José Manuel Almuzara Delves into the Sanctity of Antoni Gaudí

“Gaudí not only built temples of stone, but he also built his own life upon the rock of faith, serving as a model of lay sanctity for the 21st century.”

The president of the Association for the Beatification of Gaudí offered an illuminating lecture on the ongoing process. Almuzara highlighted the architect’s profound spirituality, whose masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, stands as a stone catechism. His life testimony demonstrates that sanctity is attainable within professional and artistic vocations.

José Manuel Almuzara, president of the Association for the Beatification of Antoni Gaudí, delivered a significant live conference via digital platforms. The event gathered numerous followers and experts interested in the life and work of the Catalan architect. The main objective was to update the status of the beatification cause, which continues to advance in Rome. Almuzara emphasized that Gaudí’s figure transcends architecture to become a benchmark of faith and vital coherence. The talk focused on detailing the heroic virtues of the Servant of God.

The central idea of the presentation was to demonstrate how Gaudí’s life was a constant reflection of his deep Catholic convictions. His dedication to the Sagrada Familia was not merely professional, but an act of piety, penance, and personal sacrifice. The lecturer underscored that his austerity, his charity toward the poor, and his intense life of prayer are irrefutable proofs of his heroic virtues. This sanctity was especially manifested in his ability to integrate faith and art into a perfect synthesis. Gaudí understood his talent as a gift placed at the service of God and the Church.

“The Sagrada Familia is not a simple cathedral, but a catechism in stone designed for modern man to rediscover the beauty of faith.”

Almuzara dedicated a section to the spiritual transcendence of the Sagrada Familia, conceived as the last great Christian temple. He explained that every element of the basilica, from the columns to the façades, is designed to instruct the faithful in Catholic doctrine. Gaudí’s architecture is, therefore, an evangelizing tool that uses the language of nature to draw people closer to God. He highlighted the importance of the Glory Façade, which must crown the work as a symbol of man’s ultimate destiny. This temple is a testament of faith that will endure for centuries.

Regarding the canonical process, Almuzara detailed the recent steps taken before the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. Although the cause requires patience, the documentation work is being exhaustive to present the dossier in the most solid manner possible. He recalled the necessity of a miracle recognized by the Church so that the beatification can successfully culminate. Therefore, attendees were encouraged to continue asking for Gaudí’s intercession in their daily needs, documenting any grace received. Prayer is fundamental to drive the Church’s recognition.

“Gaudí’s beatification cause advances with the seriousness demanded by the Church, but it requires the fuel of our constant prayer and the dissemination of his example.”

Finally, José Manuel Almuzara concluded the conference by reaffirming that Gaudí’s beatification is a deep desire of the universal Church, not just the Diocese of Barcelona. The testimony of a layman, a brilliant artist, and a man of profound faith, is vital for the evangelization of the modern world. The hope is that we may soon see Antoni Gaudí raised to the altars. Officially recognizing his sanctity will inspire millions of Christians to live their faith with greater coherence in their professions.