PERSONAL LIFE
How was your childhood?
Very beautiful, strongly marked by Christianity.
Did you write any important books, essays, or letters?
Yes: The Way, Furrow, and The Forge — books offering spiritual guidance for Christian life.
Did you receive any academic recognition?
Yes, an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Zaragoza.
Did you like any particular animal?
Yes, the eagle.
What important events were happening in Mexico during your lifetime?
Mexico was going through the Mexican Revolution and major political and social changes.
What was the place where you grew up like?
Very nice, but his family had to move due to financial difficulties.
What contributions did you make to education or learning?
He promoted education by founding schools and universities.
Did you win any medals or awards?
Yes, he received a Gold Medal.
Did you always carry any personal object with you?
Yes, a cross necklace.
Which cultures or civilizations dominated Mexican territory at that time?
The country was already independent, influenced by Catholic culture and faith.
Did you have access to good education?
Yes, he studied at the Escuelas Pías School of Barbastro and later at the National Institute of Logroño.
What was your greatest achievement or contribution to humanity?
Founding Opus Dei, which promotes holiness in daily life.
At what age did you start being recognized?
He gained full recognition in his later years and after his canonization.
What is something surprising that almost no one knows about you?
Two days after being ordained as a priest, he celebrated his first solemn Mass.
What was daily life like in Mexico during your time?
Life was marked by political and religious conflicts, especially the Cristero War.
When and where were you born?
January 9, 1902, Barbastro, Spain.
What did you invent or create?
He created Opus Dei.
What institutions, awards, or places are named after you?
Institutions such as the Saint Josemaría Institute.
Did you have a favorite dish?
No particular one.
What political conflicts or wars were happening in Mexico?
The Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) and the Cristero War (1926–1929).
What motivated you to keep going?
The love of God and the divine will.
How did your main career or work begin?
As a priest, dedicating his life to serving God and spreading the message of Opus Dei.
How are you honored today?
He was canonized as a saint and remembered for founding Opus Dei.
Did you have any hobby or pastime?
Not really; he dedicated most of his time to spiritual work.
What contributions did its culture make to political identity?
It strengthened faith and Christian values within Mexican society.