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Every day I thank God and St Josemaria that I am alive
When I was four I lost my mother. I was left alone with my father and older sister. My father married again and had seven more children. When I was sixteen a friend gave me a copy of The Way. It was the most valuable present I ever had. It was my guide through life, because my father was so busy working to support the family that he didn’t have much time to spend with us.
The Way taught me to see my worth as a daughter of God, and that mortification builds up your will-power and strength of character and stops you getting lukewarm. My faith in God grew quickly. I started attending classes at Chiclayo School. My teacher was a member of Opus Dei who introduced me to other girls that I made friends with. I got to know St Josemaria better and better, and I often ask for his intercession. I have learned to offer my work to God and I try not to let Him down. If I do go wrong, I say sorry to Him and put it right.
When I was thirty-three I became ill and nearly died. I asked St Josemaria to cure me and in three days I was out of danger, so that after doing all sorts of checks and tests, the doctors said that I could go home because there was nothing wrong with me. St Josemaria obtained this miracle for me.
Every day I thank God and St Josemaria that I am alive.
Virginia Monge, Lima, Peru
December 14, 2010

Our lives were going to be changed

I am writing to thank St Josemaria for his intercession before God for favors granted.

Within the space of a few days my wife and I faced some major events that could change the course of our lives. To begin with, the birth of our first child. Within a month of this, I was going to have a knee operation. And finally, just a month and a half before our baby was due, my wife had to have a biopsy for a “suspect” lump on her breast.

I said the prayer to St Josemaria quite often, with faith, for all these things to turn out well.

Our son was born healthy and beautiful. My operation went perfectly well, and my wife’s breast biopsy showed a benign tumor of no significance whatsoever. I’m really happy about all of this, and very grateful to God, and also to St Josemaria for having interceded for us.

Within the space of two months, our lives were going to be changed, either for better or for worse. Thank God, it was for better. And now all three of us are rejoicing in a happy and healthy family.
Emilio, Spain
December 12, 2010

Just before my job interview
My sister Johanna gave me a card with a photo of St Josemaria just before a job interview and prayed for me, after which I got the job. I am so grateful to St Josemaria and my sister!
Canada
November 27, 2010

We got the loan
I owed money at the bank for a long time. One day I got a letter saying I had to repay it, and I had no money. My husband went to the bank to ask for a loan. I prayed like mad to Saint Josemaria for him to get the loan, and the bank agreed.
A. Nunes, Portugal
November 22, 2010

Saint Josemaria is a miracle worker
My husband was made redundant in May 2009 due to the recession. Since then he has been looking for a job with no avail. The situation was getting so desperate. He was never shortlisted for interviews. Out of desperation I went on the internet and serched for a Novena for work. That is how I found out about Saint Josemaria and Opus Dei. That same day I started the novena and two days later he was shortlisted for three interviews from applications that he had previously submitted and not heard from them. However he did not get any of these jobs but we kept praying. Today I am overjoyed to say that he managed to secure a job that challenges him, where he is appreciated for his qualifications and that pays well. Thank you Saint Josemaria. You are a miracle worker.
UK
November 23, 2010

Cured of anemia
I have to thank St Josemaria's intercession for several favors received, and this one in particular. I used to suffer from anemia. During my treatment I prayed to this saint for a cure and promised I would publish it if this great favor was granted me. And now I write to give thanks for his intercession. Endless thanks!
Suyapa M., Honduras
November 24, 2010


Spiritual graces and material favors
I have received countless graces through St Josemaria Escriva for my family. We are living in different places, against our wishes, because of our work and study situations. St Josemaria's prayer-card has been my mother's and my own companion in everything. I am grateful for having a humble but happy life, so that I'm able to spread happiness and help those around me. I am grateful for the support I have received in bringing up and educating my children, who are now 14 and 22. I am sure that the reason they are so much liked by everyone is that St Josemaria has helped them in their development. My husband is working abroad, so he cannot be with us at Christmas, but he and I and our children are sustained by our faith. We are all praying for jobs so that our financial situation will improve and we can pay back all the money we have been given by relatives to help us. I feel sure that St Josemaria has also been helping us in material ways, because the food of the body also strengthens the soul. This is the first time I have been able to get to a computer to give humble thanks for all this, and also to say how proud I am to be one of St Josemaria's followers.
Miriam D. S. P., Uruguay
November 19, 2010

My 12-year-old son
Two weeks ago we had a big problem with our oldest son (12 years old). I didn't know what to do or which way to turn. In Germany, where we live at present, it is practically impossible to change to a good school at that age, still less in the middle of term. In the middle of all the mess, a friend in Opus Dei came and we agreed to make a novena to Saint Josemaria. Nine days later my son got a a place in one of the best schools in Berlin - a Catholic school, what's more! Today he begins the new stage in his life, and it's not yet two weeks since we started our novena. With grateful thanks for the help received!
Marcela A., Berlin, Germany
November 16, 2010

I prayed to St. Josemaria every day
I want to thank Saint Josemaria and a priest from Taiwan who gave me a prayer card of Josemaria Escriva during the time I was facing obstacles in getting my contract signed with a company in China. I prayed to St. Josemaria every day asking for his intercession to give me strengths to overcome the difficulties. I am so happy that my contract was finally signed last Thursday and I want to share with more people and ask them to pray as well. Thank you....
Malaysia
November 16, 2010

I prayed for my dear friend to get a job
I prayed for my dear friend to get a job and now he has a part time job starting tomorrow (though I doubt if it pays, it is valuable experience) and has heard of several opportunities for internships and jobs - after a long dry 2 years... (He is in the process of applying for those). This has to be due to the prayer to St.Josemaria! I pray he gets a solid offer soon. Keep on answering prayers St.Josemaria!
Zimbabwe
November 17, 2010

I prayed for a very long time
For a very long time I prayed for my husband to get a job and now he has some work. I really thank St. Josemaria because he has prayed with us all through. We are still trusting God for a stable and secure job for him. Thanks St.Josemaria and Bishop Alvaro for interceding for us in so many areas that we have sought your help.
Kenya
November 2, 2010

The doctors said he wouldn't survive
I am so grateful to St Josemaria. Four years and four months ago a great miracle was granted to me through his intercession: the health of my son Jose Alfredo. He is now a healthy growing boy, but when he was three months old the doctors said he wouldn't survive. Today he's full of life, thanks to God and St Josemaria. Endless thanks! Now on his birthday we've been giving away boxes of sweets with the St Josemaria prayer-card on them, so that more Mexican families will learn about him and pray through his intercession. Thank you, St Josemaria Escriva.
Alejandra Sanchez, Mexico D. F.
November 2, 2010


It is worth while
Recently I had an experience that I can only give thanks for.
For some time things had been going badly in many senses, whether because I was tired or sick. The only thing that kept me afloat was my faith. After praying hard to St. Josemaria and visiting to the Holy Land, I can only give thanks, because although things are not yet sorted, I have seen the light of the guiding star again, just like the Magi. Thanks to St. Josemaria I have discovered that it is worth while continuing my conversation with Christ, because like that even though we get soaked by the rain, the star will appear once more.
C., Spain

When I was feeling lost
Thank you Saint Josemaria for helping me to find my way when I was feeling lost and thought nothing was worth the effort. You helped me and taught me that even when things don't turn out the way we want, we can always go forward. I will go forward and I rely on your help. Thank you a thousand times, from me and my family!
Mario L
October 31, 2010

Students, don't stop praying for things
I'm writing again to bear witness to this favor that God granted me through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and my great friend Saint Josemaria, helping me to pass my exams. I'm writing this message not only to thank them but to encourage students not to stop praying and asking this great saint to intercede for their studies, and they'll see what God can do for them through his intercession, because nothing is impossible for God.
Nadege A., Cote d'Ivoire
October 28, 2010

Do you know why you’ve come?
Grenoble, a city on the edge of the Alps, is very hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. The cold weather usually sets in halfway through October. In my house there are some elderly people living, and we take care that they shouldn’t suffer from the cold. A fortnight ago we turned on the central heating, and when we were having a peaceful conversation in the sitting-room, we heard a loud explosion. The boiler! An engineer came to have a look at it, and said he would have to order a new part.
“How long will that take?”
“One week.”
Yesterday he came with the new part and tried to repair the boiler. But it was not the right part. He went away, saying, “I’ll go and see the supplier and if I can, I’ll bring it straight away.”
I told him, “As I’ve elderly people here, I’ll pray to Saint Josemaria that you find what you need.”
In the house, we began to notice the temperature falling.
“When is the boiler-man coming?”
“When Saint Josemaria chooses – and he’ll choose for him to come right now.”
I hadn’t finished speaking when there was a ring at the door. It was the engineer. As I let him in, I asked him, “Do you know why you’ve come today?”
“No, I don’t,” he said.
“Well, it’s because, as I told you yesterday, Saint Josemaria has heard my prayer. Look!” I said, giving him a prayer-card of Saint Josemaria.
“Oh! Then I’ll keep this!”
And half an hour later the central heating was working. Thank you, Father!
Laure Klein, Grenoble
October 15, 2010

My daughter’s health and studies
I am from Chile and I regularly receive the St Josemaria newsletter. My family was going through a difficult patch this year. My 19-year-old daughter’s boyfriend, who she’d been going out with for some time, was killed in an accident at work. In desperation, I prayed to St Josemaria and Don Alvaro del Portillo to help my daughter to keep at her studies and recover her equilibrium. Today we can thank God that her studies are going well and she is no longer under medical supervision. I am very grateful for this favor.
Alicia, Chile
October 14, 2010

A brain hemorrhage
I am enormously grateful to Saint Josemaria Escriva for having accompanied me at the hardest times in my life. I took my degree in law. Exactly a year ago, when I’d just finished my degree, I suffered a brain hemorrhage. I prayed intensely to Saint Josemaria, and made a complete recovery, with no after-effects at all. A year later, I sat the exam to qualify as a lawyer, and prayed just as intensely to him to intercede for me before God and give me calmness, clarity and joy, and EVERYTHING WAS FINE! Today I can do nothing except spread his name and devotion to him, and thank him for all his help and intercession for me. Thank you very much, Saint Josemaria Escriva!
Paula E., Chile
October 14, 2010

Small favors and big ones
Thank you, St. Josemaria, for having helped me all my life, from the smallest everyday things to the biggest affairs like helping me to pass an exam that was vital to be able to do my specialism. I am so very grateful for your intercession!
Liliana S., Mexico
October 14, 2010

More faith and a good place to park
I was seven months pregnant when one evening my husband and I decided to go out to dinner. When we got to the restaurant the car-park was very full: all the places for pregnant women were already taken, and the only free places were very far away indeed. My husband insisted on looking for a place close to the restaurant, and I realised that he was doing this so I wouldn’t have to walk far. But when he couldn’t find a spot, he started getting impatient. I know my husband hasn’t got much faith in favors or miracles, but I’d been to a spiritual retreat shortly before, and I’d come away with the strong conviction that St Josemaria is really centered on his children. So I said to my husband that we were going to pray to St Josemaria and I knew that he’d find us a place in less than a minute. My husband looked at me in an unbelieving sort of way, so I began praying quietly myself, and in less than 40 seconds we found a place to park right by the entrance to the restaurant. I am really really grateful to St Josemaria for this favor, but above all for the fact that my husband now turns to his intercession more.
Lourdes N., El Salvador
September 24, 2010

My husband found a job
My husband worked as a salesman and everything was going well until one day he was made redundant. He spent the next three months trying to find another job. During that time we were very short of everything, we couldn’t pay for our children’s schooling or get the things we needed for the house; we didn’t even have enough to eat. I began the novena for work. When I finished it I started over again, and on the second day, before I finished it, my husband was given work by a new agency. I give thanks to God and my Mother Mary for the favor received, and to St. Josemaria.
Jania J., Mexico
October 14, 2010

A little favor
I just received a favor from St Josemaria. I have a cold and had just blown my nose when I started feeling really dizzy, so dizzy that I honestly felt the room was going round and round. I had to go and lie down. I asked St Josemaria to help me, and the dizziness stopped there and then. I don’t understand how the dizziness could just have gone away if not through St Josemaria’s intercession. Thank you very much, and best wishes.
Inma Garcia, Spain
October 11, 2010

St. Josemaria did want us to go
On July 16 there was going to be a general get-together with Bishop Javier Echevarria, the Prelate of Opus Dei, in Lima, Peru. A week before, my whole family made detailed plans to get there, from the fares to the best place to meet. Just days before, my Mom realised that on July 15 she had to pay the lighting bill, and all she had was the money we had put aside for the fares. She is a dressmaker, and although jobs usually come in every day, that day nobody came to order or collect anything. My Mom looked at the photo of St. Josemaria’s canonization, and said to him, “If you want us to go to the get-together with Bishop Javier Echevarria, please send me some work!” And clearly, St. Josemaria did want us to go, because she got enough jobs not only to pay for our fares, but we even had a really delicious breakfast the next day.
Zimri U. Chosica, Peru
September 24, 2010

The communion of saints
I live in Andalucia, Spain. Ever since I was young I’ve been going to Opus Dei centers, and I’ve absorbed the spirit of Opus Dei and the meaning of the communion of saints.
I work in a hotel, and one day when I had some free time I decided to go to the local cemetery and as it’s a very big one, I thought of saying the rosary (it would be good for me and for the souls of the people buried there too). Then I remembered that some people of Opus Dei were buried there, but I didn’t know where.
I should stress that the cemetery is very big indeed, so big that there is a plan to show how to get to the different parts. Anyway, I thought it would be great if I could find those particular tombs. I said under my breath, “Saint Josemaria, help me to find the right place so I can pray for them too.” I must admit I also thought I was being crazy, because it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. But to my surprise, I stopped on one of the avenues where there were tombs at ground level, and for no reason I decided to go back along it… and there they were! So I was able to pray with great devotion doubly for the people who had taken their final step in this life, and specifically for one of the people in Opus Dei who had helped me enormously with her example during her sickness.
I couldn’t fail to write about this little event, which also helps me feel that Saint Josemaria will always stay by my side.
Andalucia
September 27, 2010

It's thanks to St Josemaria that I'm here today
Hi, I'm Argentinean, and I'm writing to testify to St Josemaria's intercession. My mother always had very difficult pregnancies, and suffered many miscarriages. When she became pregnant with me, she was given a prayer card of St Josemaria, and she prayed to him with great faith to intercede before God for her pregnancy. Thanks to God and St Josemaria, everything went well and I was born on October 25, 1980. I would like to personally thank God and St Josemaria that I'm alive today. Thank you!
Romi C., Entre Rios, Argentina
September 26, 2010

It all began with a meeting in the street
I am 45 and I learned about St Josemaria Escriva fourteen years ago, when some women came to stay near where I live. We often used to say hello when we met in the street. One day one of them gave me a prayer card of St Josemaria and explained how much it would help me. I prayed to him every day since then, and he always helps me in life's upsets. Thank you St Josemaria for all that you do for me.
Maria Jose F. P., Spain
24 September 2010


Success in my exam
Hi, I only wanted to share a testimony. I prayed fervently to St Josemaria for success in my TOEFL exam with 26 marks in my speaking section and he obtained it for me. Please it will please me if this is published because i promised him i will share this favor if received, on his website. Thanks so much.
Francisca
September 22, 2010

Two favors in one: my husband recovered and we got to know Saint Josemaria
I am from Artigas, Uruguay. A year ago, in August 2009, my husband was in a car accident. He had a thorax fracture and both lungs punctured. He was in a serious condition and had to be taken to the Italian Hospital in Montevideo. He was in a coma for 40 days. He had kidney failure and was put on dialysis. On August 25, when his condition was critical, my mother and I went to a church two streets away from the hospital - Risen Christ Church, next to Montevideo terminal. We found it was shut, and decided to wait and see if it opened soon. After a few minutes we saw a young man coming out of a side door. He came towards us, smiled and gave us each a prayer card of Saint Josemaria. He looked at my mother and said, "You're from Artigas, aren't you?" She said yes and asked if he knew us. He said he didn't, smiled again, and went off. Without understanding anything, we went into the church. By the door was a man - the one in charge of looking after the church. We prayed there, and on the way out my mother asked this man if he knew the young fellow who came out of the church before. He answered that there was no-one else in the church before we came in. My mother started crying, and explained why we were there. He encouraged us to pray to Saint Josemaria, saying there must be some reason why we'd been given the prayer cards.
When we got back to the hospital we prayed the prayer on the cards, and from August 26 - the day after we met the young man outside the church - my husband's condition began to improve. Today, one year on, he is convalescing at home with us, leading a normal life with the family. I wanted to write this testimony because I attribute my husband's recovery to God and Saint Josemaria. Ever since then I have prayed his prayer every day.
Liliana Alejandra V. F., Uruguay
September 22, 2010

He passed his exam
About two years ago I prayed to St Josemaria for my husband to succeed in a competitive examination. I promised to write about the favour if it was granted, i.e. once he'd got the job he was going in for. Now I'm praying for him to get a job in computer sciences. I am also praying for a job for myself and for help in the competitive examination I am preparing for. I know he will help me because I have great faith in him. Thank you very much!
Marisa B., Spain
September 21, 2010

My Mandarin class
Because of a change in my schedule I needed to change the time of my Mandarin class from the afternoon to the morning. I asked the office if they could accomodate my request but they said that since the other classes were full there was no way for me to move class schedules. Sensing the inconvenience of it all I asked the help of St.Josemaria to arrange matters for me for I was also a bit ignorant as to what else I could do. After praying the prayer card I learned from a classmate that another one of our classmates was in the morning class and that it may be possible to change places with him. I talked to him however since he works in the afternoon he could not change places with me. My final chance was to ask the office to re-consider. I prayed another prayer card again and when I talked to the office Secretary she said "You are lucky! There has been some mistake in the names and you can now attend the class in the morning." What a relief! This is all of St. Josemaria's doing. How well he arranges things and how quickly he does it!
Y. S., Taipei
September 9, 2010

My mother, my sister and my grandson, all healthy
Hi, I am writing this letter to keep the promise I made to St. Josemaria. I got to know his writings about five years ago. My mother had to go into hospital. She was so ill that we began to think that she was going to die… It was then that a friend gave me a prayer card to this saint. I placed it on her forehead. I prayed with faith to Saint Josemaria and he obtained the miracle. My mother got better and a short while ago she celebrated her ninety-second birthday and is very well for her age. Her mind is excellent, although she is a little deaf and her bones hurt.
From that day on St. Josemaria has always been with me. But I only invoke him for really difficult reasons, such as health problems. For example, when my sister had a little accident to her ankle, she spent ten days in hospital, and was very ill because of a bad reaction to the painkillers. On that occasion the prayer card of St. Josemaria accompanied her all the time underneath her pillow. I used to place it on her stomach. I am sure that it was St. Josemaria who cured her.
But the promise I made a few days ago to write about the miracle is for a very special reason. It is a very sad story. Two years ago my daughter had been pregnant for almost nine months. Just twenty days before she was due to give birth, she suffered a miscarriage. It was terrible for my daughter and her husband, for the family and for our friends… for everyone. But as she is a strong healthy girl she became pregnant again. However, after two months she again lost the child. I prayed to St. Josemaria that my daughter might have a child around December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and she did. As the months went by she developed high blood pressure and from then on we stuck close to her, and to prayer. The day of the C-section, we took the prayer card of St. Josemaria to the hospital, and, thanks to his intercession before God, we are all very happy today, especially my daughter and her husband.
My promise was this: to tell of all the sad moments we lived through in the past and the present moments when we are filled with happiness and grateful for ever to our miraculous St. Josemaria.
Lidia Candi, Argentina
September 7, 2010

Protection during my pregnancy
I would like to thank Saint Josemaria for freeing me from stones in the gall-bladder during my pregnancy. This meant I did not have to have an operation, which would have put my baby at risk. Now I am praying for his intercession to continue to protect me so that I don't need to have an operation at all. Thank you, Saint Josemaria!
M. B., Belgium
September 13, 2010

I can never thank him enough
Saint Josemaria interceded for me to recover from breast cancer. I can never thank him enough.
Monique, France
September 21, 2010

A better job, a good girlfriend, and a new job
I work in a secondary school. A friend of mine has just qualified and was in difficulties with her first teaching job, because she has two small children and couldn’t get home till late in the evening because of the timetable she’d been given. She was suffering a lot. She had a two-year contract. I encouraged her to pray to Saint Josemaria for her situation to improve, although it seemed very difficult. She applied for an exchange and was astonished to be given a post in a school in her own town, working in the mornings. This surprising outcome has also awakened her interest in starting to practise her faith.
I have another friend, who was entering for a competitive State examination and didn’t think she had any chance of success, because she hadn’t been able to prepare for all the possible subjects that might come up. Again, I suggested that we should pray St Josemaria’s prayer card together. The very day she had taken the exam she called to say that the subject which had come up was the one she had studied most thoroughly!
Now I am praying to St Josemaria for one of my sons to find a job and another of them to find a good girlfriend. I am sure he’ll answer my prayers too. Thank you, St Josemaria!
Pilar C. C., Spain
August 30, 2010

Very grateful in advance
I need to give infinite thanks to God in the first place and then to Saint Josemaria, for helping two of my sons find jobs. As they have just graduated, I prayed hard for them to be hired quickly. Moreover one is married, with a 9-month-old baby. As Saint Josemaria always helped me I prayed through his intercession – and now both of them are just about to start their new jobs. I am still praying for my eldest son who is also jobless. I also want to thank God and Saint Josemaria for helping the miners who are buried in the mine in Atacama. With God’s help they will soon be out.
Thank you!
Elizabeth, Chile
August 24, 2010

A book called The Way
I have learned a lot from the writings of St. Josemaria. I was helped by a book he wrote called The Way. Each of its pieces of advice has been helpful in enabling me to get over various problems that arose. I studied in a school called Jacaranda which is run according to Opus Dei’s spirit, and I am very grateful to have been at that school. Thank-you.
Danitza M., Ecuador
August 21, 2010

Not just a job
The prayer card of Saint Josemaria has changed my life completely. Because I have him with me, I feel secure and firm in life. Everything began at my local church, when the priest, who is a good friend of mine, put some prayer cards on a table by the door. I took one but didn’t think much about it as I’d never heard of Saint Josemaria. I’d been out of work for over a year and was really desperate. One night I said the prayer on his prayer card and asked him with all my strength to get me a job, and he did. Just a few days later I had a call with a job offer, not just any job, but the kind I’d dreamed of, and connected with my training as a primary school teacher. The job I was offered was as tutor in sheltered apartments for young people. I was overjoyed. From that day on Saint Josemaria has been a fundamental part of my life, because everything I ask him for, he intercedes for me before God our Lord. Thank you, Saint Josemaria, and I promise to spread devotion to you.
J.A.J.G., Spain
August 11, 2010

They really transform our souls
Your website with St. Josemaria’s writings, the lists of books by him and about him, and the other links, are a huge asset and really transform our souls. I am writing today to thank St. Josemaria sincerely for his intercession for a job for Mathias. Our prayers were heard, and now we are asking him to continue interceding for his children in need. Blessed be God in all his saints!
Yvette, La Reunion
August 11, 2010

Out of danger and with no after-effects
I am so grateful to St Josemaria for his intercession for the cure of a very dear friend of mine. He is a doctor himself, and a fortnight ago he was taken into hospital as an emergency and put in intensive care. He had a very serious case of herpetic encephalitis that could have killed him or left him with serious brain-damage. I prayed through St Josemaria’s intercession for a complete recovery. And today he is out of danger and with no after-effects – which is a real miracle, since he was only taken into hospital very late, because the first symptoms did not seem serious. Thank you St Josemaria!
Marie P., France
August 9, 2010

Who’s your patron saint?
Twelve years ago I was a helper in a club for young people. One day something happened that changed my life. We were having our photo taken against the background of the sea, the rail gave way and I fell about six meters, landing on my back on a wooden breakwater. I had three operations and after some time I began to walk again. In the days immediately after the accident, some of the doctors who came in to see me asked me, “Who’s your patron saint?” “Saint Josemaria Escriva,” I said. “Then you should thank him very much for being able to move your legs after a fall like that,” they told me.
Recently I had my second baby. The accident had left my spine scarred, with the result that when I had my first baby the epidural I was given did not have very much effect.
This time my labour was so fast there wasn’t even time to administer an epidural, and without that help, it was hard for the baby to be born. I began praying to Saint Josemaria that the baby could be born normally. By about one o’clock in the morning I was exhausted, and the only option seemed to be a cesarian section. But then, at just two minutes past one, my son Juanito was born!
The next couple of days were an anxious time, as the doctors thought the baby would have to stay in hospital for a week and be given antibiotics and phototherapy. I prayed to Saint Josemaria again, and it turned out neither treatment was needed. After two days, we went home.
J. B., Portugal
July 12, 2010

For children up to 86
A few weeks ago I read an article on this website about a biography of Saint Josemaria called “Yes!” And I was surprised that it said it was for children up to 80. Not because it sounded like a joke, but because my grandmother is 86, she has just read the book, and she simply loved it. Now she wants to start reading it all over again. I thought I’d better write and tell you this so you can update the article and say “for children up to 86”. Congratulations and thank you for all your good work!
V. B., Spain
August 3, 2010

So far, so good
I am very grateful to St. Josemaria Escriva for his intercession, his books, and all his blessings. I applied for a very important job with a multinational company and so far I’ve passed all the tests, including the medical. Last Friday I had an interview with the director general, and although nothing is finalized yet, I have immense faith in St. Josemaria’s intercession before God, that everything is going to turn out well. God bless you!
J. C. C., Mexico
August 3, 2010

St Josemaria’s “Yes”
I just got back from Rome where I did a week’s spiritual exercises. I had the opportunity to go to Opus Dei’s prelatic church and pray before St Josemaria’s mortal remains. In the first place I want to say thank you for the welcome I got there. But more than that, I want to give thanks for St Josemaria’s “Yes” to the project God had for him: founding Opus Dei, something entirely new. I prayed there, and I continue to pray now that through his intercession God may grant me the possibility of working in Madrid, close to my house and my mother, who is elderly and sick, instead of working in Coslada as at present. So I would like to ask everyone who reads this to include me in their prayers, and I will be infinitely grateful. Again, I give many thanks to God, St Josemaria, and all of Opus Dei.
J. C. S., Spain
August 1, 2010

I had no reason to expect a new job
In March or April 2010 I was laid off from my teaching position in the midst of the worst market in memory for my profession. In May 2010 I received a letter from my school district superintendent that this decision was solely based upon the school district's current fiscal constraints and the fact that the district suffered a significant loss of state aid this year. As a result the district had no choice but to effectuate an overall reduction in staffing. Given the dire situation I had no reasonable basis to expect to find a new teaching position. I seriously considered a change of profession and perhaps returning to school as many teachers across the state lost their teaching positions as well and the job market in the field of teaching seemed impossible. As weeks passed I grew worrisome of my family's future. Friends and colleagues would tell me that God has a plan for me don't lose hope and don't lose your confidence. I searched daily online and in the newspapers. I truly believed that if God has a plan for me He would lead me. If He wants me to be a stay-at-home mother then he would not open the door to a new job. I decided to leave it up to Him and believe in the power of prayer.
On June 14 my sister-in-law sent me the Novena to St. Josemaria Escriva for work.
Shortly after receiving this powerful novena I began to pray for nine days. I shared this novena with others at my school who also lost their teaching positions. Nine days later on June 23 I had an interview with three administrators which included the principal and was chosen for the teaching position. On July 2nd I was asked to return to meet with the school district superintendent who made the final decision. On July 6th at the board of education meeting the board of education approved my appointment as a teacher in the district. God provides an abundance of opportunities to experience His presence. I am grateful for a kind and merciful God that loves me unconditionally the nurturing strength of the Blessed Mother and the inspiration of St. Josemaria Escriva.
USA
August 3, 2010

After St. Josemaria's feast day
I took pity on one of our staff at the hospital who has been trying to find a higher paying job in the Middle East but had been out of luck. A day or two after the feast day of St. Josemaria this year I gave him a printed out copy of the Novena for work from the website. He did not realize at once what it was but looked for me a day later
and thanked me for it.
A few days ago I learned that he had secured a job offer in the Middle East and was now waiting for his Visa. Thank you St. Josemaria!
J. A., Philippines
August 8, 2010

A job to finance my course
I was stressed out and worried about my finances and my place in the world when I lost my job this summer. I needed a job to enable me to finance a MSc I am starting soon. A friend of mine from Opus Dei suggested I pray to Saint Josemaria as he had performed many miracles and intercessions for people. Whilst at Opus Dei I picked up the Novena for work and his prayer card. I prayed for God through the intercession of Saint Josemaria to find a teaching job. I didn't think much more of it to be honest as I was convinced that due to the dire job market for teachers that the possibility was a lost one. My friend prayed for me too. Then one morning right after I had received a rejection letter for a local retail job I checked my mail box again and saw another official looking letter. This letter was from the local council offering me a teaching job for 2.5 days per week. The exact number of days I could devote to a job when not in University. I am bowled over and SO thankful to Saint Josemaria for his intercession and our Lord God for granting me this favour.
C. R., Scotland
July 22, 2010

I am free from that vice
Saint Josemaria Escriva, I want to thank you for the miracle received. I was shortening my life by smoking many cigarettes a day and I really, really wanted to stop, but I thought it was impossible. Then my father died because of his smoking. My niece Gisella and my sister Jane promised to stop smoking, and when I heard them saying this, I didn't want to get left behind. I bought some chewing gum that helps you stop smoking and began using it, but I was afraid of health complications and worried that I wouldn't manage to stop, so I began praying novenas and to my surprise found I didn’t even need the gum because I lost the desire to smoke and had no problem about not smoking, and I can say without doubt that I am now free from the vice. Thank you Saint Josemaria Escriva!
Peru
July 22, 2010

My dream job
I wanted to let you know of the personal intercession I received from St Josemaria Escriva. I hadn't been working for 19 months. I took a job for which I was overqualified and, based on my previous accomplishments and experience, grossly underpaid. I have been doing my best for that organization hopefully in the model taught by St. Josemaria. I learned about the Novena to St. Josemaria from an email I received from Opus Dei. I prayed it for a better job. The day after I completed the Novena I received a call from an organization that I've been talking to on and off for three years. They are hiring again. The position that is available is my dream job.
I had my third interview with them yesterday and was told that I had earned the job. The only thing left is paper work.
I'm still praying because I know that if the company decides to freeze hiring again before the paperwork is completed I'll have to wait longer. I'm not expecting that - just acknowledging the possibility.
I wanted to let you know that because of the timing of my dream job opening up the day after completing my novena I have to believe there was intercession with the Lord from St. Josemaria and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thank you for educating the common Catholic Christian on St. Josemaria.
United States of America
July 21, 2010

On the feastday of St. Josemaria
Hi, on the 26th June 2010 I received a miracle and an answer to my prayers during the feast day of St. Josemaria Escriva Christian. It is a day I will never forget. I now believe that there never was and never will be a believing prayer unanswered. I am grateful to God for His Saint.
Kenya
June 21, 2010

Unable to pay
I was extremely worried because I didn’t have enough money to pay off a debt whose due date was imminent. I prayed to St Josemaria to intercede so that I would be paid for some jobs I had done, which normally take several weeks to be paid. Knowing how difficult it is for these payments to be made speedily, I prayed to the Founder of Opus Dei with great faith, and I have just heard that the payment for those jobs has come through, so I will be able to pay off my debt without any problem. I’m thunderstruck at the effectiveness of St Josemaria’s intercession. Thank you, St Josemaria – thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Bernard P., Colombia
July 9, 2010

A study guided by prayer
I study at the University of Piura, Peru. I was in the second week of my final exams. On Thursday June 1, I had a very difficult programming exam, on the most complicated subjects in the year’s work. I spent a lot of time revising. Before beginning to study, I would look at the prayer card of Saint Josemaria and one of his photos which comes on this website. I offered up the evening’s study and begged Saint Josemaria to help me on the day of the exam. The day came, and the exam didn’t seem as hard as I had expected. When the results came out, I saw to my surprise that I had passed that exam and the whole course. Never for a moment did I doubt the effectiveness of Saint Josemaria’s intercession. I went to the oratory of the University to thank him for his help. This is one more proof that he really does hear us and we have to have great faith in God.
Elvira Y., Peru
July 8, 2010

A very difficult financial situation
Three years ago I took out a mortgage on my house and I was on the point of losing it; the situation had become so bad that I was compelled to get loans from loan-sharks at 20 per cent. I was at the very limit of my repayments schedule. My mother always had great devotion to St. Josemaria. I found a little card with a prayer on it and began to pray it, and I lit a white candle that I still have alight today in gratitude. I was able to get out of that calamity. I can say with the faith I put into praying the novena that St. Josemaria heard and responded favorably to my cry for help.
Luz Marina U., Colombia
July 7, 2010

In thanksgiving
I want to write in thanksgiving to our dearly-loved Founder, St Josemaria, for the double favor he obtained for me.
In December 2009 I went back to my home province, Tucuman, after living in Buenos Aires for eleven years. At first I found it hard to re-adjust, but I trusted St Josemaria not to leave me. My three sisters (my parents are dead) were also living close to me. I had a degree in nursing from the Austral University. After a period of rest for health reasons I started to look for a job in April, knowing that the employment situation in Tucuman was very different from Buenos Aires. Also, at that point I was living outside town with one of my sisters and her family. I didn’t have much freedom of movement. I began sending my resumé to different hospitals and clinics. On Sunday April 25, 2010, I decided to do a novena to St Josemaria to get a good job and be able to live independently. Tuesday April 27, the feast of Our Lady of Montserrat and the anniversary of St Josemaria’s cure from diabetes, I had a call from the Head of Nursing at a private cardiology institute (his name was Jose Maria). I had a job interview the following day and started working as a locum in May. In June I signed an employment contract and now I have a steady job.
As well as that, St Josemaria granted me the second favor of greater independence. On Monday May 31, I moved to my younger sister’s house. She is married, with a two-year-old son. Currently I have a separate part of the house to live in, with a different set of keys. Like that I don’t bother anyone when I get up early to go to work and no-one has to let me in when I get home – this is good as my sister is six months pregnant. So I’ve got my space and don’t upset anyone else. What’s more, I got to speak to the tenants of my father’s law office, which is being rented out at present. I gave them notice that when the contract expires in October it won’t be renewed, so in October I’ll have my own flat to move into.
I think that just as June is the month of St Josemaria’s feast-day, October also has major dates connected with him such as the 2nd and the 6th, 12th which is the feast of Our Lady of Pilar, among others. I believe St Josemaria blessed me especially in those two months that are connected with his life. Thank you, Father!
Eugenia C., Argentina
July 6, 2010

Three months refusing to sign
This morning I was very worried about a legal problem. For three months we had been waiting for the seller to sign the contract. This meant huge problems for us. In desperation I prayed to Saint Josemaria for help, and would you believe it?! Just three minutes ago the notary called me to say that they have signed, and the whole affair is now sorted. How great, how wonderful, how generous God our Lord is, and Saint Josemaria. Today is a special day for the Work: there was a special Mass here and it was perfectly beautiful in every way.
G. O. C., Mexico
June 30, 2010

It was truly a miracle
I tried desperately for 6 months to find a job. I attended interviews but received no positive responses. Then a friend of mine from Opus Dei sent me a prayer card for Fr. Josemaria. On the 9th and last day of this prayer I got a call saying that I had been hired. It was truly a miracle.
Canada
July 11, 2010

Trying out the devotion and spreading it
June 26 I went to Mass with a friend. For the last three years she has been going to the Church of Fatima at San Juan de los Morros, Guarico State, Venezuela. In church there were people giving out leaflets about St. Josemaria. After Mass I came home and put the leaflet on the table in my room. About 10 p.m. I decided to read the leaflet carefully. My mother and I were alone in the house. The more I read the more interested I became in the life of this saint, and I wanted to know more about his story. I made an effort to go to the activities organized at the church. Also, for the past few months I had been suffering from dizziness and at night had serious pains in my legs. Thanks to St. Josemaria, all that has stopped. I am very grateful to St. Josemaria, and I have spoken to many of my friends about him and given them his prayer card.
Dolores R., Venezuela
June 29, 2010

To practise my profession
I am a Cooperator of Opus Dei. Three years ago I began praying the Novena for Work. I prayed for two intentions: to be able to practise my profession – I’m a lawyer – and to continue as a university lecturer. I worked in a business because I couldn’t find a place as a lawyer. Now I have been practising as a lawyer for some time, and I am teaching at a university and a secondary school. I’m not rich in terms of money, but I am rich in work, in my own profession, so I wanted to share this favor.
J. P., Argentina
June 27, 2010

I forgot to inform the technical expert
My family has a case in the civil court against our neighbors, because of structural damage caused by a water overflow. The judge appointed a legal expert, a loss adjuster, to define the boundaries and evaluate the damage.
After receiving the technical report the loss adjusters on both sides had ten days to send their evaluations. I forgot to notify our loss adjuster. When I realised this, the day before the hearing, I went to a friend and asked her to pray the novena to St Josemaria, with me, for the truth to come out in the court case. Another friend of mine in Rome also prayed to St Josemaria in the crypt. A few days afterwards the lawyer called me and said that the report from the tribunal’s legal expert had proved the cause of the building collapse: it was as shown by our loss adjuster. I am very grateful to St Josemaria, because my forgetfulness could have caused serious harm to my family, and because my friend, who hadn’t prayed for a long time, helped me, and finally she also came to the Mass of the Founder of Opus Dei.
L. B., Italy
June 26, 2010

Sale completed one hundred per cent
June 13 I went to Mass with my wife in the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. After Mass she asked me to take a photo of a statue that was near the Tabernacle, which, to my surprise, was a small statue of St. Josemaria Escriva.
As I took the photo I prayed rapidly that he would intercede before Jesus Christ for an intention connected with the sale of animals from my farm, which I needed to complete immediately.
Today, June 25, after selling the last of the animals, I realized that I have received a great grace from St. Josemaria: in just twelve days I sold one hundred per cent of our farm stock, despite the difficult times. I was surprised at how the sales had been conducted: it was all done calmly and quickly.
I am writing this because I want to give thanks for this grace.
J. C., Brazil
June 25, 2010

I was sick
I would like to thank Saint Josemaria in a special way. I really got to know him better when I was sick for about 3 months in 2008. I found an ilustrated book for children in my house which contained his life story. Reading about St Josemaria's life experiences was a source of strength to me during that period. Presently through the intercession of St Josemaria and Our Lady I have been able to gain admission to study in the US, get a partial scholarship, and obtain my visa in 2 days! I am still praying for a full scholarship and I know St Josemaria will help me with his powerful intercession.
Nigeria
June, 2010

She was given notice at work
A fortnight ago my daughter received a message from the personnel office of the firm where she works, giving her notice of redundancy. I shared her sense of desperation, and my faith began to waver. By chance, I looked at the Opus Dei website to download the Letter from the Prelate and I discovered the Novena for Work. I prayed to Our Lady and Saint Josemaria Escriva, and on the last day of the novena my daughter got another message saying that they were not going to proceed with the redundancy. Plus, she has just discovered she’s expecting a baby… Saint Josemaria certainly doesn’t do things by halves!
Cristina Z., Italy
June 24, 2010

We didn’t have a house to go to
I am writing to relate a new favor from Saint Josemaria. He already helped me once before, and didn’t let me down this time either. My family and I have just moved to Canada, and we encountered all sorts of difficulties in getting ourselves sorted out. We had to leave the first city we settled on and move to another. We began looking for a place to live in our new city, and had very many problems, to the point where on the day we had to leave our rented accommodation, we still didn’t have a house to go to. I appealed to Saint Josemaria using the prayer on the prayer card, prayed it nine times over, and just one hour later my husband called to say he’d found a place. What we hadn’t been able to do in a fortnight, Saint Josemaria managed in less than an hour. Thank you Saint Josemaria!
Maria Clara G. E., Canada
June 23, 2010

It all began with a booklet
I finished University in 2000, and at that time I used to take the bus every day to a surgery where I was doing work experience. One day on the bus a middle-aged lady came up to me and gave me a booklet about Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, saying "He has helped me a lot". I thanked her for the gift and went on my way. I prayed to him several times for different things that I needed help with, and after I prayed they were always sorted. In September 2009 I had been jobless for 3 months and had not much hope, since I had been for lots of interviews unsuccessfully. I took up the booklet about Josemaria Escriva again and said to him, "Father Josemaria, you are a saint and you are there with God. Tell Him that I understand that a job will come when He chooses, and I will try to wait patiently." Then I said an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be, and went to sleep. The next day in the afternoon a friend called me to say she was leaving the firm she worked for and needed me to take her place there. This undoubtedly came through Saint Josemaria Escriva's intercession. Today for different reasons I am again unemployed and every time I see my booklet, I tell him that I know a job will come in God's good time, under his intercession.
S.V.M., Mexico
June 18, 2010

I wanted to go to the football stadium
I’m a 21-year-old student. I didn’t believe in God before, but since I started studying at the Universidad Panamericana, an Opus Dei corporate work, I have been learning to love God. I always carry around with me a prayer card of St Josemaria that I found in a church in Madrid, ‘just by chance’.
The way I came in contact with St Josemaria there was quite unusual. I wanted to go and see the Real Madrid football stadium, while my best friend, who doesn’t really practise his faith, asked me to take him to a church, because his mother had told him to visit churches and take some photos. I told him we could go to the nearest Catholic church, which turned out to be the Cathedral of Almudena. I went into the church and before beginning to look at the pictures and statues of saints in it, I asked God to help me with my leg – I had a football injury which hurt when I stood up for a long time. On that trip to Europe we were spending the whole day walking around, and it was getting really painful. I began to walk round the inside of the Church. Suddenly I saw a statue of St Josemaria which I really liked – so much so that I took some of the prayer cards near it to give them to people when I got back to Mexico. The funny thing was that from the time I left that church until I got home to Mexico I had no further trouble from my leg. I attribute all of this to St Josemaria, because thanks to him I began believing in God again and, not having expected to find him in that church, my leg got better. Back in Mexico I started giving the prayer card to my friends, but what I would most like to do is give them to the people who are furthest away from God, so that they too can feel as happy as I do now that I believe in God. Thank you!
Ivan A., Mexico
June 15, 2010

Family harmony restored
For years I lived with my back turned to God. Six months ago an Opus Dei priest crossed my path and is now helping me to make up for lost time. Among other things he told me about St Josemaria, and I prayed through his intercession about 3 months ago when my wife had a serious argument with her sister. When I heard they were no longer on speaking terms and refused to meet each other again, I prayed hard to St Josemaria to intercede for family harmony to be restored. After I prayed for this every day for two months, the two sisters have made up their quarrel. Thank you very much for your help!
Spain
June 14, 2010

Another favor
I wrote before about how wonderful it is knowing St Josemaria. I heard about him through my Mom, and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me. At home we call him ‘Joe’ as an affectionate family nickname. My reason for writing now is to thank St Josemaria for granting me the favor that we won the legal battle for my house. I am so grateful to him for this, and also because he’s obtained many other favors for me at a personal level.
Ioana D. M., Chile
June 14, 2010

I had cancer
In November 2009 a friend gave me St. Josemaria Escrivá's prayer card. She asked me to have faith, to read the message carefully, and to say my petition. I've always believed in God and I'm a catholic; I’ve always prayed. But in that moment, I had just known that I had cancer so, with great faith, I read the prayer of the card and I asked St. Josemaria Escrivá good luck in the surgery and to protect all my family, especially my son who is 3 years old. I ask him: “Give them great faith to believe that I'll be fine". I’ve just started to work again and both doctors told me that I'm well now. Of course I’ll be 5 years with medical supervision. Thank you very much.
Cristina.T.G, Portugal
June 10, 2010

St Josemaria is my friend and mentor
I've been blessed by God to know St. Josemaria Escriva and Opus Dei. After almost 4 years of working in a BPO industry I decided to resign from my job return home and reunite with my family. I knew that God would take care of me despite not having a new job to sustain my needs. I prayed the novena to St. Josemaria for work and amazingly on the 9th day of the novena I have found a job! I believed that St. Josemaria will give the job that I want but I never thought that it would be so soon. I praise God for answering my prayer through the intercession of St. Josemaria. I feel God's loving hands guiding me to the path where he wants me to go. St. Josemaria is a wonderful saint and his teachings are very profound yet easy perfect for the people of today. St. Josemaria is my friend and my mentor. Thank you.
June 13, 2010

Someone gave me a picture of him
I have often been blessed by St. Josemaria’s intercession, from help with an exam to the improvement of my mother’s health, on several occasions. Ever since a lady whose name I can’t remember gave me a picture of him in hospital, when I went to visit my mother, I began to pray to him with faith and he helped to improve my mother’s health. One night I dreamed that I was at a Mass in someone’s honor. When I woke up and recalled the dream, I thought of St. Josemaria Escriva. I went to look for the prayer card, which I’d left aside a little, and I turned it over and read on the back that his feast-day was June 26 – and strangely enough it was that very day! It was a wonderful way of reminding me. Thank you for so many favors granted, St. Josemaria! I found you again!
B. C., Mexico
June 8, 2010

An entrance exam
I have to thank Saint Josemaria for the fact that my son passed the entrance exam into engineering school. Saint Josemaria please intercede for him so that if it is God’s will he will pass his final exams and be given a post in that same school.
Maite, France
June 2, 2010

A job
Thank you Saint Josemaria for helping me find a job in these difficult times.
United States
June 8, 2010

A better job offer
I have always wanted to work in fashion a very competitive industry. Before I had left to move back to the States I applied for several jobs but received no responses. My girlfriend and I started the novena to St. Josemaria on May 7. Before the end of the novena I had received four calls for interviews. On May 19 in an interview I was offered a job on the spot. On the same afternoon another company offered me an even better job offer which I accepted and which I wanted in the first place (we thought they would never call!). I am now working full-time in a job that I really love all. Thanks to St. Josemaria! Thank you very much!
F., USA
June 4, 2010

Very Big Favor
I did not know Saint Josemaria before until I met a friend in the church who told me to pray and ask for his intercession. I am from the Philippines who came here in New Zealand a couple of years ago to find a better opportunity. Finding a job here in New Zealand is very hard as the competition is very stiff but I remain optimistic and I've prayed hard. I asked for Saint Josemaria's intercession and after the 9th day of my Novena a company called me for a job interview. I didn't cease praying to Saint Josemaria until I got the job. I am so blessed and happy for the very big favour that the Saint has given me. Thank you so much Saint Josemaria.
Rhona Suarin, New Zealand
May 30, 2010

St. Josemaria has continued to look after me
A little over three years ago I was scheduled for a surgery to remove my gallbladder which was causing me some serious attacks. I right away prayed to St. Josemaria and I kind of had the feeling things were going to be fine when my date of surgery was on his birthday. However I became pregnant with my 6th child and they had to postpone the surgery until mid-semester or even after the baby will be born. Since then though I have never suffered any attacks and I have given birth to my 7th child just last Sept. They kept on monitoring the gallstone which is still in my gallbladder the size of a golf-ball but I have not had the surgery still. My surgeon could not explain how I managed to be pain free after 2 pregnancies. I believe St. Josemaria has continued to look after me. Thanks.
Canada
May 19, 2010

I am so grateful for this favor
I just would like to write about the favor I have received from St. Josemaria Escriva. Last May 11 2010 I applied for a tourist visa in the United States Embassy in Manila. While I was waiting for my turn for interview I prayed the prayer card of St. Escriva for nine times. After my interview I was advised that my visa has been granted and after 3 days I have received a 10-year multiple entry visa to the United States. I am so grateful for this favor.
Rose Ramos, Philippines
May 19, 2010

She told me in confidence
A colleague and friend in my new job told me in confidence (she's very discreet) that her husband had been out of work for nearly three years. She said that he's no longer young, and couldn't find a job. I asked her if she was a Catholic, and she said yes. I gave her a prayer card of St Josemaria and explained who he was. We agreed that we'd both say the prayer card, and I told her that my husband and I were going to Rome for Holy Week (some friends had given us the tickets as a gift), that St Josemaria was buried there, and that of course I'd pray to him for help with her problem. Her husband has now been back at work for a week, because they gave him another contract at his former job. My colleague, now my friend, emailed me as soon as they got the news, with 'Miracle' as the subject-line. She's very grateful to St Josemaria, and I'm delighted.
Spain
May 18, 2010

My daughter Sofia
My fourth daughter Sofia was born November 30, 2009. After a difficult birth she was kept in hospital for 10 days until December 9. The diagnosis was a congenital synostosis malformation and a possible syndrome. We prayed to Saint Josemaria for my baby's health, and asked some Opus Dei friends to pray for her and for us too. What happened was that either the doctors were mistaken about the first diagnosis, or Saint Josemaria's intercession took effect, because Sofia is completely healthy. I am writing to express our gratitude and make this favor known.
Silvia Garcia, Spain
May 10, 2010

The medical staff started cheering
Three weeks ago a friend of ours, Luz, was gravely sick in hospital. She grew rapidly worse with atypical pneumonia that did not respond to treatment. She spent several days in intensive care and the doctors' prognosis was bad. Right from the start I prayed to St Josemaria to intercede for her cure. Tomorrow, thank God, she will be discharged from hospital! When she came out of intensive care the medical staff started cheering, because they knew how bad she had been. This is not the first time St Josemaria has interceded when I pray to him with the prayer card.
Jorge M. C., Spain
May 12, 2010

Help with exams
I prayed to St. Josemaria to help me in my exams. The questions were on exactly the topics I'd studied.
Priscilla, Costa Rica
May 11, 2010

The first day of the novena
I found the Novena for Work on the internet and began to pray it. The minute I finished saying the prayer, on the very first day, I got a call asking me to come for an interview, and I started work two weeks later. I'd never heard of St Josemaria before, and I'm so grateful to him!
Paula N., Brazil
May 5, 2010

May the Almighty bless Saint Josemaria Escriva
I am a biology teacher in a High School in Livingstone Zambia and found the Novena for Work online. In January 2009 I was removed from the payroll because my contract ended with the Zambian government, being a Congolese national living as expatriate in Zambia. I kept on praying for the renewal of my contract, it wasn’t easy. None of the expatriate teachers were accepted until I cried to Mother Mary and Saint Josemaria through the Novena for Work I found online. In March I did the novena and in April 2010 my acceptance letter came with the renewal of contract for the next three years. I thank God the Father Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit to have answered my prayers through the intercession of Mother Mary and Saint Josemaria Escriva.
A. K. K., Zambia
May 7, 2010

Even my doctor is surprised
I would like to thank God and the Blessed Virgin for bringing me to know Saint Josemaria. Last August I had a gall-bladder operation and I prayed to God and the Blessed Virgin through Saint Josemaria’s intercession, and the operation was a success. I made a rapid recovery. This year I had to have an operation for a detached retina, plus complications with cataracts. I was worried again, and my ophthalmologist and I both prayed to God, and I asked Saint Josemaria to be with me in the operation. For the fourth operation on the retina and cataracts, April 10, I wore under my undershirt a prayer card that was given me by a friend who I used to be very close to but haven’t seen for some time. Thank God, I slept through the operation, which lasted three hours. The doctor told me that the retina had been successfully attached even though it was crumpled like a rag. I recovered my full field of vision and today I’m fine. All this was only a week ago and even my doctor is surprised. He is happy at the result and he himself says it’s all God’s doing. Thank you Saint Josemaria!
Graciela Fernandez, Salta, Argentina
May 2010

Thank you for everything
6 years ago I prayed to St. Josemaria to be able to have a family and he blessed me with one. 1 month ago I prayed to him to be able to get a place on a course of studies that I badly needed in order to move ahead in my job. Although it was very difficult, I had never lost trust in him and it happened: he granted me that favor too. Now I dedicate all my studies and my professional work to God with love and as a service. What enables me to do this better is the qualification I studied for. But as well as that, day after day he grants me many more favors in my family circle and money matters, and so once again: thank you for everything!
K. R., Peru
May 1, 2010

On the third day of the novena
I want to thank God because through St Josemaria’s mediation and his Novena for Work on the third day of saying it I got a call with a good job offer. After that favor I am going to make him better known and print off copies of the novena to give to people who are out of work, so that with St Josemaria’s help they can quickly get good jobs like I did, thanks to him.
Irene Zurita, Mexico
May 1, 2010

A constant presence
On this Saturday (Holy Saturday) which for the Church is a time of silence and waiting, I would like to contribute my little testimony of how St Josemaria Escriva has had a constant presence throughout my life. In 1989 I was doing my military service and I was taken into the Celio Military Hospital, Rome. I visited the hospital chapel every day, and I found there a prayer card of Josemaria Escriva, who had not yet been canonized. I took an interest in it and said the prayer on the card several times, to ask for graces. Soon I was diagnosed with a problem in the bile-duct and liver. I was taken to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome for an operation. There too, in the hospital chapel, I found a prayer card of Josemaria Escriva.
When, in later years, I was appointed National Director of Italian Catholic Action, I was given a book published by Ares containing the chief works of this Saint. I had many books, but this one, which I read on a long train journey, I found particularly moving. It completely dazzled me. It made such an impact on me that I keep it with me always, although it is now quite worn out with use. I wrote to the Vicar General of Opus Dei at that time, telling him my thoughts, and I always treasure the letter I received in reply. I am not a member of Opus Dei, but I have always noticed how this Saint intercedes for me and watches over my life and my family. Last October I went to Vienna, and in St Peter’s church in the city center I was surprised and delighted to see an altar dedicated to St Josemaria. I hope I have given some idea of how the “presence” of a man and a Saint in my life has changed my Christian perspective. I trust he will continue to accompany me.
Dr Marco Rocco Grilli, Italy
April 3, 2010

The story of Ayleen
Two years ago, I heard the story of Ayleen, a little girl of 5. She was very ill. It took a long time to get a diagnosis: she had leukaemia. I can imagine how dreadful it must have been. She was brought to Santiago as an emergency case. When she arrived she was in a very bad state, with almost no chance of recovery. She was given chemotherapy and radiotherapy every day. She only got a break from it at weekends. I prayed to St Josemaria Escriva for her every day, and never said the prayer without mentioning her by name and praying for her to get better. Yesterday, Sunday April 18, I heard the wonderful news that two weeks ago, around April 6, they did some more tests and the results showed that there were no cancerous cells. I thank God and St Josemaria for hearing my prayers and interceding for us. Today Ayleen has been discharged from hospital, and it is hoped that she will be able to return to normal life and go back to school. I am so happy for her and her family!
Marcela Diaz M., Chile
April 19, 2010

Better working conditions
After a difficult situation for nearly two years with my boss and working conditions I decided to do the Novena for Work. Now I thank St Josemaria for his intercession because a situation arose which meant a change of boss and a new plan in the company, to raise awareness in all the employees that we can contribute to improving our working conditions. Now I am very optimistic and hope that things keep improving.
G.B.M., Colombia
March 19, 2010

Out of the blue
I have two small children and since last year they’ve been going to school in the minibus service provided by the school. The driver and his wife had a combi Volkswagen, an old model dating from I don’t know what year. From the start, I prayed to St Josemaria to help them get another minibus in these words: “Please St Josemaria, send a new bus down from heaven for them.” The best of all is that the driver, without knowing about my prayers, just told me that they’ve now got a new bus “out of the blue”. It is a gift from his brother. Although I have already received many favors from St Josemaria, this is the first time I’ve written one down.
Magdalena, Paraguay
April 5, 2010

In ten minutes
A friend gave me a beautiful silver cross on a chain for a birthday present. I took it with me on a journey and when I got home realized to my dismay that I’d left it in the hotel. I prayed to St Josemaria to sort it out for me.
My husband telephoned the hotel. He was told that the room had not yet been occupied and that they would ask the cleaner about it. I kept praying. Ten minutes later we heard that the cross and chain had been found. Now I have it on me always. I thank St Josemaria and our Lady for this little favor.
Dulce S., Portugal
March 23, 2010

We found the wallet with all its contents
My husband, my youngest daughter and I were holidaying in the States. When we left the hotel to catch our flight home my husband asked me if I had his wallet. I said no, and as we couldn’t find it we went back to our hotel room. We searched our suitcases and everything, but couldn’t find it anywhere.
My husband was beginning to get upset, because the wallet held several documents as well as the money and credit cards we needed for the journey. We decided to go back to the last place we’d stopped at, a supermarket, an hour and a half before.
On my journeys I always ask for our Lady’s help. While I was praying I decided to ask St Josemaria to help too. My husband and daughter and I prayed the prayer card together, and we set out for the supermarket.
My daughter and I waited in the parking lot while my husband went to the checkout and asked for the person who’d served us. While we waited we decided to ask St Josemaria and our Lady for their help again, since losing the wallet would be a serious problem in the circumstances. When we finished the prayer my eyes fell on a trolley that had been left beside many others. It was some distance away, and it was raining, but it occurred to me that the wallet might be in it. Obviously it was very unlikely, but since the idea had come to me I decided to get out of the car and have a look. When I got to it I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was the wallet, covered by the child seat which was protecting it from the rain – with all the documents and money inside!
Once again we give thanks to our Lady and St Josemaria, who is with her in Heaven.
M. A. G., Brazil
March 21, 2010

Look him in the eyes
My house has been undergoing alterations since the beginning of January with every kind of workman in and out, including a carpentry and glazier firm. In January two young workmen were installing a very heavy window and suddenly one of them cut one of the fingers of his left hand with an electric saw. He is left-handed. Hearing a terrific yell, I ran in and found him on the floor, pale and shaking, because he thought he’d cut a tendon. I gave him first aid and calmed him down. His mate called their boss and they took him to A&E. As they were leaving the house I gave him a prayer card of St Josemaria and told him, “Look him in the eyes, and tell him that as he’s the ‘patron saint of work’, he had better look after you.”
He came back yesterday and the minute I opened the door, he said, “I prayed to the ‘bishop of work’ and the tendon is fine,” showing a two-inch scar which had earned him a fortnight off work. I told him to keep praying not to have accidents at work. “You bet I will,” he assured me. St Josemaria wasn’t a bishop, but the man didn’t know what a saint was and must have thought that “bishop” sounded even more respectful. Anyway, St Josemaria now has another hard-working devotee in this French city.
Madeleine Renedo-Klein, Grenoble, France
March 2010

To see the cable TV channels
I want to tell you that I was eye-witness to a miracle or special grace granted through St Josemaria Escriva’s intercession. I was at home configuring the new cable television channels and after a hundred thousand attempts and a hundred thousand connections, I had got nowhere. Exhausted and desperate, after all my useless efforts, I prayed through the intercession of this saint, this man who gave everything in his life on earth, and who today continues helping those who ask for his intercession. And after praying to him for this intention, the result was that the cable TV channels are all working.
I think that in this case it was a miracle, and therefore I want to bear witness to it and thank St Josemaria publicly. Reading about his life you get the impression that he was a really marvellous person with enormous energy for doing good to others, filling the paths of the world with love and joy. I pray that from his “privileged position” (i.e. in heaven) he may intercede for our land that is so much in need of joy, love and respect for life.
Leopoldo, Spain
March 18, 2010

He has never abandoned me
Since I began praying the Novena for Work, several years ago, it has worked wonders for me and my family. My wife and I both got good jobs. Now I have a chance to change my work situation and I know that with St Josemaria Escriva’s blessing it will be a change for the better. I have faith because St Josemaria has never abandoned me. I would like to ask you for the support of your prayers, since I also pray for you.
J.H.C.C.H., Puno, Peru
March 24, 2010

He got a job
My son lost his job in January 2009. Thanks to the prayers I began to offer a month ago through St Josemaria’s intercession, he got another job in March 2010. Thank you God, and St Josemaria.
Lourdes Zavala Santillan, Mexico
March 9, 2010

Nothing is impossible for God
I don’t want to publish a testimony, just to beg Saint Josemaria Escriva who loved work so much and talked so much about how important it was, to pray to the Lord to create the four and a half million jobs that we need in Spain. Being out of work is a cause of evil, fights, misery, hunger, sadness, loneliness, sickness, and all sorts of other woes.
Please Saint Josemaria help us because in Spain we are absolutely desperate. People who have jobs have uncertain or bad ones, and millions of people don’t even have that, no income, nothing. By Summer 2010 may all this change completely (I believe that God can end the problem right now, but I set that time limit for the sake of it) because nothing is impossible for God and he can do everything. God is good, he created the universe which we could never have imagined and will never understand more than a tiny fraction of, so he can certainly create the jobs that are needed! I believe that. I know that nothing is impossible for God. I hope that Saint Josemaria Escriva will present this intention before our God who is so good and patient. Thank you.
A., Spain
March 19, 2010

Thank you
A point in The Way changed my life at a time (the 1970s and 80s) of great confusion in the Church. Today I have just found this website and I wanted to say thank you.
M. Gracia, Spain
March 18, 2010

Josemaria will be my confirmation name
I lost my job 1 Nov 2009. I knew a little about Josemaria Escriva and went to his website to learn more. I was led to the prayer card and to the Novena for Work which became an almost daily prayer. I printed them then decided early to laminate them so they would survive frequent use. I prayed for a good job for three and a half months. In that time I developed a deeper appreciation for the opportunity we have to please God in each of our ordinary responsibilities. I am committed to remembering this daily because Intention A (Finding a Job) has been answered with a good fit in a solid and healthy company. In thanks I am dedicating the rest of my life to Intention B (Doing a Good Job). The foundation is simple but you should not take things (and people and God) for granted as I did.
I am in RCIA and headed Lord willing for full communion in the Church this Easter. I am thankful for the fellowship of Josemaria Escriva and “Josemaria” will be my confirmation name.
J.P., USA
March 15, 2010

In remission
I want to thank Saint Josemaria for my father’s health. He was diagnosed with cancer of the colon with metastasis in the liver on June 12, 2009. 8 months have gone by since this diagnosis and yesterday, February 22, 2010, after the latest test, he was told that the tumor level was negative and the organs are clear, so the cancer is in remission. A friend gave me the prayer of Saint Josemaria and I am certain he interceded for us. A thousand thanks!!!
Gloria Gabriela Guizado, Panama
February 24, 2010

Solving money problems
My wife Kattya and I live in Arequipa, Peru. I am a doctor and my wife is a nurse. Christmas 2009, we had a beautiful two-year-old son, Lucas, and were expecting another baby, but we were having money problems that left us no peace. I heard about St Josemaria six years ago through a friend of the “Fraternity of the Holy Sepulcher”. The first time I went for a job, I was strengthened and helped by praying the prayercard, so that at that time of money difficulties and in our work, my wife and I decided to pray the Novena for work, asking him to enable us to carry on working with love and faith, and to improve our work and be able to pay our bills with our earnings. We prayed it for the whole of December, and before the new year I got an extra job which meant we got through the Christmas season.
We continued praying, and before the birth of our second baby we received unexpected financial support based on our work. Our second son was born, and we christened him Josemaria Salvador. At the end of January 2010 my wife got a better job and our financial situation is getting sorted out. We continue to pray with the same faith as on the very first day, that our problems may be completely solved, not by prizes, raffles or lotteries, but by our work.
I am writing this testimony because I wanted to share this experience with you all, so that we may all continue working with love and loyalty, offering our daily work to God, and may be happy.
When we have faith, God provides. He may pressure us but he never crushes us. We are happy in his mercy since he is the light that enlightens our lives.
Christian Jose Vargas Lazo, Arequipa, Peru
March 1, 2010

What I really wanted to do was study
I would like to tell you about the latest ‘impossible’ miracle I received thanks to St Josemaria. Because of my family’s money troubles I was never able to go to university. Every time I tried to apply, there were always complications and a million obstacles stopping me. I went to St Josemaria’s canonization in 2002, and from then on I became a fan of his and I really venerate him a lot. There and then I started praying to him to help me, to guide my future so I could make a success of my life. Then I got a good job, and afterwards one that was still better. However, what I really wanted to do was study. In May 2009 I got a place at a top university in the subject I wanted to do, and then I was offered a grant for the full fees, to enable me to begin my course.
The other ‘impossible’ miracle when St Josemaria interceded for me was in 2008. That year in Ecuador there was a really bad winter that left many agricultural areas under water. The areas affected included the sector where there was an estate where my dad had a rice field at that time. My whole family prayed to St Josemaria to protect the field, and it was saved. 80 per cent of the estate was flooded, except the rice field.
E. M., Ecuador
February 25, 2010

In the sea
This is a little favor that I attribute to St Josemaria’s intercession. Last August I was swimming in the sea, south of Beirut, at a beach with very few people around. At one point I realized that I had lost my glasses, which I had pushed up on my forehead. They weren’t valuable, but I was really upset because they weren’t mine. I tried to look for them, diving under the water, but the waves were a little rough and the water was very turbid, so I couldn’t sea a thing. I told the other people with me about it, and they helped me to look. We asked St Josemaria to help us find them, but we almost gave up hope. We carried on with the day, played sports on the beach, had our lunch, and so on. Before leaving to go home, we went in for one last swim, and to my surprise I felt something under my foot. Unbelievable but true! It was the glasses. I am so grateful to St Josemaria for this favor, so that I was able to return the borrowed glasses to their owner.
Fina Bosch, Lebanon
February 20, 2010

From Oslo
On the 30.11.2009 I was informed at my workplace that I and 5 employees were suspended. The suspension was to begin from the 14.12.2009. Well I was so happy that day when I received the news. I had a special feeling of relief. It felt as if something had been released from me. A cross had been taken from me. I felt like I had resurrected with Christ from the dead or the sad world.
I had a tough year 2009 at my workplace with continual challenges and attacks against my Christian attitude. With help of God, my Christian wellbeing, and the regular Opus Dei women’s recollections in Oslo, I managed to survive the insults with calmness. With the help of Opus Dei teachings I realized that I do not have to waste time defending myself in this world but should try to do good for everyone (even those who persecuted me). That was really new for me and a tough walk of life. In support to this new humble journey I had a Divine Mercy picture of Christ and another of Mother Mary at my work table in front of the computer at the office. Every time I wanted to ignore doing something good the inner voice instructed me to do well. By the end of the year 2009 I had started to see good and importance even in the smallest matter of life. I was no longer defensive but humbled up and assured that God knows me more than I know myself. I learnt to let go.
The spiritual growth that I received through the year helped me to smile and encourage others who had been suspended too from work with me (on the 30.11.2009). I told them to be positive and that this was not the end of their life something good was coming. I was then asked why I was taking the matter so lightly with a smile. I replied that I did not understand myself too. I had just a good feeling.
During the suspension period late at night I decide to open the Opus Dei website at home and read through people’s testimonies of how St. Josemaria Escriva had helped them in their work situations. I was overwhelmed by all these letters. I wondered if the same miracle would happen to me one perfect day. I looked at Josemaria’s face on the computer and asked him if he would really help me too even if he did not know me. I told him that I was just an African from Uganda living in Norway and that we (I and him) were from different countries and background. Well I decided to give it a try and printed out a copy of Josemaria’s 9 days’ Novena for those in searching a job and better working conditions.
I prayed this novena and attended Mass for the next 9 days. While I was praying the novena every time I would look at his picture on this novena card. He would stare at me through his spectacles with a smile and I would just stare back at him with a blank face. My good inner self guided me towards full and complete openness up to God while praying and Mass during this period. I had to absolutely concentrate my vision and mind to God and imagine that I was standing in front of His throne with St. Josemaria and Mother Mary beside me.
On the last day of the Novena I received a call from this same employer who had suspended me. He told me that I was to return to work on the 14.01.2010. I was shocked and burst out in laughter. I accepted my job back but I was really confused. I wondered why God had decided to take me back to this same workplace instead of leading me to a new one. I decided to let go and do as He (God) wished. I guess He has a hidden agenda. I thank St. Josemaria and Mother Mary for interceding for me. I will go where the Lord wants me to go and work according to His will. I am just His simple servant and He leads the road that I have to follow.
Angelline Birungi Kroken, Oslo – Norway
February 4, 2010

A most powerful saint
I wish to thank St. Josemaria for the favors he has granted my family and myself. Since learning about St. Josemaria he has interceded for me on countless times. He is a most powerful saint. Thank you again.
Bob, USA
February 14, 2010

Problems with documentation
I thank God and St Josemaria for having helped me in my professional life. I am a doctor, and decided to specialize. The entrance exam for this specialization is a long and tiring one, and so it is very difficult to pass. From the time when I started studying for the exam, I prayed to St Josemaria, and on the day of the exam I had a prayer with his picture on it with me, which made me feel calm and confident about myself and my knowledge. I passed the exam, thank God, but afterwards I had a lot of problems with the documentation I had to present in Mexico City. There was a deadline for sending the correct documentation, without which I would automatically be disqualified. I started feeling desperate, because the reasons why my documents were not being accepted were beyond my control. However, thanks to God and St Josemaria, just days before the deadline I managed to contact the office in Mexico City and they told me my documentation was now all in order. I was overjoyed, as if a weight had fallen from my shoulders. In February this year I start my specialization, and I will always keep St Josemaria with me to give me the strength to cope with the day-to-day work, in spite of all obstacles, and also to serve my patients with humility, kindness and simplicity, but above all to give them the help they are seeking.
Daniela Martinez, Mexico
February 2, 2010

The Novena gave me hope
I did the Novena for Work and I am so happy to report I am now working in a collegiate institution in the Leadership office. Though this job does not pay much it is definitely a stepping stone to the next phase of my career. I am learning so much. I prayed the Novena during my time when I lacked real employment and it gave me continual hope. I also prayed it for my sister who was also out of work. She started her new job yesterday. God Bless!
USA
February 2, 2010

Problems with health insurance
My son-in-law had serious health problems and had to go into hospital. He had just taken out private health insurance and the contract said expressly that it did not cover hospital stays. Then we presented a judicial petition for him to be able to go into hospital and the whole family began to pray to St Josemaria Escriva for this. Although that kind of case very rarely succeeds in the courts, the judge awarded us the petition and ordered my son-in-law to be taken into hospital and all the relevant procedures covered.
M. Vasconcellos, Brazil
January 30, 2010

Light on the value of what I do
Before I finished my law degree in 2008 I was feeling discouraged, because the amount of work every day tired me and seemed like it had no meaning. But then I read the writings of St Josemaria Escriva, and I received the grace and enlightenment to feel that everything I did – work and study – does have value if I place those actions at the service of God and my brothers and sisters.
This enlightenment was like taking a black veil off the eyes of my soul, and it gave me new zest in my daily activities.
Now I’m a lawyer, and when I pray the Novena for Work I receive constant graces in my working life – more jobs, debts paid, and a greater stimulus to do my work well. I praise and thank God who, through St Josemaria’s intercession, has blessed us so copiously, totally changing our view of daily work. I hope that an Opus Dei center will open soon in my city (I will definitely be one of the first co-operators!). Count on my prayers!
V.G., Brazil
January 15, 2010

He doesn’t fail to grant me favours
St Josemaría doesn't fail to grant me favours (although sometimes he makes me work for it!). Very often I turn to him to help me focus on my work or when the bus is long in coming. Although this is a small favour I promised him I'd write in to the website so here it goes: I got off the train 2 days ago and was hurrying home. It suddenly occurred to me to put on my gloves (although it wasn't particularly cold) and then I realised that one of them was missing. I searched my handbag and carrier bag and it was nowhere to be found. I returned to the station retracing my steps while praying the prayercard. And there it was on a bench on the platform. Thank you Father! I'm waiting on that other big request!
C., U.K.
January 16, 2010

I’m called Josemaria in his honour
I would like to write my testimony. I am 16 years old and live in Asuncion, Paraguay. When I was very small I was seriously sick. The doctors said there was no hope and that I would die. They had removed an adrenal gland but even so I did not recover. Then my Dad, who is in Opus Dei and a person of great faith, send one of my clothes to the tomb of St Josemaria and prayed to him for me to recover. After some days I started to get better. The doctors couldn’t believe it because it seemed impossible. I am very grateful for the chance that St Josemaria gave me. And I’m called Josemaria in his honour.
My Dad was at my side the whole time I was sick, and so was my whole family. I read what he wrote, and it made me cry. Now I realize the power of God and the love my parents have for me. The love of a father and a mother is the greatest thing in this world, obviously after the love of our Lord.
If you could publish this testimony I’ll be really grateful, because I want people to pray whenever they have a problem, and to realize that God is with us and he never leaves us.
Josemaria M. A., Paraguay
January 13, 2010

We received payment for our work
I read about St. Josemaria and was drawn to his words. While browsing the internet I came across this website and read testimonies from people around the world. I was amazed at the stories of how St. Josemaria helped people with so many different issues. I opened up my work email and there completely out of the blue was an email from someone who had refused to pay my company money for a project that we completed. As this situation was going on for about a year we had just contacted an attorney to discuss our options. I was shocked that this happened and I remembered that many people mentioned a prayer card and Novena in their testimony. I began to pray the Novena every day during negotiations and today we received payment for our work. I will continue to pray to St. Josemaria to help me be successful in my business.
A. C., USA
January 13, 2010

Peace among family members
For some time now I had been praying every day to St Josemaria to help my family with their needs, jobs, financial matters, and especially to help have peace among my family members. I live and work in another country; I could not be with them all the time. There had been constant disputes and no peace. Moreover my dad is 82 yrs old and has to face these situations. Just before Christmas 2009 my sister approached my father and this was a beginning of good communication for them and my dad was so thankful for this. Then I learned that on Dec. 30 my family were all in the car of this sister of mine on their way to a nearby province to spend the holiday. They were so happy being together. I pray that this peace and joy among them continue; a barrier in their dealings is gone. I continue to pray to St Josemaria for their other needs and for him to watch over them. Thanks a million...
P. G., Macao
January 8, 2010

Four favors in four days
It was a Saturday when I had to attend a dinner party that my friends and I were really looking forward to. I was also attending an afternoon of recollection that same Saturday at the Opus Dei center. For some reason I was feeling quite feverish and really just unwell the whole afternoon. I was thinking of dropping the party and just going home. But my friends and I had commitments and we really really wanted to go. So I asked St. Josemaria to grant me wellness even just for that night amazingly I felt so much better after the recollection and we all had a good time at our friend’s dinner party. Then it was past midnight when one friend of mine and I decided to head home. We were looking for a cab but the hotel just wouldn’t help us, and my friend and I had been waiting at some highway for almost an hour already. I was starting to get feverish again and we were starting to get desperate. I asked St. Josemaria for another favor and in less than 5 minutes a cab came and picked us up... Apparently this cab driver even knew some close relatives of mine and in that cab ride we ended up laughing at how small the world was even! So I did get sick the following morning, which was a Sunday. I was thankful because it was the start of the holidays so I didn’t worry about missing any classes at the university. I asked St. Josemaria to make me feel better so I wouldn’t miss Mass. Indeed I was able to go to Mass that evening! Of course I asked God to rid me of my flu-like fever through St. Josemaria... I was up and about in 2 days! In time for the wonderful preparations for Christmas Eve! THANK YOU ST. JOSEMARIA!
Pascual, Philippines
January 6, 2010

He always hears me
I have a 12-year-old daughter who was always a good pupil at primary school. In the last year she asked me if she could take the entrance exam for a secondary school that very few children got into because the exam is very tough and they demand very high marks. Fewer than half of the applicants get a place. My daughter prepared for the exam for the whole year beforehand, but it was very hard for her to be doing almost double the schooling of everyone else. When she went to sit the exam I prayed to St Josemaria with great devotion, and he did not ignore my petition, because she passed the exam and, what’s more, was very calm and peaceful while she was doing it. Infinite thanks to St Josemaria, and I keep on praying to him because he always hears me.
M. F., Argentina
January 5, 2010

I overcame my negative emotions
Last night I was feeling a bit depressed and teary-eyed over an unpleasant encounter with my mother that evening which was actually my fault. Though I apologized for it I still felt bad. Anyway I had a long shift ahead of me and I knew this sadness would affect my work. I decided to pray to St. Josemaria to overcome these strong negative emotions. It’s not such a dramatic favor but it was granted and I was able to overcome my negative emotions and my work was not affected at all. Thank you St. Josemaria!
J.A., Philippines
January 3, 2010

Favors past counting
After almost 40 years, I cannot fail to thank God (and my parents, who made it possible) for having met St Josemaria. I was 13 at the time, and his joy, his drive, his firmness in the faith, all filled me with an effective desire that my life, and my friends’ lives, should be useful to others. The first thing I did was to give copies of The Way to any of my friends who did not yet know the founder of Opus Dei.
It wasn’t just a passing enthusiasm. After the excitement was over, the warmth remained. It led me to frequent conversation with Jesus, to Holy Communion, and, perhaps as a result, it made me see the world differently. I felt great love for all of it, that it was all – is all – good, wonderful, a reflection of God’s love! I felt great love especially for everyone without exception. And a great desire to work, and to have a marriage of the kind St Josemaria talked about, full of affection, generosity and joy. I was lucky enough to meet him three times more, and the mark he left on me was always the same: it’s worth while! It is worth while putting aside your personal plans if there are other things that would be a better way of serving. It is worth while giving your whole heart to God, if he needs you for plans that require that exclusive self-giving. It is worth while living with your feet on the ground but your eyes fixed on Heaven. Favors through St Josemaria’s intercession? Lots, the sort that cannot be told. He is a father, and it shows.
As I learnt more about the history of the Church, I enjoyed discovering the lives of the saints. They are wonderful people: always happy, strong, aware of their own defects but not phased by their limitations. Above all they know that they are loved by God and they want to love Him in return. St Josemaria is the saint – the canonized saint – that I actually met. And he was tremendously lovable, friendly and human. He made you laugh and cry (and not just women!), pray and thrill with life.
M. Silla, Italy
January 3, 2010

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List of Contents

• The job where I could help people most
• St. Josemaria has been a huge help
• Readers write
• Accounts of favours obtained on 2010
• To have strength
• A much-needed award
• No sooner said than done
• Help to study for my degree
• Without serious consequences
• In Zambia and Ossomala, Africa

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+ St. Josemaria Institute
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