Holiness Is for Everyone

Wondering what holiness looks like in your daily life? Laura Range reviews a book on St. Josemaría Escrivá's message for ordinary saints-in-the-making.

Holiness. When we hear the word, we might think of world changers such as Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II. Or maybe bold and brave saints like Joan of Arc or mystic ones like Padre Pio.

While all of those men and women are amazing examples of holiness, the reality is that holiness can look quite a bit more ordinary and it is not reserved for only a certain few. In a new book aptly titled Holiness is for Everyone: The Practical Spirituality of St. Josemaría Escrivá, author Eric Sammons unpacks the life and spirituality of a saint who dedicated his life to spreading this truth. I had only a general knowledge of St. Josemaría as well as the organization he founded, Opus Dei, so I was intrigued to learn more.

I was drawn in by the early life of this saint. While born to a well-to-do family with loving parents and four sisters, Josemaría's family endured tragedy upon tragedy when three of his young sisters died within a few years of each other and then his father lost his fortune. His parents' faith during that time deeply inspired him and laid a foundation for his own faith. He was ordained a priest in 1925. I was surprised to learn that he had mystical experiences, including a vision about Opus Dei long before it was formed, though because of his humility there are not many details known.

Several of St. Josemaría's foundational messages include the call to holiness even (and especially) in ordinary daily life, the importance of free will in choosing goodness and virtue, the gift of being sons and daughters of God, and the ability to be contemplatives even while living active lives in the world. These are perfect truths to reflect on as mothers!

I appreciated the unique way the author combined biographical details of St. Josemaría with explanations of and practical ways to live out his spirituality. The reflection and meditation questions offered at the end of each chapter were helpful in making it personal and applicable. There were quotes and passages from St. Josemaría's writing and online resources for further reading.

This would make a great book choice for Lent if you'd like to learn more about a saint while also reflecting on ways to grow in holiness in your daily life!

Ask for Holiness Is for Everyone at your local Catholic bookseller, or order online from Amazon.com or the publisher, Sophia Institute Press.

Copyright 2023 Laura Range
Images: Canva