the servant of god Joseph Muzquiz

bulletin no. 2 | august 2015 Table of Contents A Documentary Film About Fr. Joseph

3 Fr. Joseph and St. John Paul II Everyday Remembrances from St. John Paul II’s Holiness: visit to the United States The Life of Fr. Joseph 6 Favors Obtained Muzquiz, Some favors attributed to the intercession produced of the Servant of God by Emmy Award- 8 Closing Session winning Cardinal Seán O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, John presided over the closing session of the diocesan Paulson of Paulson Productions, phase of the cause of canonization for Father Joseph was premiered in 2014 in multiple cities across the United States and broadcast on EWTN. Using

This bulletin is distributed free of [email protected] hundreds of photographs and charge. We appreciate contributions, www.josephmuzquiz.org dozens of interviews with people which are tax-deductible, to help who knew him during his lifetime, defray the printing and distribution Related Publications the 55 minute film traces the life of costs. These can be made online at John F. Coverdale, Putting Down Fr. Joseph’s website or sent to: Roots: Father Joseph Muzquiz Fr. Joseph from his birth in Spain and the Growth of , to his death in Boston, MA. The Prelature of Opus Dei Scepter Publishers, 2009. DVD is available through Scepter Office for the Causes of Saints 139 E 34th Street Printed with ecclesiastical Publishers (scepterpublishers.org) New York, NY 10016 approval. and Ignatius Press (ignatius.com). ◄

2 bulletin no. 2 Fr. Joseph and St. John Paul II

“Thank you, my God, for placing encyclicals, documents and Mass in Des Moines, Iowa. Fr. in my heart such love for the articles. He meditated on the Joseph wanted everyone in each Pope” (The Way, 573). With ideas he found there in his city to be totally prepared to these words St. Josemaría personal prayer, and he gave encourage and to accompany Escrivá expressed the intense them particular emphasis in his John Paul II in every way love for the successor of Peter preaching and talks. possible. Wherever the Pope that he imparted to all those Shortly after John Paul would speak, he wanted to have who came to Opus Dei. II was elected in 1978, Don people who would applaud and I worked and lived with Fr. Alvaro asked us to pray for his shout for him and receive him Joseph in New York for several collaborators. By “collaborators” with welcoming gestures. He years in the late 1970’s when he he meant people who worked encouraged us to carry signs was the head of Opus Dei in with the Pope and helped him and give loud cheers saying, the USA. Like everyone around in his work as Pastor of the “John Paul II, we love you!” him, I soon realized that two universal Church. Fr. Joseph and “Sto lat, sto lat, niech żyje people were at the center of his mentioned this repeatedly, żyje nam” (“Good luck, good life. One was the “Father,” as above all in his meditations cheer, may you live a hundred we call the head of Opus Dei in but also in get-togethers. years”), a classic Polish song of Rome. Fr. Joseph often talked He encouraged everyone celebration. We made badges to me about the Father, at that connected to the Work to make with these phrases and many time Don Alvaro del Portillo this their particular intention. people, young and not so young, (now Blessed Alvaro). He and In October of the following would hold these up and wear Don Alvaro had been ordained year, John Paul II made his first, them wherever they went. together in 1944, and Fr. historic visit to the United In the weeks before the Joseph would recall their times States. His grueling schedule Holy Father’s arrival I traveled together in those early years of called for him to visit six cities to Boston and Washington, D.C. Opus Dei in Spain. in six days, with 52 homilies, to help organize things. I was The other person was the speeches and addresses. The also in close touch with people Pope. Fr. Joseph did not know trip was ambitious for the in Chicago as they made their many details about the Holy Holy Father, and Fr. Joseph plans, including having people Father’s life, as he did with Don was ambitious to help him feel from the centers of the Work Alvaro. But he prayed for him welcome everywhere he went. in Milwaukee and St. Louis as the most important person Of these six cities, Opus travel to Chicago for the events. on earth, and continually asked Dei had centers in Boston, New At every step Fr. Joseph kept Our Lord to make him a good York, Washington, D.C., and asking me how things were shepherd. Anything having to Chicago. People involved in progressing. He was interested do with the Pope interested activities of the Work were in every detail of these activities him. He would always read able to attend the events in that would clearly show the L’Osservatore Romano closely Philadelphia. We even had some Pope how much American as well as all the Holy Father’s people who attended the Pope’s Catholics loved him. In all of

august 2015 3 these preparations he insisted Father was coming principally to and a captain came by our that we had to pray for the address the General Assembly center to discuss with Fr. Joseph spiritual fruits of the Pope’s visit of the United Nations. In what they would allow us to do in our country and emphasized New York he planned to stay within security. They assured us the good it would do for many at the Archbishop’s residence they would cooperate with us in souls, especially anyone who in Manhattan and Archbishop every way. In fact, under Mayor might want to learn more about Cheli came to talk to Fr. Joseph Ed Koch, who was Jewish, New the . to ask his help. As a result some York City prepared very well for As the date approached, women of Opus Dei helped the Holy Father’s stay, setting we saw how the press and to prepare the house and to up stages for the Pope’s talks television reporters tried to find organize the Holy Father’s and meetings and supplying shortcomings or weaknesses meals, lending a hand to the police and emergency personnel. in John Paul II. They seemed people who normally took care Some people told Mayor Koch determined to show that not of the housekeeping. that it was unfair to spend everyone agreed with the Holy There was some concern tax money on the Pope, since Father’s teachings. Fr. Joseph that, during the Pope’s stay he was a religious figure. The prayed for the media to be at the Archbishop’s residence mayor responded, “The Pope is more objective. Actually, their and at other sites around New the spiritual leader of us all.” attitude changed once the York City, the large crowds of The Holy Father arrived Pope arrived and they could good people might be pushed in Boston on October 1 and see him personally as he dealt aside by small groups who celebrated Mass in the Boston with all kinds of people in every were protesting the Church’s Commons in the middle of a language in our diverse nation. teachings. The New York City huge rainstorm. The entire John Paul II simply overwhelmed Police Department knew we place was filled with mud the media. were there to welcome the and hundreds of thousands Archbishop Giovanni Cheli, Pope and wanted to make of people. They showed the Permanent Observer at the sure things were kept open tremendous cheerfulness in a Mission of the Holy See to the for everyone. While they were difficult situation at the very United Nations, was a good making their preparations, a beginning of the Pope’s trip. In friend of Fr. Joseph. The Holy Police Inspector of Manhattan New York we prayed for them

4 bulletin no. 2 as we watched everything on television. While we watched, we looked to see if anyone we knew would appear. Fr. Joseph was happy to know that many people in the Work were there. John Paul II’s arrival in New York the next day coincided, happily, with the 51st Anniversary of Opus Dei’s founding. We were ready to make him feel at home. Throughout the trip, Fr. Joseph

Photos: Courtesy The Boston Pilot was always delighted to hear that people in the Work had been able to greet the Pope invited as a VIP at St. Patrick’s which belonged to a member personally. Some women sang Cathedral. But he never did have of the Work. Fr. Joseph gave all to him that morning in Boston the chance to greet the Holy these items to Arnold Hall, a as he left for New York. A Father personally. Still, he was conference center near Boston, bishop from Boston later told overjoyed just to be close to the where they are still kept. Fr. Joseph that the Holy Father Holy Father and to pray for him Helping the Pope to relax was quite moved by it. A group with more fervor. in the middle of a packed sang for him at Archbishop It is hard to describe the schedule could seem to be a sign Cheli’s residence in New York diligence and total focus he had of excellent organization. But and when the Archbishop during the Holy Father’s visit. for Fr. Joseph it was simply a told the Pope that they were He was glued to the full-time way of imitating St. Josemaría’s members and friends of the coverage on the television. If he desire to “see Peter” and pray Work he responded, “They are had to go out for some pastoral constantly for him. very faithful to the Church and task, he would ask us what Fr. Joseph’s love and they work seriously and well.” In had happened as soon as he veneration for the Holy Father both Washington and Chicago came in the door. I remember were complete. He lived fully the Holy Father went out to the how moved he was to see His the founder’s words: “If you’re balcony to sing along and laugh Holiness quietly praying his generous, if you correspond, with groups of people singing Rosary during a concert of the with your personal sanctification outside his residence. Chicago Symphony Orchestra. you can bring about the Fr. Joseph hoped to be able Fr. Joseph was also happy sanctification of others, the to greet His Holiness personally afterwards to receive some kingdom of Christ, the ‘Omnes or at least be near him. But, items connected to this historic cum Petro ad Iesum per Mariam’ being a humble man, he would visit. We received the china All with Peter to Jesus through never do anything to make it and napkins from his lunch at Mary” (The Way, no. 833). For happen. He really followed the home of the Permanent those of us who knew him, St. Josemaría’s advice “to do Observer, a picture of Our Lady Fr. Joseph’s love for our Holy and disappear.” He was able blessed by the Pope, and the Mother the Catholic Church and to attend the Pope’s Mass at table used for the Holy Father’s for the Holy Father remain an Yankee Stadium and he was vestments at the Mass in Boston, unforgettable inspiration. —Rev. Michael Barrett

august 2015 5 Favors Obtained

The MRI Found we settled we went to the A New Bus Route Department of Motor Vehicles Nothing to inquire about getting our My son’s family was having difficulties with the From February to June my driver’s license. transportation of their two grandmother had headaches I had a California license daughters to school. This on a daily basis. Our family which had expired three years problem was causing problems was afraid that she had a brain before and was informed at their house. My wife and tumor, because her mother that I had to pass a written myself started a novena had suffered a tumor on the and driving test. I was having to Father Joseph Muzquiz to spinal cord at the same age. Her problems with my right knee intercede; at the ninth day a doctor advised an MRI, and we that required future surgery new bus route started solving all began praying. For my part, I and had trouble driving, so only this difficult problem. turned to Fr. Joseph and began my husband did the tests and Thanks Fr. Joseph for saying his prayer card every day. got his license. interceding!! Gratias tibi, Deus, Right before my Six months later, he gratias tibi. —R.A., San Juan, grandmother went in for the developed a heart condition Puerto Rico MRI, she said the headaches and his Cardiologist advised to were beginning to level off. avoid driving. We both saw the She went in anyway, and the urgency of getting my driver’s Enough for a scan found nothing. I strongly license. I practiced a little, but Down Payment sensed the hand of Fr. Joseph was not totally familiar with My husband and I were on a in this, and I have begun the car. I started praying to beach in Florida, on vacation, spreading devotion to him in Father Joseph to please help me when my cell phone rang. It thanksgiving for this favor. not to flunk and pass the tests. was my daughter, Jeannine, —D.P., Chicago, USA When my number was called, the attendant asked me telling me that another I Didn’t to show an ID. I took out my daughter, Lorrie, had been hit passport and my old California by a car and was on her way Need the Test license. She looked at both, to the hospital. I had no idea how badly she was hurt, so On November 2011, my checked a book and said “It is I took out the prayer card of husband and I moved from OK, you do not need to take ANY Father Joseph and asked him to Bolivia, South America, to TEST” (Thank you F. Joseph!) intercede on her behalf. Twenty Arizona, USA. As soon as and proceeded to give me my license. —M.B., Arizona, USA minutes later we learned that

6 bulletin no. 2 price as I needed the money for my studies. Many persons said it would be difficult to get the higher price as the market was not favorable. Thanks to Father Joseph’s intercession, I did get it sold and at the price I wanted. I am most grateful for his intercession at such a short notice! —C.W., Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago the car had knocked her down interview, the job, visa and and run over her foot, but she accommodation! I thank A Tax Write Off had been discharged from the him sincerely for this. —R.G., hospital. The damage to her Australia When it was still winter and foot was soft-tissue, no broken the ground was snowy and bones. She had to have therapy, Fast Response frozen, our well went dry. and her foot hurt for several Having no time or money to My husband and I were in days, but she was soon able to cope with the situation, a very difficult economic go back to work. The driver’s I pleaded to Fr. Joseph to pray position, in which among other insurance company offered a for us. My husband called a things, we had to find another cash settlement which helped reputable person who sent apartment to move to in a very Lorrie and her husband put someone out the next day. short period of time. down the down payment on This worker told my husband At the same time, we were their house. Thank you Father we needed to drill a new well. reading John Coverdale’s book Joseph! —H.M., Florida, USA The next day the owner of the Putting Down Roots and how company came himself. By Job and Visa easily Father Joseph found the time he got there the water houses in the beginnings of had completely come back. This is a note to say, thank you, Opus Dei in the USA. He suggested we refracture the to Father Joseph Muzquiz for I asked Father Joseph’s help well so that it doesn’t happen a favor granted. My daughter to get us a suitable, nice and again. We didn’t. The water has been studying in the US on affordable one. has been there ever since. an exchange program from her The following morning While walking around the University in Australia. After my husband visited a realtor land, the contractor became completing her last semester in the flat we now live in. very animated with the idea she was hoping to work there —G.F., Buenos Aires, Argentina that our property was a perfect on internship in her career place for geo-thermal drilling before returning home. So I I Sold the Van as an alternative heating and prayed hard to Fr Joseph, for I resigned from my job in order cooling source. And we could a job to do her internship and to pursue my studies abroad write it off of our taxes! also extension of visa and and I needed to sell my van —M.H., Massachusetts, USA accommodation. It is not easy within a short period. I asked to find a job in her profession. Father Joseph’s intercession However Fr Joseph got her the to help me sell it for a good

august 2015 7 Closing Session

n Thursday, May to hear more about priests, made the following comments 22, 2014, Cardinal religious and lay people who in an interview: “We are so O Seán O’Malley, faithfully lived their vocation blessed by the presence of Archbishop of Boston, presided to holiness in contemporary many people who are living the over the closing session of the times. Father Muzquiz showed spirituality and the charism diocesan phase of the cause of us that the virtue of everyday of Saint Josemaría Escrivá in canonization for Father Joseph heroism can be achieved by all Opus Dei. It was our great Muzquiz which took place at the people of good faith who open blessing to have Father Joseph Archdiocesan Pastoral Center. their heart and soul to the gift here in the Archdiocese for so At the session’s conclusion, of God’s graces.” long … touching the lives of the file boxes containing the At the closing session so many people. So today is a evidence gathered through Cardinal O’Malley said that very happy day. The Church the diocesan investigation, “although the process is just exists to make saints, and so including declarations from beginning, even reflecting on when we are able to recognize witnesses and other documents, the holiness of life of this great the heroic sanctity in some of were sent under seal to the priest is of benefit to all of our brothers and sisters, it is Vatican’s Congregation for the us. I pray that this cause will a great encouragement to all Causes of Saints. This ended advance quickly and that many of us to live our baptismal call the local stage in Father Joseph’s others will continue to be of discipleship with the same cause of canonization and the touched by the testimony of generosity and joy and fidelity process has now moved to Rome. his life and his holiness.” that we find in the lives of Soon after his cause was Afterwards, noting the many people like Fr. Joseph.” ◄ opened in June 2011, Cardinal faithful of Opus Dei in the O’Malley had said: “We need Boston area, Cardinal O’Malley

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