The Archdiocese of Boston has opened the cause for canonization of Father Joseph Muzquiz, a priest of Opus Dei who worked for many years in the greater Boston area.

Some 150 people, many of whom are local members of Opus Dei, gathered June 2 at the archdiocese’s pastoral center for the formal opening of Father Muzquiz’s cause, reports The Pilot newspaper of the archdiocese.

Father Muzquiz was born in Spain in 1912 as  Jose Luiz Musquiz. He was one of the first three men ordained as priests for Opus Dei. The other two were Alvaro del Portillo who became bishop and successor of Msgr. Josemaria Escriva when the latter died on June 26, l975, and Jose Maria Hernandez de Garnica.

Father Muzquiz helped start Opus Dei not only in the United States, but also in Canada, Japan and Venezuela. During the 1960s and 1970s he worked in Europe. He returned to the United States in 1981, and remained in the country until his death in 1983.

The June 2 event marked the beginning of the first stage of the canonization process, which will involve gathering evidence of heroic Christian virtue. Following satisfactory completion of this process, the case will proceed to the Congregation for Saints’ Causes.

Servant of God Dora del Hoyo

I write with affection about Servant of God Dora del Hoyo because she always helps me with my household problems like a broken window, a leaking faucet, etc.  I tell my friends to pray to her, as well.

Dora was the housekeeper of the Prelature of Opus Dei in Rome from 1946 until her death on Jan. 10, 2004 at the age of 80.  Her remains are buried in the crypt of Our Lady of Peace at 75 Viale Bruno Buozzi, Rome.

Dora also helped provide professional training to women who came to Rome from all over the world, contributing to Opus Dei’s apostolate in every social sphere.  Msgr. Escriva asked her and two other women to go to Rome to help in the running of the household.  They arrived on December 27, 1946.  Dora remained in Rome for the rest of her life.  She was outstanding for her devotion to the Blessed Eucharist making the Holy Mass as the center of her life.

For prayer cards, please write me c/o Philippine Daily Inquirer, Chino Roces Ave. Makati City.  For favors received, write to the Prelature of Opus Dei at 20 Sampaguita St. corner Balete Drive, Quezon City.