English
Saint Josemaria
I will help you more from heaven
Readers write
With the consent of the people who wrote them, we reproduce accounts of favours obtained through Saint Josemaría's intercession, and messages of gratitude for having learned about his holy life and teachings. If you wish to write your own account of help received etc., click on Send testimony.
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 , 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
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 , 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
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
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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