Archdiocese of Boston Opens Canonization Cause for Opus Dei Priest, Father Joseph Muzquiz

The Archdiocese of Boston has taken a significant step towards potentially canonizing Father Joseph Muzquiz, the Opus Dei priest who played a pivotal role in establishing the organization in the United States. A ceremony held on June 2 at the archdiocesan pastoral center in Braintree marked the official opening of Father Muzquiz’s canonization cause, drawing about 150 attendees, many of whom are local members of Opus Dei.

Father Muzquiz, born in Spain in 1912, led a remarkable life dedicated to serving God and bringing others closer to their faith. After serving in the nationalist army during the Spanish Civil War, he pursued a career as a civil engineer before joining Opus Dei in 1940. He was ordained as a priest in 1944 and went on to establish Opus Dei centers in Chicago and Washington, as well as laying the groundwork for the organization’s presence in Canada and Japan.

The core mission of Opus Dei, which translates to “God’s work” in Latin, is to integrate the teachings of the Gospel into everyday life and sanctify daily activities as a form of service to God. Father Muzquiz exemplified this mission through his dedication to his pastoral work and his efforts to promote the canonization of Opus Dei’s founder, Msgr. Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer.

Father Muzquiz’s return to the United States in 1976 as the head of Opus Dei marked a new chapter in his ministry, culminating in his passing in 1983 while teaching a class in Boston. Now, with the opening of his canonization cause, the church will conduct an inquiry into his life and ministry to determine if he lived a life of heroic virtue. If deemed worthy, Father Muzquiz will be given the title of “venerable,” the first step towards sainthood.

Local members of Opus Dei who knew Father Muzquiz personally have spoken highly of his character and dedication to his faith. John Coverdale, a member of Opus Dei for over 50 years, described Father Muzquiz as a cheerful and dedicated individual who understood his calling from God. Alan MacKay, who had the opportunity to confess to Father Muzquiz, echoed these sentiments, stating that everyone who knew him believed he was a saint.

As the canonization process for Father Joseph Muzquiz unfolds, the faithful in Boston and beyond eagerly await the outcome of this inquiry into the life of a man who dedicated himself to serving God and others with unwavering devotion.