard someone say, “Work equals prayer”?That sounds like math, doesn’t it? But it means something very special!

Saint Josemaría Escrivá taught that everything we do each day—our schoolwork, chores, play, and even helping at home—can be a prayer if we do it with love for God.So for Saint Josemaría,

Work = Prayer!

Josemaría was born in Spain on January 9, 1902. He grew up in a big, loving family with five brothers and sisters. His parents, José and Dolores, were kind and holy people who prayed the Rosary and went to Mass often.

Life was not always easy for his family. Some of his sisters died when they were little, and his father lost his job. Even through sadness and hard times, Josemaría learned to trust God and stay cheerful.

When Josemaría was a teenager, he began to feel that God wanted something special from him. He decided to become a priest so he could serve God completely. He studied very hard, prayed every day, and was ordained a priest in 1925.

One cold day, while walking and seeing footprints in the snow made by holy monks who went barefoot, Josemaría thought,

“If they can make sacrifices for God, can’t I offer Him something too?”

Soon after, God showed him what He was asking: to start a group that would teach people that everyone—not just priests and nuns—can be holy by loving God in their everyday life.

Josemaría called this work Opus Dei, which means “Work of God.”He taught that we can all become saints by:Doing our best in school or work.Being kind and cheerful.Praying and helping others.Offering everything to God with love.

Even during hard times, like a big war in his country, Saint Josemaría kept trusting in God and helping others. He traveled to many places to share his message:

“You can find God in ordinary life!”

Saint Josemaría reminded everyone that holiness isn’t only for special people—it’s for all of us! When we clean our room, share our toys, help a friend, or say our prayers, we are showing our love for God.

So remember, little one:

Work done with love = Prayer!

Saint Josemaría Escrivá, pray for us!