In this Friendly Word, we present a reflection by Jesús Díez (1937-2020) on Saint Alonso de Orozcothe Augustinian friar known as “the saint of the everyday”. His simple and humble life reminds us that holiness is not played out in the extraordinary, but in everyday fidelity.
A nearby saint
St. Alonso de Orozco (1500-1591) was an Augustinian friar from Madrid who lived with radical simplicity. Known as “the saint of the everyday”, he discovered that the greatness of the Christian life is not in heroic gestures, but in humility and fidelity to God in everyday life.
His spirituality, Jesús Díez recalls, is very similar to that of St. Teresa of Jesus and St. John of Avila, with whom he shared his time and sensitivity.
The simple prayer
St. Alphonsus was not characterized by brilliant speeches or a spectacular life. Rather, his way was that of simple, humble simple, humble and trusting prayer..
“It is not necessary to multiply words to please God; it is enough to open one’s heart to him in sincerity.”
This is how he taught it, convinced that what is important is not the external shine, but the authenticity of the soul that knows it is loved and called by God.
The value of the small
His life reminds us that holiness is within everyone’s reach. It is not a matter of extraordinary gestures, but of loving in the small things: daily patience, fidelity in the usual tasks, discreet and constant charity.
St. Alphonsus discovered that the small, lived with love, becomes great in the eyes of God.
An apostle from Madrid
He spent most of his life in Madrid, preaching and accompanying the simple people. For this reason he is known as “the apostle of Madrid”.
His word did not seek to dazzle, but to lead everyone to a personal encounter with Christ. to bring everyone to a personal encounter with Christ. Close to the poor, his life was a testimony of humility, fraternity and silent dedication.
The timeliness of your message
Today, in a world that exalts the spectacular, St. Alonso de Orozco reminds us that what is essential remains to be faithful in small things, to live in humility and to remain firm in trusting prayer..
His witness is profoundly Augustinian: from the heart, in communion, always walking towards God.
Jesús Díez, in presenting the figure of St. Alonso de Orozco, gives us a very current message:
Holiness is neither distant nor complicated; it is lived in everyday life, in the simple love of each day.
May St. Alphonsus teach us to discover in our ordinary life an extraordinary way to God.
✍️ Adaptation of a text by Jesús Díez (1937-2020) for A Friendly Word. for Una Palabra Amiga.