As a young man, St. Josemaria Escriva of Spain experienced hardship but witnessed how the faith of his parents bolstered them in times of loss and economic hardship.

At age 16, when walking on a cold winter’s day, what he saw would change his life. He noticed footprints in the snow left by a bare-footed Carmelite friar, and he began pondering how he would be called to give his life to God.

Eventually, the young man gave up his intended career as an architect and became a priest and later on the founder of Opus Dei, a Catholic organization for those wishing to pursue holiness in their daily lives.

In his early years, St. Josemaria often prayed the words “Lord, let me see!” as he discerned how he would follow God’s will for his life.

On May 17, 1992, Pope John Paul II beatified Josemaría Escrivá. He proclaimed him a saint 10 years later, on October 6, 2002, in St. Peter’s Square, in Rome.

A movie on the saint  is due to be released this fall. Entitled “There Be Dragons,” the movie depicts the saint’s life in his youth during the tumultuous years of the Spanish Civil War. Here’s a link to more information about the movie: www.therebedragonsfilm.com