Death. Canonization
On June 26, 1975 the Founder of Opus Dei gave up his soul to God in a saintly way, dying after suddenly collapsing on entering the room where he usually worked, after making a visit to the Roman College of Holy Mary. He passed away with the same simplicity that had characterized his life. The fame of the heroic virtues of the Founder of Opus Dei soon extended around the world, and countless people turned to his intercession, asking for both material and spiritual favors. On May 12, 1981, his Cause of Beatification and Canonization was opened in Rome. After a rigorous study of his life and his writings, and with the proof of a miracle brought about through his intercession, John Paul II beatified him on May 17, 1992 in Rome, before a huge crowd of people filling St. Peter's Square. After the approval of a new miracle, he was solemnly canonized by the Pope John Paul II on October 6, 2002 before an immense crowd that surpassed the previous one, reaching nearly half a million people. This figure bears witness to the widespread devotion to St. Josemaría Escrivá. But what is more important is the echo reached by the preaching of the universal call to sanctity in all spheres and in all latitudes, to which the Founder of Opus Dei dedicated his whole life.