Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás (9 January 1902 – 26 June 1975) was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest. He founded Opus Dei, an organization of laypeople and priests dedicated to the teaching that everyone is called to holiness by God and that ordinary life can result in sanctity. He was canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, who declared Josemaría should be "counted among the great witnesses of Christianity."
Escrivá gained a doctorate in civil law at the Complutense University of Madrid and a doctorate in theology at the Lateran University in Rome. His principal work was the initiation, government and expansion of Opus Dei. Escrivá's best-known publication is The Way, which has been translated into 43 languages and has sold several million copies.
Escrivá and Opus Dei have been accused of secrecy, elitism, cult-like practices, and involvement with right-wing causes, such as the rule of Francisco Franco in Spain (1939–1975). After his death, his canonization attracted considerable attention and controversy among some Catholics and the worldwide press. Several journalists who have investigated the history of Opus Dei, among them Vatican analyst John L. Allen Jr., have argued that many of these accusations are unproven or have grown from allegations by enemies of Escrivá and his organization. Cardinal Albino Luciani (later Pope John Paul I), John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Pope Francis, Óscar Romero, and many other Catholic leaders have endorsed Escrivá's teaching concerning the universal call to holiness, the role of the laity, and the sanctifying effect of ordinary work. According to Allen, among Catholics, Escrivá is "reviled by some and venerated by millions more".
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Some of their strengths
Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer has many admirable traits.
Based on spiritual traditions from around the world, they are someone who can be described as Hardworking, Loyal, Optimistic, Organized, Confident, Determined, and Smart.
Smart and Hardworking
According to Mysticism’s Astrology tradition, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer is someone who is a smart, hardworking, reliable, and loyal person, who is detail-oriented and orderly, but also generous and optimistic. A person who is known for being fun and creative.
Adventurous and Free
Based on Daoism’s Ba-Zi or ‘Chinese Zodiac’ tradition, people who know Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer well know them as someone who can be talented, wayward and free, like a big river or the ocean.
Independent and Organized
According to Hinduism’s Jyotisha or ‘Vedic Astrology’ tradition, many would also describe Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer as someone who is independent, organized, inventive, and generous.
A person who is curious and a loves learning, who seems to always know what to say, who has an optimism that can overcome any difficult situation, and who seems to be able to master almost any skill.
Wise and Deep
Based on the Mayan Tzolk’in or ‘Mayan Astrology’ tradition, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer is someone who tends to have an internal innate wisdom, and who people tend to see as an "old soul".
They are also someone who is confident and creative, and who has a love for starting new projects, inventing new things, and giving back to the community.
Patient and Perseverent
According to Judaism’s Kabbalah tradition, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer tends to be someone who is patient, faithful, hardworking and persistent, and who wants to achieve a lot in life. Who tends to be rather private when it comes to expressing feelings, enjoys being independent and self-sufficient, and who is not afraid of any obstacle.
Some of Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer's challenges
While Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer has many strengths, nobody is perfect. They also have some challenging traits they need to manage.
For example, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer can be Suspicious, Stubborn, Difficult, Perfectionist, Domineering, Impatient, and Unemotional.
Suspicious and Stubborn
One of Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer's key challenges is that they are someone who can be suspicious and stubborn.
Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer must also exercise caution as they can have difficulty dealing with responsibility, authority, or criticism.
Domineering and Impatient
Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer is someone who can be demanding, egotistical, and controlling, can have a lack of judgment regarding personal finances, be argumentative and stubborn, and who can have a tendency to be withdrawn and spend time in self-imposed isolation.
Callous and Stubborn
Finally, Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer also can come across as cold and unemotional, be too dismissive of others' opinions, and be overly suspicious, selfish and crafty.
