A new parish has been dedicated to Blessed Josemaria in Barbastro, the city where he was born. The ceremony on December 8 was attended by two thousand faithful, forty priests and three bishops: Bishop Juan Jose Omella, current Bishop of Barbastro-Monzon; Bishop Emeritus Ambrosio Echebarría of that diocese; and Bishop Javier Echevarría, Prelate of Opus Dei. Among the civil authorities present were the mayor of Barbastro and the president of the Huesca provincial government.

“Blessed Josemaria was a universal Barbastran, who followed closely in Christ’s footsteps by proclaiming, and living, our Lord’s universal call to holiness,” said Bishop Omella in his homily.

Relics of St. Raymond, patron of Barbastro, Blessed Florentino Asensio, martyred bishop of the city, and Blessed Josemaria have been placed under the altar stone.