The Founder of Opus Dei: The Life of Josemaría Escrivá, Volume I: The Early Years Kindle Edition

This is a detailed biography of St. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer y Albas. It has copious references that cannot be glossed over when using Alexa to read the audio version of the book. For this reason, this book is better to read rather than to hear for the general audience. The book recounts the life of St. Josemaria through the Saint's writings, historical setting, observations of friends, colleagues, and historical documentation from ecclesiastical, governmental, and Opus Dei's archives. This volume is the first of three about the Saint's life. It gives an accurate biography of St Josemaria Escriva that is the standard, where the facts are verifiable, and reproducible.

Many readers may choose to pass on a bio of the founder of Opus Dei. But if you have any interest at all in the religious movements of the modern era, or in Catholicism in general, this wonderful biography deserves your attention. St. Josemaria lived during one of the most tumultuous periods of Spanish history. Before the civil war began in 1936 the Catholic Church had been under viscous attack by the Republican government. Priests were regularly murdered and churches razed. It was dangerous to wear a clerical collar in the street. It was in the midst of this that Josemaria attempted to build a movement in which spirituality would be brought into everyday life. He met with resistance everywhere -- including from his own church. I have not read volumes 2 and 3 but will definitely get around to it. I have one suggestion. It helps to read even a short intro to the Spanish Civil War. Though not entirely necessary, it makes the drama of this bio really come alive.

The detail and insight into St. Josemaria is amazing! The book is not a quick read (there are around 100-200 footnotes a chapter) but it has only served to increase my admiration for and devotion to the founder of Opus Dei. The benefits in reading this book are tangible as I have been brought into the founder's prayer and practices and have been able to apply many small things to my own life with great benefit!

A detailed look into how a saint came from the ordinary and how Opus Dei came into being. The Work is even more meaningful in today's even more secularized world--"evangelizing by example, by living a Christian life in the real world. For those who desires to live a holy life and to be God's instrument in evangelization and discipleship.

Amazing, I never knew you could be called to Holiness in everyday work. After better understand Opus Dei (God’s Work) I now have a better understanding of what it teaches and how to apply it daily.

Historically well documented and imparcial. There is more data for future historic studies on this Saint

Reading the life one can, besides admire, take example to our daily life. Very interesting , and a pleasure to read

Great read for anyone interested in understanding the foundation of Opus Dei

Well written and meticulously researched. I would say this is the "official" biography. Offers quotes from the founder's personal notes as well. A true gem.

Masterful writing, full of detail and yet without embellishment, presenting a portrait that is at once approachable yet sublime.

Very interesting. Excellently researched with lots of footnotes.

A beautiful narrative of the life of one of the most influential saints of the 20th century. It will leave you inspired and strengthened on your christian journey

Libro magnífico y totalmente recomendable