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This testimony is really my husband’s. When he was about 9, in 1977, just two years after St Josemaría’s death, he contracted meningitis. His mother took him straight to hospital. The diagnosis was poor: one of the doctors thought he would die, and told his mother that if he survived, he would be probably left with serious disabilities. He was in an isolation unit. When he had been in hospital about ten days one of his aunts gave his parents a prayer-card of “The Servant of God Josemaría Escrivá” as he then was. They gave it to the nurse to place under the child’s pillow. The whole family prayed intensely using the prayer-card, and the boy began to improve a little every day, until on the fourth day of the novena he was out of danger. The doctors were astounded - they just couldn't believe it. There was no medical explanation for such a recovery. The boy suffered no serious consequences: all he had was some marks on his skin, which proved he had had the illness.
Through this testimony I want to thank St Josemaría for my husband’s health, even though such a long time has gone by since this miracle. I hope it will help others to believe in the intercession of the saints and to go to the Christian formational activities offered by Opus Dei.
P. Q. F., Chile
December 29, 2006

We got jobs in less than two weeks
Thank you Saint Josemaría for favors received. You interceded for us before God, and He granted our prayer! In a country with a 20% unemployment rate in the professions, where it can take up to 9 months to find a job, you helped my wife and I, who could not even afford to buy food for ourselves and our daughters, to find jobs in less than two weeks after doing a novena with your prayer. Through those jobs we will give honor to God and will take the good news of your message to those in need.
H. M. Z., Colombia
December 30, 2006

I keep praying to Saint Josemaría and trust in his help
I need to pass on two favors received through Saint Josemaría. The first is connected with my grandmother’s illness. Her lungs started filling up with fluid and the doctors couldn’t identify the cause. She was very ill. I found the prayer to Saint Josemaría, the founder of Opus Dei, and prayed it. My grandmother recovered and now she is fine. The second favor concerns Marcelo, the man I love. He had a cardio-respiratory arrest and survived. I was praying for him through Saint Josemaría's intercession every day. Now he has a serious infection and the doctors hold out no hope for him. I keep praying to Saint Josemaría and trust in his help.
L. P., Chile
December 29, 2006

I didn’t know how effective he is
I was doing an internet search for prayers to read during our family Christmas celebrations, and I came across the page on St Josemaría. I’d heard about him before and I actually have a prayer-card, but that day, December 22, I said the prayer fervently and commended myself to his intercession on various matters. I didn’t know how effective he is when people invoke his help, because at eight o’clock that same evening we had a telephone call saying our automobile, which we use to work for a taxi service, had been stolen. My reaction was to say, “Oh my God!” and start crying, but I then remembered Josemaría – the Founder of Opus Dei – and I asked him that the automobile may reappear, because it’s a great help for our house. I’m not exaggerating: just twenty minutes later I had another call to say that the automobile had been found. Isn’t he great?! Trust him! I take this opportunity to thank him with all my heart for the favor he granted us.
Carmen M., Peru
December 26, 2006

So long, Dad
My dad died on December 6 after suffering from cancer for years. In his last months he had intensive chemo that weakened him so badly his kidneys failed and he had to go into hospital. None of the doctors explained to him how serious his condition really was. He got steadily worse for two months and suffered a great deal, but he always carried the cross with great dignity, and a real zest for life. The main problem was that he was swollen all over: this meant we couldn’t look after him ourselves, and there was no way to reduce it. I prayed to Saint Josemaría for that specific intention, so that we could manage to care for him. Two days later he began to lose fluid properly, and I thanked Saint Josemaría for this favor. A few days before he died we could see he was suffering very much, and I called a priest to give him the Anointing of the Sick. Dad thanked me for it. The bone tumor he had caused him agony, especially in the hips. We had some Lourdes water and it occurred to me to make the sign of the Cross with it in his legs, praying to our Lady to alleviate the pain. Three days later he went to Heaven, his sufferings over. So long, Dad.
A. M., Italy
December 22, 2006

Challenges at college
Nine months ago I was given a prayer-card of St Josemaría. From that day on I have not stopped thanking him for the favors God grants me through his intercession. St Josemaría was crucial for helping me face challenges at college like meeting deadlines and taking exams. Every time I have that kind of assessment I pray with great faith for his intercession and so far he has not failed me. That is why I keep thanking St Josemaría continually for the favors he has obtained for me.
C, H. G., Chile
December 16, 2006

They sent her a new one
Hi, some months ago the PDA belonging to someone in my family broke. She sent back it to the firm that made it to get it fixed, but it got lost somewhere along the way. She wrote and called them again and again, but no-one accepted responsibility for the loss, so she felt really discouraged. But I had already been praying the prayer to St Josemaría for several intentions on behalf of this particular person, and specifically for her PDA. Last week the firm sent her a new one, and it’s working fine.
M. E. C. H., Spain
December 12, 2006

I prayed for a year and a half!
I already described on this web-page how I regained my peace of mind and recovered from a state of lukewarmness in religious matters thanks to St Josemaría (November 3, 2006). Today I received a wonderful piece of news and I want to share it so as to spread devotion to St Josemaría as a great intercessor before God our Lord.
I’ve been saying the Rosary and praying the prayer-card of the founder of Opus Dei for more than a year with this intention: to get a job in a certain institution where Mass is celebrated every day, and where I will be able to give the best of myself as a Catholic scientist. Today I heard that I’d got the job! I can’t stop thanking St Josemaría, the founder of Opus Dei, because he interceded for me, I’m sure of that. He also gave me strength to keep right on praying and sanctifying my work, even though I wasn’t doing the job I wanted. That was the will of God, and St Josemaría helped me to wait for God’s will with faith and hope. Thank you, thank you!
M. J. V., Chile
December 4, 2006

A long waiting list
I would like to tell you about this favor St Josemaría obtained for my family – the latest of many that we received through him, but that I’m not going to write about now.
My oldest brother is 84, with no pension, single, suffering from a certain degree of mental retardation and physical impairments that prevent him from even walking by himself: he is dependent on others for the most basic needs. He always lived with different family members who cared for him, but lately this has been more difficult as he needed not just basic care but medical care, as his illnesses became progressively more complicated. My sister-in-law, who cared for him most of the time, also has a son with a number of illnesses and no longer had the strength or resources to look after two people. So we decided to try and find a care home where he could be properly looked after.
This was not an easy task, as I live in another country, and I had to leave my family and travel home to help solve the situation, since my other relatives couldn’t afford to help. For over a year and a half, I checked out all sorts of private and public institutions without success. Either they had no places, or they considered that my brother’s state of health was too complicated for them, or the price was too high. I began to get really concerned at the thought that he might end up begging on the street. That was when my son and I decided to do a novena to St Josemaría, praying intensely but constantly, and not missing a single day. Before we got to the end of the novena, one day I was at a hospital where one of my sisters was being treated for cancer, and I saw an ambulance come in with an old lady. I went over and asked them where they were from, and they told me they belonged to a state institution called Fundacion Las Rosas. I contacted them and the social worker there told me I could bring my brother along for them to evaluate his physical and psychological state. The outcome was that they could take him in, but we would have to wait for a vacancy, since there was a long list of people applying for entry before us. The intention of our novena was now to get a vacant place. One day they called to tell us that there was a possible vacancy in one of the Fundacion Las Rosas houses. We took my brother there, and they confirmed that the hoped-for place was available. We consider this a great miracle granted through the founder of Opus Dei, St Josemaría, since everything happened by word of mouth: we found the ideal place that solved my brother’s difficult situation, both as regards his health and the price, and in a short time in spite of the long waiting list of people before us… something that we still cannot explain.
A. O. V. L., Argentina
November 26, 2006

Her life was saved
I heard about St Josemaría through my boyfriend and his mum. My mum was going to have an operation for a fracture, she’s quite old and has heart problems. The operation was a difficult one, but with all our prayers through the intercession of the founder of Opus Dei, everything worked out, even though we didn’t have much confidence in him because we never heard of him before. One day she was brought to the hospital by a volunteer worker who had this prayer-card. The doctors decided to operate, and that day I put the prayer-card on her chest. The doctors didn’t take it off, they taped it to her chest. I know St Josemaría was the one who got the operation sorted. Now I’m just praying that she will get better soon, because her leg is really painful and she has bedsores, but her life was saved and I’ll always be grateful for that favor. Josemaría became our intercessor through God, the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
E. V., Peru
November 22, 2006

A surprising change
When I was 14, I had a problem with my spine (scoliosis) and had to have a brace made for my back that fitted right the way up to my neck. I was told I would have to wear it for several years, so I was really upset. My sister and I prayed to Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer. In the end I only wore it for three months, because on one of the routine checks, the doctor said that things had changed so surprisingly that I would only have to wear it a few months, and then only for sleeping, not during the day. From then on, when any problem comes up St Josemaría has always been there for me, and has sorted them out. (My sister is in Opus Dei and can witness to all this.)
Angela, Spain
November 14, 2006

Hard subjects
I want to thank St Josemaría for interceding for me to get good marks in two really hard subjects on my course. Thank God for St Josemaría’s intercession.
Alejandro, Argentina
November 21, 2006

Hope
My testimony is that since I started praying to St Josemaría and asking him for things I am a bit more at peace. I hope and trust in the fact that he hears me. Thank you to everyone for listening to me. Just reading all the testimonies about favors fills me with hope.
Sandra, Germany<

I just received my exam results
While I prepared for my exams I prayed to St. Josemaria about a relationship I wanted him to help mend and make right. (I continue to pray for this). Then just before I did my mid-semester Marketing exam I’d prayed to St. Josemaria using his prayer card. Now I just received my results I’ve passed with a whopping 93.3%. Thank you so much! Kindly continue to help me in my exams and in my education as well. God Bless you and help your message of love and work to grow
KLM, Kenya
November 14, 2006

A constant help in my life
I didn’t have the money for tuition for school, I considered defering school altogether. Then I prayed using St. Josemaria’s prayer card, and Alvaro’s as well, then put my fee instalment plan indicating how much was needed per month inside the Saint’s booklet. Sure enough my father got the money in time to pay my fees.
I also wish to thank him for the favours I have received over the years, so many I can’t remember them all. He and St. Jude have been a constant help in my life, as well as Dominic Savio. I also want to make a special request for me, my friend, and for my relationship which with his prayers will soon mature into marriage. Thank you so much.
KLM, Kenya
November 13, 2006

She is recovering well
My daughter, Maria, came home from school with the terrible news that her fifth grade teacher, Sr. Yvonne, had gone to the emergency room and was hospitalised with colon cancer. The school principal sent home a confirmatory note. Maria and I said the prayer card asking St. Josemaria for her teacher’s cure, if that was God’s will. Her teacher underwent surgery a few days later, and the final report was that she did not have cancer! She is recovering well from the surgery and is expected to return to school in a few weeks.
Michaele, U.S.
November 12, 2006

Something very simple
I’m 17 and I’ve been trying to sanctify myself in all the situations of my life for over a year. I keep meeting difficulties, and if ever I manage to solve them with God’s help, bigger difficulties come up. Then is when St Josemaría tells me: “Don’t fool yourself, you know you can manage,” and he is always there for me to help me and lead me to God. My life has changed so much since I began relying on him. St Josemaría always unites me to God, and raises me up until I can take the hands of Mary and Jesus. Sometimes my faith conflicts with the ideas of my friends, classmates and teachers. At such times I feel really proud of the Church, Jesus Christ, Mary, the Pope and the Saints; I feel like shouting aloud about the love I have for God and for everything He created. When people are prejudiced against the Church, I try and make them understand that being a Catholic is something very simple: it means living on God’s love at every moment of our lives - exactly as St Josemaría taught.
Cristian, Argentina
November 10, 2006

The strength they need
Father Josemaría, I pray to you infinitely for your intercession before the Divine Mercy of God to help Mrs Rivis in her sickness and my cousin Jose’s wife Jesusa. Help them to maintain the strength they need because their sicknesses are very serious. You know that. Take pity on them. I promise to pray to you for this great favor.
A. M. Q., Peru
November 8, 2006

I am so grateful to St Josemaría
I’m going through a very complicated time, and I felt that people weren’t listening to me. I even lost hope and almost stopped praying. One Friday I just went to Mass, without much enthusiasm. After Holy Mass I was able to go to Confession and stayed in church for an hour afterwards praying. My heart simply overflowed with thanks and prayers for forgiveness. I asked St Josemaría to intercede for me so that I could get rid of my lukewarmness and rebelliousness, and to help me find a good job. I also prayed to him to help me recover the peace of mind that I’d lost. That same day I got a call from a place where I could work, and my problems turned into reasons for offerings and atonement. I recovered my peace of mind … that of a Christian and a daughter of God. I feel that the Lord was only asking me to turn to him, and the sacraments and prayer were the path. He was there waiting for me…
I am so grateful to St Josemaría for his powerful intercession, especially for the sense of divine filiation, which we should never lose.
M. J. V., Chile
November 3, 2006

My careless friend’s conversion
When I was in college I lost my boiling kettle mysteriously through my friends. I promised my friends that God would return my lost kettle back and a certain one even promised to change her funny trends if I ever got it back. I turned to St. Josemaria in prayer. One day I wrote a letter to my careless friend informing her how I lost my kettle. Fortunately the house keeper read the letter and called me. She told me she collected a kettle that was laying in the hostel and it was under her bed at home and on that day I got the kettle back. To make things interesting my friend who promised to recollect herself was the first person I met on the stairs of the hostel. Immediately she saw me carrying the kettle she screamed and run away, she just couldn’t believe it. From that time on the girl was yearning to know Catholicism more. God is teaching us to be more faithful to him and has given us St. Josemaria as a modern saint of impossibilities. I promised to share this to all to continue being strong all the time and good examples to others to get them to turn to Christ.
P. R. N., Kenya
October 11, 2006

The last week of her life
Recently my 78-year-old grandmother was taken to hospital because of several health problems, which offered little chance of recovery. Although she had been baptized as a baby, and had made her First Holy Communion at her school in in Sao Paulo State, she had been brought up by her family as a practising Buddhist. I thought it would be very hard for her to agree to receive the Last Sacraments, but I started to pray to Saint Josemaria every day for this great favor. Some days later, my mother offered her the opportunity of a visit from a priest, and she accepted immediately. Although she could no longer speak, she was visibly moved when she received the Last Sacraments. She died a week later.
Her conversion must have been deeper than it might seem, because when we went to pray before her casket I heard that the rosary that had been placed between her hands was one that she had used to pray during that last week of her life.
Alberto Shintani, Brazil
September 25, 2006

If you are in difficulties, you can rely on St Josemaria
I promised St Josemaria that I would write an account of all that he does for me. This is the second time I’ve written, and my problems are basically with money. I have to say that I prayed to him daily and he got me an extra job that will soon provide more money. So if you are in difficulties, you can rely on St Josemaria. As well as that, some weeks ago I began to pray to him for a young woman who has a terminal illness; yesterday, when I asked about her, I heard to my surprise that she has improved slightly and has been released from hospital. She will start chemotherapy in the next few days. I will keep praying for this young woman and will write again, because I have great faith in St Josemaria.
Thank you, St Josemaria, for all the favors received.
Ruben Leonardo Neves Acuña, Uruguay
September 24, 2006

Just asking for guidance
Back in my third year of college studies, I was chosen to represent my university in an interschool science quiz contest in our city. It was held at a local mall with a lot of people around, so I was quite nervous. Before going on stage, I quickly said the prayer card of St. Josemaria, just asking for guidance, not anything specific at all. I was amazed when I got the first prize! Afterwards, I immediately went to a nearby bookstore and purchased a 3-in-one copy of The Way, Furrow and The Forge which, coincidentally, was on sale. I bought it using part of my prize money. His writings still serve as my guide to heaven to this very day.
J. A., Philippines
September 22, 2006

He really does listen to us
I’ve prayed to St Josemaría ever since I was 10 for all sorts of intentions: from lost objects to health problems, and I have to say that he has helped me with most of them!
It’s incredible how many miracles our dear St Josemaría works.
Today I want to thank him for the many times he helped me, and invite other people to pray through his intercession, because he really does listen to us.
V. R., Argentina
September 7, 2006

He saved me from a second operation
April 11, 2003 I had an operation to remove a non-malignant brain tumor. I’d suffered from migraines for three years and had been told they were stress-related. I consulted various doctors and then a neurologist who did a scan and discovered the tumor. Things were set in motion immediately and I had the operation shortly afterwards. It was obviously a delicate procedure because of the location. After the operation, the main problems I had were memory loss and a hemorrhage in my left eye that totally obscured my vision. The ophthalmologist told me the only answer was an eye operation, because he thought it was almost impossible for the obstruction to disappear on its own. I prayed to our Father that I wouldn’t need an operation, and I prayed especially hard on one of my eye appointments, which was on June 26, 2003. The years went by, and every time I went for checks the ophthalmologists were more surprised on seeing that the obstruction was gradually disappearing with no operation. My final check was in May 2006 and I asked the doctor if it could be called a miracle. He said that he was certain that it was a very big “favor”. I know that our Father was behind it all, and I am very grateful to him.
A. A., Spain
August 31, 2006


They felt the support that they needed
I would like to write a number of favors that St. Josemaria Escriva had granted me on behalf of family and friends who asked me for prayers for their intentions:
A friend was able to process quickly the permit for his family to stay with him while he is posted in another country.
Another friend who had been on a 10-year legal battle for her citizenship, was finally granted a passport so that she can pursue a scholarship in another country.
A friend passed a qualifying professional board exam despite the fact that she had very limited time to study due to work and family commitments.
My mother received some financial donations for a foundation she had put up for children with mental disabilities. These came at a time when they were badly needed.
A friend was able to finish his thesis for his MBA programme amidst a very tight work schedule in the office.
Though these favors may seem to be of ordinary nature, what is important is that the people whom I prayed for felt the support that they needed. My greatest gratitude to St. Josemaria for his intercession.
D.S., China
August 28, 2006

“You can forget about what happened”
We are a young married couple who have been followers of Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer ever since he demonstrated his power of healing and interceding before God. I was seven months pregnant when I was diagnosed with a problem in the placenta. After the doctor told us this, my husband and I were left dumbstruck, we were so traumatized that there could be a problem with the baby: it was our first child, and we were longing for the baby to be born. The day after they gave us the news I was at home and I found a prayer-card of Monsignor that I’d been given a few days before. I prayed it and asked for his intercession, and said God’s Will be done, and I was leaving the future in His hands. Ten days later we went back to the doctor. During the examination my husband and I found that the doctor didn’t say a single word. Then my husband asked about it, and he answered: “Everything has changed. The placenta is fine and the baby is growing well. You can forget about what happened.” Of course my husband and I nearly cried with joy when we heard these words. We attribute it to the faith we placed in God through Monsignor’s intercession. Now we keep him close to us in our daily work and we are very proud to spread the prayer-card to everyone we know.
R. G., Spain
August 20, 2006

The Father helped him to recover
We want to thank St Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer for helping my grandfather to get over his gall-bladder operation. Although he is no longer with us, the Father helped him to recover from that illness.
B. P., Argentina
August 19, 2006

The "color of the children of God"
My family migrated to America in 2000 from Kenya and to this day I still suffer from culture shock. One thing that has kept me going is the knowledge that I am never alone and the fact that I can talk to God about big and small issues something that St. Josemaria taught. In a land where sometimes color can be an issue, I remember St. Josemaria's teaching that there is only one color, the color of the children of God (Christ is passing by, 106). I worked in an office before coming to America and to find myself in the house as a full-time mother was quite a switch for me! Thanks to St.Josemaria I knew that, that was where God wanted me to be and he was expecting me to become holy right there, in the middle of cooking, laundry.. my everyday tasks. I also home-school my four children, quite an adventure, but then again the way to heaven is a narrow path and to be holy I have to be ready to go against the grain. My vocation is a great gift from God and I pray many people will catch the vision of St. Josemaria.
J. M., USA
July 28, 2006

A very special "thank-you"
Recently I received a great favour from St. Escriva. I asked him to help me find a new job and he did and with his help I passed the interview and will begin work soon. I just wanted to say a very special "thank-you" to him.
Niamh, Ireland
August 13, 2006

I am so grateful to St Josemaria
I wish to write a favour granted to me by St Josemaria. It's another Monday and as I walked towards my office, I discovered I do not have the keys with me. I hardly ever lose my things and above all my keys. The keys are kept in a particular pocket of my handbag and it is a ritual that I take and place it back at the exact spot. However when I opened my bag that day, I could not believe my eyes they were not there! It was as if they vanished into thin air. How could that be! I kept recalling and searching where they could possibly be. After some time I thought just continue to work until I get home, hoping that may be somehow they were left behind at home. However when I returned, searched high and low, they were no where to be seen. I was getting a little over-whelmed because I have no clue as to what happened to my keys! Since this does not happen to me often, (absent-mindedness? carelessness?) it made me lose my peace! Next day I had to borrow the keys again in order to open my office. Then I decided I will pray very fervently to St Josemaria for this favour of locating my keys. After a short while, I asked some other colleagues again if they have seen them. Yes! The keys were found in one of the wards I worked. I am so grateful to St Josemaria for helping me find my keys.
C. H. L., Singapore
August 10, 2006

To find a bigger house
I have to thank St Josemaria for having changed a law that prevented us from selling our apartment as an unimpeded property and not as a "Officially listed dwelling". In January a law was enacted that said that the status of a property could not be changed for the first thirty years. Now the new law is just about to come out enabling it to be changed only ten years after acquiring the property. We have four children and we needed to sell the apartment to buy a bigger one, but with the law that came out before, we wouldn't have been able to sell it for many years. Thank you, St Josemaria - and now help us to sell it at a good price and to find a bigger house!
R. M., Spain
July 28, 2006

One can be very happy
Just two years ago I had an operation for cancer. I want to thank Saint Josemaria for having heard my prayers and interceded for me on that day. And above all for having made me understand that we can find a lot of good in things that seem very bad humanly speaking, and that we can be very happy when we accept God's will.
D. S., Portugal
July 26, 2006

I quickly got the place
I want to join in with the many people who have given their testimonies about how Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer helped them. In my particular case, I was trying to get a place in a property and every time I applied I was turned down; until one day I decided to pray to Father Escriva de Balaguer. I asked him to help me and sure enough he did. I quickly got the place in the property that I wanted so much and needed to have. St Josemaria also granted me other favors I asked him for. Therefore in all seriousness I formally recommend devotion to him and his intercession.
C. C., Costa Rica
July 24, 2006

Several miracles that he has granted me
To those in charge of spreading news of the miracles of our Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer: I wish to publish several miracles that he has granted me. Two years ago next January, one of my daughters was given just 48 hours to live because she needed a liver transplant and no suitable donor could be found. I prayed to Saint Josemaria and when the time was almost up, they told us at one o'clock in the morning that they had found a suitable liver and they were beginning the transplant operation. My daughter came through the operation, and although she has some relapses, she lives at home with us.
Another miracle was that for many years (from 1979 to 1998) I was studying to reach the grade of Official in the organization I work for, and every time they changed the rules, so I felt I was paralyzed in my efforts. (...) After several unsuccessful attempts, I prayed to Saint Josemaria to help me get the grade, and I got it, which surprised many people very much. They had calculated the points I had achieved in such a way that I had the necessary total to become an official. When I and other people have tried the calculation, we can't work it out to that total.
Another miracle. I have a daughter who lives very close by (...) and they decided to move to another city. They have a small baby that I look after and who is often sick, so I prayed to the founder of Opus Dei and suddenly they told me that they were staying on in the same place for two more years, with no problems.
I need more prayer-cards of Saint Josemaria, please, because I tell all my friends about the miracles he works and I would like to give them some prayer-cards.
I also want to say that I always rely on him and receive favours in things that are not as major as the ones I have told about here.
M. E., Spain
July 20, 2006

After St Josemaria’s feast day
Once again, St. Josemaria has helped us find work. My husband was laid off just before we married, over a year ago. We survived on my salary for seven months after which he managed to secure a 6 month contract. Three days after he secured his contract, I lost my job. I was six months pregnant at the time and working for a firm that did not approve of my pregnancy. We then lived off my husband’s earnings and my severance pay for a further seven months. Just when my husband’s contract came to an end and we were starting to become concerned about our financial security, we both found work. I give thanks to God and to St. Josemaria for his powerful intercession, particularly because both our jobs came after the feast day mass we celebrated in a small way in Gaborone. Our baby was born with no problems and is growing well. Despite all our difficulties we have not wanted for anything and have felt the hand of God’s constant protection over us. It is true, God takes care of us just as he does the lilies of the field.
E. M., Gaborone, Botswana
July 13th, 2006

Boogie boarding, and a conversion
I was boogie boarding late one afternoon when the waves were quite rough. A wave caught me off balance and flipped me over so hard that I lost both fins even though I had them on a leash. That wave was followed by a whole lot more, and for a time all I could see was white foam. I got back to the beach and prayed to the Founder of Opus Dei that my fins would reappear. I’d lost them 150 or 200 metres from the beach, where the waves were breaking. I prayed one prayer-card after another as I searched along the beach. After I while I saw one of my fins on the sand. I carried on praying to find the other one, although every time I raised my head and looked at the waves breaking out there, I nearly lost heart. Soon the light failed and I started walking back to the road. A couple with a dog came up to me and showed me the other fin, asking if it was mine. They had found it a kilometre away.
The next day a friend of mine, who didn’t practice his faith, asked me if I could help him look for the memory card of his camera, which measured only 2cm by 3 cm. He’d lost it on a walk in the country with his children a fortnight before, and it had photos from a trip that he didn’t want to lose. I prayed to St Josemaria, and we spent almost an hour going over the walk that they had done before. We had no idea where it might be. Suddenly I saw it on the grass. My friend couldn’t believe his eyes. I told him about some more favors granted through the intercession of the Founder of Opus Dei, including the one I had the day before. Now my friend goes to Mass Sundays with his family.
A. M. L., Spain
July 10, 2006

The case was unbelievably quick
A year ago we rented an apartment to a tenant who never moved in and never paid so much as one month’s rent. We cancelled the contract in writing, he returned the keys, and a few months later I found a buyer who offered a very good price for the apartment. When I took him over it, I saw that the tenant had stored quite a lot of furniture in it. I contacted him to ask him to remove it, and he answered that the signature on the contract cancellation was not his, and the contract was still in force. Then a lawyer contacted me (one who had been demoted for undue appropriation) and asked me to hand over some money if I wanted to take back the apartment. As legal actions can take a very long time to come to court, I prayed to St Josemaria asking that this affair could be sorted without our having to pay anything. I called a removal firm to clear the apartment, but the tenant was on the watch, called the police, and filed a complaint. At this point our lawyer told me that we’d have to pay if we didn’t want to lose the buyer, so I took the sum of money the tenant was asking for and deposited it in my lawyer’s office, and the tenant cleared out his furniture. I kept on praying to our Father, and for no apparent reason the tenant’s side refused to accept the money that they had asked for and decided to go ahead with legal action. My lawyer returned the money to me. The case came to court a month later and the judge found in our favour. The court case was unbelievably quick in coming to court, and I attribute this to the intercession of our Father, the founder of Opus Dei.
A. M. L., Spain
July 10, 2006

A means of livelihood
I just want to say “Thank You” to our Saint Josemaría. I am retired and I am trying to organize my research online and to start a small online English Language school as a means of livelihood. I had major difficulties with my server and with people trying to sell me no-good computers; and many other “unusual” disruptions around my home. I am reciting the prayer daily to this great son of the Holy Virgin. The disruptions so far have stopped and my server will be repaired soon. Also I feel better about organizing myself now in this situation. Thank You St. Josemaria. Thank You too Holy Virgin.
B. J., Trinidad and Tobago
July 10, 2006

Day by day
I want to thank St Josemaria’s intercession for all the things he gives me day by day, and for being with me when I need him.
Silvia, Peru
July 9, 2006

You must have prayed hard
Recently, my 4 year old daughter had urinary tract infection. An ultrasound of the bladder was done and was found to have severe inflammation. The doctor said that this is unusual for a young girl. We were referred to a urologist who examined her. I saw the doctor wrote ‘bladder neoplasm’. I was so scared so I asked for the intercession of St. Josemaria. The next day, a CT Scan and Ultrasound of the bladder was done and it was normal. The urologist said that he has never seen anything like that before, he said ‘the bladder completely resolved itself, you must have prayed hard.’
Carol, USA
July 5, 2006

I found a job
I was unemployed for two years. I was desperate, broke, and had no prospects, mainly because I’m now 49. I searched on the internet for a prayer that could give me hope. I found the prayer of St Josemaria Escriva, who I’d never heard of, and started praying it with lots of faith. In December 2005 there were two state-sponsored competitive exams for posts. I passed both of them. I consider that St Josemaria’s intercession, granting me the grace of a job, is a miracle. There were more than 100 candidates for the post I now hold, and I came second. I hope that my testimony can help the millions of unemployed in Brazil and all over the world. I also pray constantly to Our Lady of Fatima for her protection.
M. F. C. M., Brazil
July 2, 2006

Now I know how to talk to God
I decided to move my children to different schools, as my oldest daughter wanted, and I found a girls’ school. Then I heard that Opus Dei provided the Christian element of that school. So I decided to move my son to a similar school. One day I looked at the school’s website, and on the right of the webpage there was a photo of St Josemaria. I clicked on it and began reading the prayer, and I asked him to help my son to adapt to his new school and make friends. In less than a month my son was really happy in his new school. From then on St Josemaria has worked many miracles in my life. I got a job, my husband got a job, and little by little we managed to recover. His book The Way taught me a lot, now I know how to talk to God, just as I should. I have started receiving Holy Communion again, and I go to Mass every Sunday. I give prayer-cards to any of my colleagues, friends and relatives who need some help, and it’s wonderful to see how their requests are granted and their problems solved. A cousin of mine had a son with a drugs problem. I sent her the prayer-card, and she managed to get her son to go for treatment, and now he’s nearly cured.
J. M., Venezuela
July 1, 2006

To follow Christ
I got to know St Josemaria a few years ago. I found in him what I’d always wanted: a way of loving Christ, the Church, and my family, and valuing work done well.
I want to follow Christ, and with the help of St Josemaria and my family, to say yes to Christ always. Thank you, although there are no words to express what I feel, that’s the only thing I can say. Thank you.
Manuel, Spain
July 1, 2006

He changed me
Hi, I want to thank St Josemaria because he changed me. Before, I was separated from God, but when I saw about St Josemaria on the Web I was really struck by his simplicity and his love of his neighbor, and I prayed to him for a pain I am suffering from. I hope to be healed, I know that when we pray with faith and love, God hears us. Please pray for me to be cured of this pain I have in my eye.
Miluska, Peru
June 30, 2006

Everything is for the best
I never dared to ask St Josemaria for anything because I'm so stubborn and always go the wrong way. But today I was desperate and prayed to him to find 600 euros I got out of the bank yesterday to make a payment.
I realized that I’d put the money away carelessly, so that I must have dropped it accidentally at the supermarket checkout. I went back to the supermarket, with no real hope, I was just scared, and I told the Father I’d write about this favor if he helped me. I explained what had happened and answered all the questions they asked, and they gave me back my money, because a man who went through the checkout soon after I did picked it up and gave it to the cashier, and said, “Maybe someone will come back for it.” My legs were trembling, I was so surprised.
St Josemaria, the Founder of Opus Dei, obtained this favor for me, and taught me a magnificent lesson that I badly needed, to make me realize that everything is for the best, and that I have to accept everything that I find difficult for the moment.
C. G. H. S., Spain
June 29, 2006

A very tiny favour
On June 25 I went to buy shoes. I wanted to wear it for the Mass of St Josemaria on June 26 and realised that the shoes were too tight. I asked the Father to help me to feel comfortable so I could follow the Mass with attention. I thought this is a silly request but we can ask anything to the Saint. And I gave him thanks for his care.
M. P. T., Singapore
June 27, 2006

St Josemaría winked at me from Heaven
Our company has been negotiating a particularly tough contract with a client for quite some time, till finally it reached ‘execution’ stage last Monday 26 June 2006. While I was scanning through the documents eager to press the ‘print’ button, to my horror I discovered a particular clause which was accidentally omitted, and of which our client could have taken advantage to create a brouhaha and re-negotiate the contract altogether if this were to be brought up at this stage.
I was at a cross road between sweeping the dust under the carpet, and professional integrity. I glanced at a picture of Our Lady on my desk and raised my heart to St. Josemaria: “Father, please give me a miracle on your feast day!” And I proceeded to e-mail our client about the clause omission, ready to face the music from them and from my own boss.
I could almost see that our Father winked at me from heaven when, a few hours later, our client instructed me to print the amended contract with the clause in!
I. G., Singapore
June 27, 2006

Armed robbery
At 12.30 last Thursday my van and bag were stolen in an armed robbery. Because of the way it happened and the situation in my country, the authorities said that I’d been very lucky – because I could have been kidnapped or shot. At Mass that morning I’d taken several prayer-cards of St Josemaria to give people, and they were in the van when it was stolen…
I sense St Josemaria’s intercession in everything that happened, but most obviously in the following fact: I was told I had to register the loss of the vehicle with Locatel, because if it was abandoned they would know. The report number they gave us in the Locatel registration was exactly the same as my date of birth. It made me realize I was born again that day, given a second chance to live my life better and get closer to God. Ever since then, I've been thanking God, and praying for the conversion of the people who robbed me.
V. L. D. R.
June 27, 2006

Big little favors
Recently I received many favors from St Josemaria. Twice this week I asked him to help me find a parking-space, and I found one just opposite the place I was going, without having to wait at all. The parish priest asked my mother to prepare the altar for the Corpus Christi procession, and do the refreshments for after the procession, for maybe 100 or 200 people. She was really worried because she had to do it on her own, no-one offered to help. We prayed to St Josemaria and the very next day, after Mass, a lady came up and offered to help with the shopping and preparing the altar. The Corpus Christi procession was magnificent and everything went off very well. Thank you, St Josemaria!
I feel as if St Josemaria whispers in my ear the things I have to do, like the Holy Spirit’s loudspeaker: take care of that little thing, shut the door gently, etc., etc. I’m so grateful to him!
Hélène, France
June 27, 2006

I am a diocesan seminarian
I’m writing on this special day when we recall with such love the memory of St Josemaria Escriva and his sanctity. I am a diocesan seminarian and I am especially grateful to St Josemaria for his intercession, and how he was the instrument to do the Work that really is of God. And today there are many who are inspired by the Holy Spirit to follow the example of this great Saint, tracing the path to holiness.
St Josemaria, pray for us.
J. C., Brazil
June 26, 2006

First of all I need to say thanks for the favor received
First of all I need to say thanks for the favor received. In April this year (2006) I was snowed under with debts I couldn't pay off. One was a bank loan, and the interest on it was mounting up every day. I was surfing the web one day and found this page and I began praying to St Josemaria right away. A few days later I was given a loan to repay the bank. I still have debts, which I hope to clear little by little, but I’m content and even happy, because I know I have someone who listens to me and prays for me to God and our Lady. Thanks, a thousand thanks.
R. L. N. A., Uruguay
June 24, 2006

A week later
I asked my bank for a loan to pay off some debts, though they had always turned me down before. One day I went into the cathedral and saw the picture of St Josemaria, and I prayed to him with such faith that a week later the bank agreed the loan.
Every time I am in need I pray to St Josemaria and he grants me all the favors I ask him for.
Y. S. R. C., Peru
June 22, 2006

A sign
Six months ago my husband deserted us. I was left to care for our two teenage boys, 16 and 14. I went through months of despair, in what seemed like incurable depression. When I was on the verge of suicide a friend in Opus Dei happened to call me. I believe that call did not come by chance: our Lady and St Josemaria sent him a sign to help me. I am getting back my will to live. I have come to understand that my happiness in life does not depend on other people but is inside me, and the only way to find it is through prayer.
M. G., Spain
June 21, 2006

Many daily graces
By means of this message I would like to offer my testimony regarding the many daily graces that I receive through the intercession of our dear Saint Josemaria Escriva and the other Servants of God pertaining to Opus Dei. Saint Josemaria Escriva is really a great Saint that our Divine Lord gave to His Church in order to revitalize the message of Universal Sanctity. May He be our guide and intercessor. Let us prepare ourselves spiritually to celebrate his Liturgical Feast on the coming 26th June.
D. M., Malta
June 13, 2006

My Grandmother
I’m writing to thank St Josemaría for the biggest miracle he ever granted me. On May 1, 2006 my grandmother had a heart attack in the night. At first the situation did not seem to be overly serious but after further examination the doctors discovered that her heart was in a very bad condition. She needed an urgent heart operation because many of the blood-vessels in the heart were obstructed and there was a real risk of a second, more violent heart attack. The doctor performing the operation warned us clearly that it was a complicated procedure and because of my grandmother’s age, and problems connected with her diabetes and blood pressure, it might end tragically. During the six hours the operation lasted, I prayed to the founder of Opus Dei, and I had given my grandmother a little picture of him to take with her. St Josemaria wasted no time in letting me have a sign, because in the hospital chapel where I went to pray there was a beautiful picture of him, and I was really struck by that – it was as though he were telling me, “I’m with you”. My grandmother came through the operation well and was able to go home a week later… it is a real miracle! Thank you, St Josemaria, thank you, God!
R. P., Italy
June 10, 2006

He is surely helping us from Heaven
It was during a mass that I got hold of the novena prayer of St. Josemaria. I didn’t know that it was his feast day which the mass was being celebrated for. I ignored the novena but it kept popping up on my table and at that time I was working on a project that seems to be very impossible to get pushed through. I decided to make a novena to St. Josemaria and I was so touched by the way the prayer said," that I may learn to turn all the circumstances and events of my life into opportunities to love you and to serve the church..." it made me realize that I can start to love God by simply making my everyday activities centered in God, by serving others. I am still praying the novena for several months already, praying for the project to push through. One night I asked St. Josemaria to at least give me a sign that God is considering my request, that I can have assurance and peace of mind at least. So many people are depending on the project to materialize. Farmers and their family would benefit much from that project. St. Josemaria gave me a sign that he is helping me intercede in my request. Though it has not materialized yet, St. Josemaria is truly helping me strengthen my faith to the Almighty. He is surely helping us in heaven.
V. P. C., Philippines
June 9, 2006

He takes care of everything
I’ve read many favors and miracles obtained through St Josemaria’s intercession, and I just can’t get used to them, I’m always surprised and filled with wonder. Once, after reading how so many people place themselves under his protection, it occurred to me to say to him: “Father, look after my whole family!” I didn’t say anything more specific, just for him to take care of them, in general. Imagine my surprise when about a fortnight later my Dad called me to say that following a colonoscopy he had had a small growth removed which turned out to have been malignant. The point is that it all began when he had a routine blood test and the results showed severe anemia. He wasn’t feeling at all sick or weak, so the doctor asked for another blood test, and as the result was positive they then did the colonoscopy. Where is the little favor from St Josemaria? Well, the blood-test results weren’t his - there had been an error. My brother-in-law did another blood-test and it showed no problem at all, but thanks to the former error, my Dad had this small growth removed that might otherwise have gone unnoticed until it was too late. St Josemaria clearly takes care of everything.
M. B. M., Spain
June 7, 2006

We have received a big favor
I am writing to thank St. Josemaria for receiving a big favor that my parents and I have been praying for around two years. I would like to also take this occasion to thank our Father for all the help he has given to us, both big and small.
R.C., Kenya
June 6, 2006

My Prayers were beyond answered
Last year I became pregnant with my first child and during the first trimester developed several complications with the placenta. A prayer card was sent to me and the prayer was made to Saint Josemaria. Through the intercession of Saint Josemaria I delivered a beautiful, healthy small 4 pound, 13 oz. full term baby girl. I have been so blessed with my daughter.
J., USA
May 22, 2006

Thank you, dear saint
My father, who is 87 years old, became anxious & unwell at night when the doctor was not readily available. In between talking by telephone to the locum service about my father's condition, I prayed quietly for healing & peace for him. In his prayerbook was a card with a photo of St. Josemaria Escriva. I was drawn to this kindly smiling face & asked for his intercession. Sure enough, my father's pain lessened & he grew calm and was able to sleep 'til the morning. Thank you, dear saint, for your powerful help.
Ann, Ireland
May 26, 2006

That same day I was offered a job
Thank you again St. Josemaria for answering my prayers! I was very unhappy in my job. It was extremely stressful and was making me very ill and anxious. I prayed to you for your help and was invited for an interview. Last week I took your prayercard with me to the interview and prayed to you before I was interviewed. Later that day I was offered a new job at a much more pleasant workplace. Thank you again for your intercession.
J.M., England
May 23, 2006

Help me to keep calm
Just exactly a week ago I passed my driving test at last, at the fifth attempt! A week before the test I began to pray the prayer-card to St Josemaria every evening, asking him to help me keep calm and not get “exam nerves”. And that was it: by a miracle, I passed. Thank-you, Father.
F. Spain
May 23, 2006

Everything is for the best
For some time now my work situation has been very difficult. I couldn’t see any chance of doing the sort of work I really wanted to do. In fact I couldn’t get any job at all. Things got worse with the sudden death of a close relative. As time went on I tried to abandon myself more trustingly to the will of Divine Providence. Now I am really happy, I have a chance of postgraduate studies abroad, and, most of all, I am convinced that “everything is for the best.”
R. B., Brazil
May 21, 2006

I owe St Josemaria so much
I don’t want to let another day go by without thanking Saint Josemaria for my husband’s health. I owe St Josemaria so much, from the time when I first heard of him! My husband had not walked since December 19, but he had three operations, and today he walked for the first time. I’ve only managed to cope with it all thanks to Saint Josemaria, our beloved saint and friend in Heaven. I also thank him because I met some Opus Dei people in my country and I went on a three-day spiritual retreat given by a priest of the Work. Those three days were wonderful, and they just flew by. And now I belong to this great family myself, and I’m so grateful to Saint Josemaria and the person who first told me about him. I’m grateful to St Josemaria for all the spiritual favours he grants me and for being there for me whenever I need him. Thank you, Saint Josemaria, may your Work be better and better known.
J .D., Belgium
May 20, 2006

I got a job in the firm I wanted
After moving to a new town to find work I was unemployed for several months. It was very difficult to adapt to my new surroundings and straitened circumstances. Then I started praying to St Josemaria to show me the way to get a job where I could fulfil my work aspirations in a pleasanter atmosphere. After I’d prayed the “Novena for Work” and the prayer to St Josemaria for several days, different opportunities began to appear, and finally I got a job in the firm I wanted. I pray to St Josemaria every day to strengthen my faith and help me to work well. Thank you, St Josemaria, for the grace you obtained for me.
M. G., Brazil
May 19, 2006

Today’s my birthday
Today’s my birthday. I hadn’t had a newsletter from the website for a long time. At about 10 this morning I prayed fervently to St Josemaria that I wouldn’t be out of work. When I got home I received an e-mail from your website. I feel that it was a sign.
Beatriz, Portugal
May 18, 2006

His knee was cured and his job was saved
This is a favor received through the intervention of St. Josemaria. In May 2004 I visited a friend in Shetland. I noticed he was limping. He had suffered an injury while playing football with police colleagues and had ruptured a ligament. The operation in hospital got infected with a multi-resistant bacteria that attacked his knee. He had already had several operations to no avail. He even might lose his lower leg and was not sure at all if he could maintain his job at the Shetland Northern Constabulary. I felt so sorry for him that upon returning in Holland I started a novena to St Josemaria pleading to help this man, cure his knee and please let him continue his career at the police force and stay in Shetland. This favour has been granted, after 10 operations the knee is okay and my friend has recently been promoted to Area Commander of Shetland, the highest job possible in [the Shetland branch of] the Northern Constabulary! This is the best possible outcome we did not dare hope for!
Ben K., The Netherlands
May 12, 2006

I knew that my prayers had been answered!
I want to share this testimony with others as a way of thanking St. Josemaria for a miracle which has really made a difference to my life. I really do believe that a miracle was granted to me due to St. Josemaria's intercession. In the past year or so I have returned to the Catholic faith after many years of attending Mass infrequently and half heartedly. This is partly due to the inspiration and influence of St. Josemaria's writings. I have been regularly been reading texts such as "the Way" and praying his prayercard. As well as inspiring me to become a better Catholic and strengthening my faith this has I believe led to a miracle being granted. I work as a teacher in London. I'm not very well paid and London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. At the moment it's very difficult for young people and first time buyers to buy a home and rentals are really expensive. I was living in an affordable flat which I was given because I was a teacher. It was in a poor neighbourhood and was only a studio apartment and was in very poor condition but it was cheap and in a quiet, small safe building. I was happy to be living there and was very anxious when I learned that my landlord was going to knock down the building. I was served with a demolition notice and was told that I would be rehoused. I was really worried about this because I didn't know where I would go and if it would be a safe place for me to live. I live in the inner city and most of the housing stock there is in the form of ugly 1960s tower blocks and estates. I knew there wasn't much chance of me finding somewhere decent and affordable to live.
At about this time last year I went for a few days on holiday to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. I took one of St Josemaria's books and prayercard with me. I prayed in the cathedral of Santiago for my future especially about my new house. I prayed to St. Josemaria asking him to help me. Anyway, a few months ago I was given a new home. It's a beautiful little house with a garden. It is a listed building and is 300 years old. It is really beautiful and unique and I can't believe it is my home. It is also cheap and affordable. It is very rare to find a house like this in London. I am sure it is a miracle. When I went to view the house for the first time I noticed that on the front of the building there is a crest which has gold scallop shells on it. As you may, know the scallop shell is the symbol of St. James and of Santiago de Compostela! When I saw this crest I knew that my prayers to St. Josemaria at Santiago de Compostela had been answered! I've never seen a scallop shell crest on a building in London before so I am sure this is a miracle. Thank you St.Josemaria for your intercession.
Jacqueline, UK
May 9, 2006

What I pray for through the intercession of the founder of Opus Dei
I always pray to Saint Josemaría for help in times of difficulty. I find him an example of how to sanctify my work and persevere on the good, safe path. I ask him to help me be diligent in family life, work and improving myself through constant study. And to protect me from the different many-faced devils that threaten us. One of those faces is the rubbish on television.
Pedro, Portugal
May 1, 2006

To pray well
For more than twenty-five years I have spent some time every day in prayer and meditation. This evening, as usual, I prayed a prayer-card to Saint Josemaría before beginning my prayer, asking him to help me do it well. At that moment I realized that I’ve had the habit of praying a prayer-card ever since the stage, over twenty years ago, when I was finding it very difficult to fill the time with conversation with God.
I am sure that I owe to his intercession the grace of not having passed through times of neglect in my life of piety. Even when I had turned my back on God, it was not hard to return to my daily times of prayer. In spite of difficult times, I have always found it surprisingly easy and pleasant to pray, to talk to God. I am writing this as a sign of gratitude to Saint Josemaría and in the conviction that it will be useful for someone to experience his help in prayer.
J. R., Spain
April 15, 2006

He came to talk to me
My boyfriend stopped seeing me and we hadn’t spoken since. I still loved him and wanted him to come back. I did lots of novenas and prayed hard, but didn’t hear from him. I nearly gave up hope, but not quite, because I believe in God. Then one day I found the website of Saint Josemaría Escrivá. I started a novena to him, and the very next day my boyfriend, who hadn’t spoken to me for a month and a half, came to talk to me. I’m really happy. Thank you, Saint Josemaría, you said that you would be more useful to us in Heaven: thank you.
S., Haiti
April 25, 2006

They were waiting for me
For the past few years I have always spent Holy Week prayerfully in my own town, although I love travelling and doing tourism. This year I decided to go to Cordoba for Holy Week, but couldn’t find anywhere to stay. After telephoning a large number of places, I commended this intention to our Lord through Saint Josemaría’s intercession. Then I went into a telephone kiosk, prayed, picked a hotel at random, and dialled the number. I hardly had time to ask if they had any vacancies when they asked me which dates I’d like to go. It seemed as though they were waiting for me.
At this point I’m moved to remember how every path likewise opened up before me when I travelled to Rome for October 6 2002!
Monica, Argentina
April 26, 2006

They didn’t have to operate
In the spring of 2004 my daughter Sara had a motorcycle accident, and tore the ligaments in her knee. An operation seemed inevitable. She had to spend several days of complete rest, with a hard bandage round it. She was quite depressed about it, because she wanted to be looking after her baby who was just a few months old, and she couldn’t even hold her. I prayed to St Josemaría for her cure. I remember how I was saying the Rosary with some friends and I asked them to pray that she wouldn’t need an operation.
Finally the doctors decided not to operate. A year after the accident I got a telephone call that made me really happy: tests had shown that the knee ligaments had mended on their own. From the depths of my heart I am grateful to St Josemaría.
F. I., Italy
April 25, 2006
I got a good mark for my oral exam thanks to my friend St Josemaría
I’ve been a doctor for some time now, and when I was a student there was one subject that I found extremely hard, despite my best efforts. The exam for this subject was a viva, and unfortunately when I took it the panel included the most complicated, demanding professor in the faculty. I knew that in spite of my studying and learning, all my knowledge would count for nothing compared with what that professor was going to expect; and what was worse, the other two people taking the viva at the same time as me were the two best students in the class. I spent the whole night before the viva studying, and in desperation I prayed to St Josemaría that that professor would not be there for the viva. When I got to the hospital, the panel was already there, with the professor in the chair. When my turn came, a secretary came in and called the professor to the telephone. He was out for nearly an hour, and came back to say that he couldn’t stay on the panel because he was required urgently elsewhere. He was replaced by a different professor, and I got a good mark for the viva. I’m writing this testimony now although it happened years ago, because of the great love and affection I feel for my friend St Josemaría.
Claudio, Chile
April 15, 2006

Exactly what I needed
In the preliminary year at the seminary, we used to have The Way read during meal-times. It brought such great happiness to my heart, I felt that those words were written especially for me. Afterwards I continued along my way without finding out any more about it or its author.
At the end of my second year of philosophy studies I went through a time of great suffering and was in a state of desperation, when, in the holidays for 2006, there arrived in my house a magazine with information about Opus Dei. It referred to the founder of Opus Dei, and to my surprise I realized that he was the one who wrote The Way. Only then did I come to understand the full meaning of the words he spoke to a dying woman: “Blessed be pain. Sanctified be pain.” Those words were exactly what I needed.
Since February I have read all the books about Opus Dei: The Forge, Christ is Passing By, Furrow, and others. It’s what I was looking for, what I want. Let sorrow and suffering come, provided that they lead me closer to God.
V. B., Brazil
April 12, 2006

A baseball match
Many years ago in a holiday camp we were playing a baseball match and I was nervous about going in to bat. I prayed to St Josemaría for help, and got a home run! What a Saint he is! Thank you, Saint Josemaría!
Rodolfo, Guatemala
April 11, 2006

Ask with faith
Miguel Angel is home with us! We are thanking all the people we got to pray to Saint Josemaría once again for the life of my son who was born 40 days ago in a very bad state of health. Everything I ask Saint Josemaría for with faith and a lot of love, he grants me.
R. M. A., Spain
April 10, 2006

Twenty years ago
I would like to thank Saint Josemaría for the favor granted through his intercession twenty years ago, when I was able to get the job I needed and wanted at that time. I’m sorry that I haven’t told about this favor before.
F. S., Mexico
April 6, 2006

There was no way
For the past six months my family and I had a bureaucratic matter, concerning something very important to us, which was completely blocked. We had presented all the documentation correctly, but there was no way of getting the thing moving. I went to ask Saint Josemaría to intercede for this affair, and it was solved in two weeks. Thank you very much, Saint Josemaría.
Carlos, Spain
April 4, 2006

Learning about Saint Josemaría’s life
My name is Pedro and I’m a student. I’m learning about Saint Josemaría’s life and what I find most striking is that I am considering dedicating my life to God in Opus Dei as he did. I can’t explain this, but I only know that God wants me to give my life to Him. I thank God and the Virgin Mary for lighting up my path.
P. B. M., Colombia
April 4, 2006

A job
I received the grace of getting a job, after praying the novena to Saint Josemaría. I want to put this on record and give thanks.
K. B., Brazil
April 3, 2006

Through the intercession of the Founder of Opus Dei
I am sending this testimony on behalf of a lady who has authorized me to do so.
The lady is a catechist in a very well-known church. Not long ago she fell on the stairs in the church just before Mass. She was not seriously hurt, but she had knocked her leg and it was very painful. She could only walk with difficulty.
That afternoon, I saw her again at Vespers. I offered to let her lean on my arm to walk home, and she accepted. But before starting off, I said to her: “Let’s say a prayer for you!” So we went to the chapel of Our Lady. I gave her a picture of Saint Josemaría Escrivá and we both said the prayer in his honour together, asking the Lord to heal this lady through the intercession of the founder of Opus Dei. As we went to her house, I also explained to her something of Saint Josemaria’s teaching on suffering, and how we should receive it with love so that it can sanctify us: “If you realize that those sufferings – of body or soul – mean purification and merit, bless them” (The Way, 219). I recommended her to pray fervently to Saint Josemaria and gave her some pictures of him to give to other people.
Two days later I saw her again at Mass, since she sometimes goes to Mass during the week, and she told me that the pain had disappeared and that she was completely well again. It was then that she gave me permission to write down this little favour she had received from this great Saint, to help spread the knowledge of his love and his goodness.
I would also like to add that I tell people in my parish about Saint Josemaria, and his message is always received with joy and enthusiasm. People feel somehow “reassured” to learn that they can also become saints by sanctifying their ordinary lives.
J. F., France
March 28, 2006

A peaceful neighbourhood
Thanks to Saint Josemaria for finding us a new home in a peaceful neighbourhood to coincide with the birth of our first child.
Jane, Italy
March 29, 2006

I am cured
My name is Carine and I am 32. I had trouble with my ears and regularly suffered from very painful earaches during which I was practically deaf. I thought of Saint Josemaría and asked my brother to pray to him for me, and the trouble went away. At this point in time I am cured.
Carine, France
March 29, 2006

Nothing terrible can happen to us
I feel very moved by the way the founder of Opus Dei, Saint Josemaría, is present in the many different situations in which we need his help. I remember that a little time ago we were swindled, and lost all the money we had managed to save up over many years; my husband lost his job, and we were sunk in absolute desperation, as we have six children. A leaflet came to my hands about experiences, prayers, miracles, and the life of Saint Josemaría, and I began to pray to him with great faith and persistence, and I felt that, from that day on, he took me under his protection. Yes, we lost our house, but we’re no longer desperate and we don’t feel alone any more: now we have the conviction that nothing terrible can happen to us because the Lord is with us, since Saint Josemaría is praying especially for us.
J. F., Chile
March 27, 2006

I locked the key-ring inside the cashbox
I have been working in a school for the past few months, and two weeks ago, when I was in my office sorting out the cashbox, I accidentally shut the box with the key-ring inside. As well as the key of the cashbox itself, this key-ring has the key of the safe, so it was a real problem.
At that point my worry was about leaving the box, with quite a lot of money inside, in my office, without being able to lock it in the safe overnight, so that someone might come in and take it. The duplicate key to the safe is held by the head-teacher, who was not in school, so I would have to ask her to come there from home, with all the accompanying difficulties. I tried to open the box, but of course I couldn’t, as it was locked. Seeing that there was no way out, I began to pray to Saint Josemaría. I tried again - and the box opened. I was astonished! To my enormous relief, I was able to put the box in the safe and didn’t have to bother anyone.
I., Spain
March 25, 2006

Real joy
Thanks to Saint Josemaría, I have discovered that the suffering and pain of an illness are worthwhile, because we can help other people by offering up those sufferings, and almost without our realizing, Jesus repays us with real joy.
Thank you, Father.
Maria, Chile
March 24, 2006

God was waiting for me to make the first move
I hadn’t been to Mass for five or six years. One day I was alone at home, studying for my university exams. I wanted to believe again, but… there was no way. For personal reasons, I didn’t see Saint Josemaría in a very good light, but providentially, (if I can put it like that) there was a card with his photo on the shelf in my room, that someone in my family had left there.
Knowing that God wants us to take the second step, because he always takes the first one, I decided to pray to him, through Saint Josemaría’s intercession, asking him to help me believe again. I can only say that the effort of praying took everything I had.
Soon afterwards there was a knock at the door. It was two Jehovah’s Witnesses, and before they could begin to speak I told them that I was a Catholic and not interested in what they might say. It was a really decisive moment that made me think a lot.
Although it still took me time to return to the Sacraments, God moved me to do it. He was waiting for me to make the first move.
D. M., Spain
March 23, 2006

My patron saint
For the last two years I have been a devotee of Josemaría Escrivá, the founder of Opus Dei. When my daughter Erika fell ill I asked him to intercede for her. He did, and from then on he has been my patron saint; there isn’t a single favour I’ve asked him for that he hasn’t helped me with, always respecting God’s will, of course.
Carol Martinez, Venezuela
March 23, 2006

Even so, I’ll be grateful to him
Today I will probably lose my job. This is because of a mistake I made accidentally. I have placed myself in God’s hands, and prayed especially to Saint Josemaría and Father Alvaro to get me out of this difficulty. I am writing this testimony because I hope that Saint Josemaría will obtain for me the miracle of sorting out this problem for me, and if he doesn’t, even so I’ll be grateful to him for all the times he helped me without my asking.
Hugo, Mexico
March 17, 2006

Cheerful amidst difficulties
I would like to give thanks for the intercession of Saint Josemaría, together with John Paul II, because I prayed to them that, during Lent, I would stay cheerful amidst the usual daily difficulties, and my prayer is being answered. I am in the fourth year of a chemical engineering degree, and like everyone I find that all sorts of unforeseen problems come up that at the time seem insoluble. Learning to hope in our Lord helps me to love Him more and so appreciate other people more too.
Thank you, Father!
M. A. C., Spain
March 16, 2006

I’m expecting a baby
I would like to write a short testimony here in case it can help other women. For twenty years I had to take very strong medication, and the doctors said it would be almost impossible for me to become pregnant. This made me really sad, so I began praying through Saint Josemaría’s intercession, and two months later came the news that I’m expecting a baby. I’m now in my seventeenth week. I promised to share this experience, and now I’ve done it.
V. A. V., Costa Rica
March 15, 2006

The favor of the flavor
I received a favor from Josemaría Escrivá. In 1989 I was studying at Jaltepec Catering Training Center and I was in charge of the kitchen. Shortly before serving lunch one day I tasted the dish we had prepared and, although we had put in the seasoning, it had no flavor at all. All I could think of to do was add a bit more seasoning. When I tasted it again it still tasted of nothing. Time had run out, so I said, “Father, if you put this right for me, I’ll write it down as a favor.” The person who was working as my assistant tasted the dish and said, “This tastes as good as when my Mom used to make it.” I didn’t say anything. Soon after that I graduated and time went by without writing down the favor, so I decided to do it now. And I just wanted to say that the Founder of Opus Dei got me out of a real mess, because that dish really didn’t have any flavor at all.
A. M. M., Mexico
March 12, 2006
Problems with math
I’m studying Geography at university and have always have problems with math. The final Math subject on my course, Inferential Statistics, seemed totally impossible to me.
The day before the exam I prayed to Saint Josemaria that two kinds of exercise that I was sure I knew how to do, would come up in the exam, so I might get a pass.
In the examination hall when they distributed the papers I got a surprise: both the problems I had prayed for had been set, and what’s more one of them came twice.
I passed this subject, undoubtedly through Saint Josemaria’s intercession.
On my way home from the exam I met a lady and her daughter who were looking for university accommodation. I told them where they needed to go to find it, and gave them each a prayer-card of Saint Josemaria, having explained to them the story of my math exam. I said, ‘If those three questions came up for me, he’ll definitely find accommodation for you – and cheaply!’
J. V. A., Spain
March 12, 2006

The football match
The other day I was watching my team playing a match. They were losing and just then I prayed to Saint José María. In the end we came back in and won the championship. Thank you, Father.
J., Spain
March 12, 2006

The Way was waiting for me
One day I was feeling a bit depressed and decided to go out to cheer myself up a little. I went to a bookshop to get a book about a crisis my country had recently been through. I couldn’t find it. Instead, The Way was ‘waiting for me' there. I’d always felt curious to find out about Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer. I had a prayer-card of his, though I don’t remember who gave it to me. I can’t properly explain what it meant to me to start reading The Way. It brought me to rediscover God in a more tangible way. I’ve always been a Catholic, but up till now I hadn’t used the Faith, which is such a powerful weapon, for support, strength, a way of giving value to all our actions, to each and every thing and moment God gives us. I’m 40 and have two daughters and a wonderful husband. I love Jesus and feel close to him.
Thank you yet again.
J., Uruguay
March 11, 2006

As if nothing had ever been wrong with him
Last November, my son, not yet 9 months old, showed retarded psycho-motor development and was provisionally diagnosed with a metabolic disease known as “glutaric aciduria type I”. As far as we could discover when we looked this disease up, it normally leads to death before age 11.
We took him for lots of tests, and they all pointed toward the same diagnosis. Finally the doctors asked us if they could do a very specific test, involving sending samples to the US. We commended our baby to our Lady and Saint Josemaria. After nearly two months, we got the results: the diagnosis was definitely discarded, and my son is developing as if nothing had ever been wrong with him.
Hugo Valenzuela, Chile
March 8, 2006

Favours received in 2005
I thank Saint Josemaria for the following favours received in 2005: my pregnancy was in constant danger of miscarriage and I prayed not to lose my baby. This was granted to me through Saint Josemaria’s intercession before God our Lord. And the health of my sister and her baby during her pregnancy which also caused problems towards the end. THANK YOU.
Olga Edith Mireles Preciado, Mexico
March 6, 2006

I looked for the telephone number of Opus Dei
For a long time I thought religion was for fanatics, knowing nothing of its real value. I heard about Opus Dei, but in very negative ways, as a power-structure and other things that had nothing to do with reality. I was growing as I heard these things, and was interested in finding out about it for myself. Not long ago I got the telephone list and looked up the telephone number of Opus Dei, and there it was. I’d thought that sanctity was only for families of saints. When I learnt about Saint Josemaría Escrivá, I saw that sanctity is for everyone. That man has changed my spiritual life completely, and has led me to open up to God and the Church. Without really knowing how, little by little I’ve become a faithful Catholic – but not fanatical! Being a good Catholic can't be just a theory, however good the theory is. I’m young, just 20, and I love the Founder of Opus Dei deeply because he changed me on the inside, though I never thought such a thing could happen. I’ve begun to “talk” to him and he has been helping me, often without my even realizing.
O. R. T., Portugal
March 2, 2006

Thank you, Father
This morning I was coming back into my house, but when I put the key in the lock it stuck, and I couldn’t open the door. This has happened before, and some of the times I’ve had to call a locksmith. I decided to pray to Saint Josemaría and try again. It opened without any difficulty.
Thank you, Father.
Spain
March 2, 2006

Discovering my vocation
I met Opus Dei by chance in 2001. Now I take part in all the means of Christian formation it offers to anyone who wants to attend: Circles, Days of Recollection and retreats, and I receive spiritual direction. But one of the most beautiful graces I have received through Saint Josemaría was discovering my vocation: my fiancé and I want to form a holy family with the grace of God and the loving help of our Mother.
Maria F., Argentina
February 28, 2006

I have to thank him for saving my life
At the end of December 2002, when I was 10, I was in the garden and without realizing it I tripped over an electricity cable and the electric current went through me. My brother Carlos was the only person who saw me, and he came to help, but when he touched me he got an electric shock too. By the time the rest of the family came to help us, my mother says there was no sign of life in me. I had been unconscious for fifteen minutes, without moving, when my mother ran and brought a prayer-card of Saint Josemaria. She put it on my chest and as she was praying, with lots of faith, that I would come round, I DID, and I gave her a kiss and told her that everything would be all right and to stop crying. They took me to hospital, to the emergency ward, and the doctors were very surprised and said it was a miracle that I was alive. That miracle came through Saint Josemaría.
I was kept under observation for a while and was given some very powerful medication, because the doctor said I could be left with serious brain damage. My parents were convinced about the miracle and went to Mass in the Cathedral in thanksgiving.
Several years have gone by, and my life has changed a lot. I’m strong and healthy, with no problems about studying, and everything is fine. I wanted to send in this miracle of Saint Josemaría, the founder of Opus Dei, for publication, because I have to thank him for saving my life, and for the unity of my family, among many other things. We live our Christianity with the teachings of the Father, and he is always present in our lives, our personal actions and our work.
Thank you very much, Father.
J. J. Y. V., San Vicente de Cañete, Lima, Peru
February 26, 2006

It isn’t by chance
I have had great devotion to Saint Josemaría ever since he was beatified. I always prayed to him devoutly and he granted me everything I asked him for. The biggest thing that happened to me was the following.
In November 2005 my husband broke the news to me that he’d been offered a job in Mexico. To tell the truth, I refused to accept it, although it was practically a certainty.
I prayed to Saint Josemaría and asked him please to help me understand why we should move somewhere so far away from my country.
Some days after I’d told my parents about my husband’s coming change of job, my father went to the doctor for a check-up. The echogram showed a cyst, and so the doctor sent him for a blood test. Then he sent him for more checks, which revealed the presence of many more cysts.
The whole family was feeling pretty desperate by this stage, and it was worse because of my being about to move so far away. Seeing the state they were in, I gave my father a prayer card of Saint Josemaría and told him to keep praying to him, especially while they were doing the biopsy.
My father told me that he commended himself to Saint Josemaría just as they were about to do the procedure. Every time I prayed to Saint Josemaría I said to him: “Increase my faith and give me the means!” I did the same during my father’s biopsy, and Josemaría gave me Our Lady of Guadalupe as my mediator. After a fortnight of anguish and intense prayer, we got the results, and, thanks to God and the intercession of our Lady and Saint Josemaría, Founder of Opus Dei, the analysis showed no malignant cells.
I am sure that this is a miracle and I’m also sure that my journey, or rather my husband’s move to Mexico, is not by chance. To see the shrine of the Mother of God at Guadalupe, which Josemaría was so devoted to, is going to be a great opportunity.
We are traveling on March 28, and I can’t wait to go and visit the basilica of Guadalupe, which I have heard is the biggest shrine of our Lady in the world, so that I can thank her for this miracle and great sign that what happens is purely the Will of God.
Rosana, Argentina
February 28, 2006

A guide in my vocation
I would like to publicly thank our dear Saint Josemaria Escriva for protecting and helping me in my vocational call. May he always be my special intercessor before Our Lord and a guide in my vocational call. Saint Josemaria Escriva is really a great saint that God gave to His Church in these turbulent days.
D. M., Malta
February 23, 2006

Many favors
I have received many favors through the intercession of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer. One of them is that I finally got to the US and found a job. And many more like that. I promised him that I would publish these favors. Thank you.
Suyapa, Honduras
February 20, 2006

My mother was seriously sick
I think I have a moral obligation of making my testimony known to others. My mother was seriously sick in hospital, in intensive care, we prayed the prayer to Saint Josemaría and through his intercession in heaven she got better. Now I am praying to him for help in a personal matter and I feel how he is protecting me. Thanks.
Ana, Uruguay
February 16, 2006

The path of ordinary life
I invoked Saint Josemaría on his birthday asking him to make some pain disappear. That night and part of the next day it seemed to be cured. I think he gave me a little respite and then encouraged me to continue along the path of ordinary life. Now I am offering up my pains for many intentions.
Adhelma Maria, Argentina
February 16, 2006

Monsignor Escrivá de Balaguer
I started working in a company and noticed the photograph of this saint on a colleague’s desk. It was Monsignor Escrivá de Balaguer. I bought a book about his life (Footprints in the Snow) and was deeply impressed by it. But still more by what happened in the office: there was a fire in the building on the whole of that floor, and the office was completely burnt, but the desk with the photograph of Monsignor Escrivá was untouched. Another time, a friend’s mom had a stroke and the doctors said there was no chance of recovery, everyone was expecting her to die. When he told me about it I went to my room with the photo of the Founder of Opus Dei and prayed to him for this lady’s recovery, and some time afterwards I saw my friend he told me his mom was fine, and that her recovery had been a "miracle".
J. T., Chile
February 16, 2006

Through a book
I am deeply grateful to Saint Josemaría for helping me so much every time I ask him to. I thank this saint for bringing me to know Opus Dei and interceding for me before God at my most difficult times. It was through reading the Da Vinci Code that I got interested in Opus Dei and realized that the book is a complete fiction that goes against religion and is disrespectful towards Catholics. But facing things like these makes us stronger... we have to use the lemons to make lemonade.
Cristian, Argentina
February 11, 2006

Help from the Founder of Opus Dei
I’ve received so many graces through Saint Josemaría’s intercession, especially about finding jobs. I’m a young teacher and I haven’t been working for very long, so at present I don’t have a permanent post. I often have to look for supply teaching jobs, and being unemployed is always a worry. The Founder of Opus Dei always helps me to find the right opportunity at the right moment, and I could tell about many times this has happened. Every time I got a job offer through his intercession I promised myself I’d write my testimony, but I never did. A few days ago I finished a supply job and had no work. Yesterday I prayed the prayer-card and said, “Father, help me! This time I really will write about it!” Just a few minutes later I get telephone call asking me to do supply teaching; it is a long-term post and will greatly benefit me. I had been about to go out of town and only just got back in time.
Silvia, Italy
February 10, 2006

Don’t worry!
Since mid-December my husband has had two operations on his leg for a fractured tibia. I have prayed a lot to Saint Josemaría for him, and yesterday at last the X-ray results were good. My husband began physiotherapy sessions today. I want to thank Saint Josemaría for this. I have a photo of him on my desk, and every time I look at it, his smile seems to be saying to me, “Don’t worry!” I pray to him for my husband with great trust, and thank him for being with me on several occasions. I can feel his kindness and his help. United in prayer,
Julienne Duby, Brussels
February 9, 2006

We both passed
On February first I had one of the two exams I need to finish my degree. Before taking the exam I asked Saint Josemaría and our Lady to help my friend and me. I am going through a difficult time, which I trust will soon be sorted, and I hardly had the chance to study for the exam. Yesterday afternoon my friend called me to say that we both passed. Very many thanks for the help that I am sure I received to pass my exam.
Anonymous
February 9, 2006

I always pray to Saint Josemaría
Over the past few months, faced with many difficult circumstances, especially at work, whether for big problems or small ones, I always trust Saint Josemaría and pray to him. I put him out of my life for several years; today I am always with him and trust his grace.
Alvaro Chirinos, Peru
February 9, 2006

The scooter worked perfectly
I was on my way to college on my scooter, with the book I needed for the class in the little locker under the seat. When I stopped outside my college I tried to open the locker but I couldn’t. It was completely stuck, with the book I needed inside it. I asked several passers-by for help, but they couldn’t open it either, and they advised me not to keep trying to open it because I risked breaking the scooter key. So I could neither get my book nor even go home, until I said a prayer to Saint Josemaría – and the locker opened straight away. I was on time for my class and I had the book, and afterwards the scooter worked perfectly.
Paola, Italy
February 8, 2006

I found him on the internet
About two weeks ago I was feeling really down and didn’t know what to do. I’m living in the States, and life here is nothing but work and more work, but I wanted to turn to God again. One day I was looking for something on the net and I found the Saint Josemaría website. It wasn’t just by chance, and as I read about his life, and how he lived it, always being cheerful and happy to work for God, I felt I was being called to do the same. In addition I asked him to intercede for some pains I was experiencing and he did so. I thank God for his intercession.
Omar, USA
February 6, 2006

The lost boxes
I sent boxes to Germany from the USA via post mail. It was taking such a long time, I wondered if they were lost. So I started to pray to the Father, and now they are slowly arriving. Thank you Saint Josemaría, and please help me do well in my medical studies this Fall. Everything is for God and His Church. Long live Pope Benedict.
R. B., USA
February 4, 2006

Prayer to Saint Josemaría
Saint Josemaría accompanies every step I take. I often read and re-read his writings, which are so clear and deeply human even though they sometimes invite us to change our ways. When things get on top of me I pray to him and straight away I am filled with a sense of peace and security. His thoughts are a real oasis of love and kindness. And so I try not to stray too far from what he told us to do. Prayer to Saint Josemaría is our guide: he sheds light on our daily actions, whether small or great. A big thank-you for this spiritual light!
Dimitri, France
February 3, 2006

Everything is good
When I entered college, I was so upset that I wasn't able to study overseas. However, God has been so good in depriving me with my preference. God sent me to a school wherein I will meet St. Josemaria who through his children will make me realize that everything is good/Omnia in Bonum. When I met the Work, my outlook in life has changed. I learned that I can please God and love Him even in the little things. Aside from this, I was able to see the good side even in the worst things that happened to my life (e.g. injured knee which deprived me to play competitive golf). My injured knee was eventually cured through the intercession of St. Josemaria and Don Alvaro. Today, I can kneel during Mass and genuflect in churches. The cure of my knee is an indication that I can walk again to facilitate in doing apostolate for Our Lord.
In short, everything has its purpose. And as for me, I have to continue praying to God and to St. Josemaria so that I may see what God made me for.
USA
30 de enero de 2006

I’m delighted with the work I’m doing!
Without all that much devotion, though with faith, I asked Saint Josemaría to help me get a job, something very difficult to find in my circumstances. I got a job, I find it worthwhile, and my managers have congratulated me and put my name forward for more new projects. And as if that wasn’t enough, I’m delighted with the work I’m doing!
Thank you, Saint Josemaría! I’ll carry on relying on you.
Spain
January 31, 2006

At a time of anguish
Thank you Saint Josemaría for interceding before our Lord and giving me courage and hope at a time of dismay and anguish.
Freda Cabanilla Alvarado, Ecuador
January 31, 2006

The Man from Villa Tevere
I’m a young theology student at St Joseph's Seminary. A few months ago a book called "The Man from Villa Tevere" by Pilar Urbano came to my hands. As I read it, I discovered the true profile of Saint Josemaría, his life as a priest and a son of God. But what most struck me was the “plan of life” he taught. It has helped me in my vocational life, my prayer and meditation and the preparation for Mass. I’ve put it into practice in my life project. I thank God for all the teachings left us by this great Saint, and for his love for Jesus, Mary and the Church.
O. C. G., Colombia
January 28, 2006

Economics exam
I’ve just had a viva voce exam in economics. I was asked about a difficult topic, but I managed to answer and I got a good mark.
Before going in for the exam I invoked Saint Josemaría and I just want to thank him.
Jean-François, France
January 24, 2006

A very small, everyday favour
The mechanics who repaired my washing-machine left the old drum for me to throw out. Where I live there are no large rubbish-containers. The dustmen come at a fixed time to collect “destructible” rubbish only. This meant I would have to take the old washing-machine drum to a rubbish disposal site. I can’t drive, so I’d have to try and get someone else to give me a lift. I decided to leave the drum out with the rest of my rubbish, and I prayed to Saint Josemaría that the dustmen would take it, even though it’s not their job. Some hours later I looked to see if the drum was still there, but they’d taken it. So I thanked Saint Josemaría.
Belén Chordi Miranda, Spain
January 18, 2006

I found the strength to forgive lovingly
Saint Josemaría was there for me when I most needed him.
In 2005 something happened which wounded me more deeply than anything else in my whole life. The person who caused this was someone very close to me, whom I admired, trusted and liked. Because of what this person did I suffered a lot and fell into depression, and this lasted for several months.
Around that time I heard about Saint Josemaría. Reading what he wrote helped me enormously. Thanks to his example I found the strength to forgive lovingly, to live with love, and I understood the Christian meaning of suffering; it was a great help to me.
Today all of that is no more than a memory, and it no longer makes me suffer. I thank the Lord, our Lady and Saint Josemaría. Without him, I don’t know what I would have done, or what would have become of me.
He is my favourite saint, my guide, my confidant, and I always find the answer to my questions in his writings. I pray to him every day, and help others to love him as I do. If I know of anyone in difficulties, I advise them to invoke Saint Josemaría, and several people have already told me that they have received graces through his intercession.
I truly desire this testimony to be published, so as to tell those who are suffering: “Don’t be afraid!”
For now I have just one thing to say: thank-you, dear Saint Josemaría, thank-you for everything, you changed my life!
D.I., France
January 17, 2006

People warned me against that prelature
Some time ago I knew nothing about Opus Dei, and had hardly even heard of it. People around me warned me against that prelature, even in my parish, and even people who were very well placed. I didn’t dare answer, or ask what it was about, for fear of upsetting them. But I’d lost my own peace of mind, and often asked myself, ‘So what is Opus Dei?’ Saint Josemaría must have read my thoughts, because he sent me someone, just as if God had sent me an angel, and I thank him for this with all my heart. I wasn’t expecting it - it came as a complete surprise!
I read The Way, Furrow, The Way of the Cross; I’ve checked out websites, including this one, and I’ve come to understand that there was no need to warn anyone against Opus Dei, and the people who did so had been taken in by malicious gossip.
Not only did I recover my peace of mind, but I understood that suffering has a meaning, and that we can sanctify ourselves in the world. This was a real discovery for me. The only thing I had left to wish for was to stop being afraid of talking about this great saint and my devotion for him. I wanted this so much! Now I’m free of that fear, and I talk about him boldly even at the risk of upsetting certain people. I’ve overcome my self-love and I’m no longer afraid of losing such and such a privilege by talking about him to people in church circles! My spirit feels free, – totally abandoned to God’s Will! It is thanks to Saint Josemaría that I’ve found this boldness, this courage – and I haven’t in fact annoyed anyone!
I’ve received so many spiritual graces from him, so many suggestions about how to behave in a given situation, that I cannot deny that he has intervened.
Recently my husband has had two operations on his leg. I’m entrusting his recovery to Saint Josemaría, and I’ve great confidence in him! My husband is doing well.
United in prayer. I wish this testimony to be published with my name in full. Thank you.
Julienne Auquière, née Duby, Belgium
January 16, 2006

He supports me in my divine calling
I want to testify to the fact that it is constant prayer and the intercession of Saint Josemaría and Padre Pio, that enable me to continue firmly and resolutely along my path, in spite of my failings and a serious psychiatric illness. I always nourish the hope of living in joy with Christ, in spite of my own failings. Saint Josemaría has been, and still is, my constant companion, keeping me firm in my principles, and he supports me in the divine calling I have received.
H. R., Brazil
January 16, 2006

Playing sports
I injured my shoulder when I was playing sports. It was simply tendonitis, but quite painful and troublesome, because it made it difficult for me to concentrate. I went to the doctor, who told me to take anti-inflammatories, but he also said that because of the location of the injury the best thing would be to take time off for recuperation. It would be a slow process, and the trouble would very possibly recur from time to time.
In view of all this I took the anti-inflammatories and prayed to Saint Josemaría, placing the prayer-card on the injured shoulder.
In a week the pain had disappeared, and the doctor said it was miraculous that I had got better so quickly.
Spain
January 15, 2006

Help in my work
As part of the assessment for my course at university I had to present a collection of 150 insects from 20 different orders. By the day of the deadline for handing it in, I was still short of two insects, representing two different orders. I prayed to Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer for this favour, and a few minutes later I found two small insects in the house. When I classified them I found that they belonged to the two orders I was missing. I’m sure that it was Saint Josemaría who helped me with my work.
I. M. R., Puerto Rico
January 13, 2006

Pray for me through Saint Josemaria’s intercession
My name is Emma and I am nineteen years old and live in Australia. I am very ill and have developed many food intolerances. I desperately want to be well again. I feel the call to minister to others suffering with ill health and pain as I am. Could you pass this on to your readers and ask them to pray for me through Saint Josemaria Escriva’s intercession? “If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you” (Matthew 18:19). Your efforts would be greatly appreciated.
E. N., Australia
January, 12 2006

A breath of hope
I want to give thanks for the intercession of Saint Josemaria, who, at a time of
discouragement, has brought a breath of hope to our hearts. Thank you!
M., China

The smallest favors
My mom had diabetes for almost eight years. Fortunately, she is just taking oral medications. But three months ago, her blood sugar went really high that her doctor had her take insulin injections twice a day. It was painful.
Two months ago, I went to Opus Dei’s retreat. I got St. Josemaria Escriva’s prayer card and while listening to the testimonies of people who had their prayers answered through his intercessions, I began to be amazed on how St. Josemaria intercedes on the smallest favors they asked. After the retreat, I began praying the prayer card every single day with intentions for my mom to her stop insulin injections. After a month, my mom’s doctor told her that her blood sugar is manageable and she could go back to oral medicines! Thank you St. Josemaria Escriva for your intercession!
J. P., Philippines
January 6, 2006

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