Description
PRIESTS IN THE SPIRITUAL ACCOMPANIMENT OF SAINT JOSEMARÍA ESCRIVÁ
Book Summary
This work offers a detailed analysis of the priestly figures who spiritually guided Saint Josemaría Escrivá from his vocational beginnings in Logroño until 1944. The author explores how the founder of Opus Dei sought in these priests not only regular confession and spiritual direction, but a relationship of trust that would allow him to discern and consolidate his own charism. Through discussions and conversations, Saint Josemaría found wisdom and experience in them, without always revealing the most intimate aspects of his mission. The book reveals the imprint these encounters left on his soul, offering a unique perspective on his spiritual formation and the ecclesial context of the time.
What is it about?
The book focuses on identifying the priests who accompanied Saint Josemaría Escrivá on his spiritual journey during his early years of priestly and foundational life. Unlike a conventional confession or spiritual direction, the author explains that these encounters had a particular nuance: Saint Josemaría sought people of absolute trust with whom he could speak clearly about his own charism and the mission that God entrusted to him. Although they did not always delve into the most intimate parts of his soul or the specific details of the sacrament, these priests were valuable interlocutors for addressing issues related to his apostolic work. The research covers his years from Logroño until 1944 and aims, as far as possible, to trace the concrete influence that each of these companions had on his spiritual development and the configuration of Opus Dei.
Main themes
- Spiritual accompaniment and direction of conscience in the life of a founder.
- Discernment and consolidation of a foundational charism in the Church.
- Relationship between sacramental confession and trusting spiritual conversation.
- Influence of priestly wisdom and experience on the formation of Saint Josemaría.
- Historical and ecclesial context of the early years of Opus Dei (until 1944).
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in the spirituality of Opus Dei and the figure of Saint Josemaría Escrivá, especially those seeking to understand the roots of his charism. It will also be of great use to priests, seminarians, and laypeople dedicated to spiritual accompaniment, as well as scholars of contemporary Church history and 20th-century Christian spirituality.
What this book offers
- A deeper understanding of the interior life of Saint Josemaría Escrivá through his spiritual guides.
- Keys to understanding how the charism of Opus Dei was forged and transmitted in its early years.
- A historical and spiritual perspective on the practice of accompaniment in the Church.
- Models of trust-based relationships between a founder and his spiritual directors.
- Reflection material for those who exercise the ministry of spiritual direction.
Technical data
- Author: Anchel, Constantino
- Publisher: Ediciones Rialp S.A.
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Christianity
- Collection: Books on Opus Dei
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: March 2026
- Number of pages: 180
- Weight: 223 g
Editorial review
This work constitutes a rigorous and well-documented contribution to the knowledge of Saint Josemaría Escrivá's spirituality. By focusing on the figures of his spiritual companions, the book offers an original perspective that goes beyond traditional biography. It is especially suitable for those who wish to delve into the human and spiritual dimension of the founder of Opus Dei, as well as for those interested in the practice of spiritual accompaniment as a tool for discernment and growth in Christian life. Its academic approach and expository clarity make it a valuable read for both specialists and a general audience interested in the subject.