In 1949, the Opus Dei founder commissioned Fr. Muzquiz to bring Opus Dei to the United States. When he and two other members arrived, they had no money, knew no one, and could hardly speak any English.
“It was quite an uphill battle,” Coverdale said.
The message of the universal call to holiness that he came to spread was also unfamiliar to the United States.
Despite the difficulties he faced, Fr. Muzquiz had “complete confidence that Opus Dei was a work of God and that therefore it would succeed,” said Coverdale.
Fr. Muzquiz worked to jump-start the U.S. branch of the organization that now boasts nearly 3,000 members across the nation. Within 10 years, he had established Opus Dei centers in St. Louis, Milwaukee, Boston and Washington.
He also laid the foundations for the organization in Japan and Canada.
Opus Dei has become a well-established part of the global Church since Fr. Muzquiz's death in 1983.
Its focus remains the same, giving lay Catholics spiritual and practical support in the quest to become saints. Members strive to live out a prayer-filled plan of life that includes daily Mass, recitation of the Rosary, times of prayer and meditation, and regular confession.
Fr. Muzquiz's cheerful attitude and gentle, patient manner helped to make Opus Dei's intense spirituality accessible to Americans.
“He always lived in such a way so as to avoid attracting attention to himself or seeking any special consideration, even though many were extremely grateful to him for his role in bringing Opus Dei to this country,” said the postulator for his cause, Fr. Cavanagh.
The tribunal that met on June 2 considered first-person testimonies about Fr. Muzquiz, seeking to determine the holiness of his life. A separate tribunal will examine evidence of possible miracles.
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“We are happy that the Archdiocese of Boston is taking this step,” said Brian Finnerty, U.S. communications director for Opus Dei. “Fr. Joseph helped spread to many thousands of people … the message that we are called to try to be saints.”