When St. Josemaría Escrivá was 12, his father’s business collapsed and he insisted on repaying all his creditors even while not legally required to. His family became impoverished and he took a job as a clothing shop assistant. His father would go to Mass every morning, was very polite, and respected by all his co-workers. His mother was an excellent housewife who took careful care of the household. From his parents, Josemaría learned to do all things attentively. At school, he got good grades, especially in literature and mathematics. At the time, he did not feel called to the priesthood and wanted to become an architect. His mother taught him how to choose a wife: she should be neither too pretty nor too ugly, or else she would either mislead or scare him. When he was 15, he loved to read the news and pray for religious freedom in Ireland. Before his 16th birthday, he saw some barefoot prints in the snow – they were those of a Carmelite priest. His heart was disturbed – if someone can sacrifice for God, why shouldn’t I do the same? God had chosen him to do something, Josemaría just didn’t know what yet. He began to increase his prayer, attend daily Mass, and receive spiritual direction. He wanted to enter the Carmelite Order but discerned it was not God’s will – he decided to become a diocesan priest. But his father had other plans, so when he told his father, his father wept and said, “You must think this through carefully. But whatever you decide, I will not oppose.” After Josemaría confirmed his decision, his father became worried that no-one would remain to support the family, so Josemaría prayed and soon after, his mother revealed that she was pregnant. In 1919, his little brother was born.
Spiritual Talk – Fr Ho talks about St Josemaria Escrivá (3)
