Escriva had the idea for Opus Dei ("Work of God") in Madrid, Spain, in October 1928 while on a spiritual retreat. He saw the movement as a way to develop the sanctification of people from all walks of life in their daily work.

Opus Dei has since spread around the world, founding universities and vocational centers. By June 26, 1975, when Escriva died in Rome, the movement had 60,000 members. In 1982, it was established as a personal prelature by Pope John Paul II with its own prelate, currently Bishop Javier Echevarria.

The founder of Opus Dei was beatified on May 17, 1992, and the movement’s members are praying Blessed Josemaria may be canonized in 2002.

Jan. 9 is the centenary of Escriva’s birth in Barbastro, Spain. There will be special Masses in seven dioceses to mark the occasion, along with other festivities elsewhere in the world. The Canadian Masses are scheduled as follows:

Jan. 9

Toronto, St. Michael’s Cathedral, 7:30 p.m., with Archbishop Luigi Ventura, Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, presiding.

Ottawa, Notre Dame Basilica-Cathedral, 7:30 p.m., with Archbishop Marcel Gervais presiding.

Vancouver, Holy Rosary Cathedral, 7:30 p.m., with Archbishop Adam Exner presiding.

Jan. 10

Kingston, Holy Name Church, 7:30 p.m., with Archbishop Francis Spence presiding.

Jan. 15

Edmonton, St-Andrew’s Church, 7:30 p.m., with Archbishop Thomas Collins presiding.

Jan. 16

Montreal, Mary Queen of the World Cathedral, 7:30 p.m., with Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte, Archbishop of Montreal, presiding.

Jan. 17

Quebec City, St-Yves Church, 7:30 p.m., with Archbishop Maurice Couture presiding.