April 19th, 1927: st Josemaria arrives in Madrid

Easter Tuesday. St. Josemaria arrives in Madrid. His intention is to get the doctorate in law, while at the same time to work in some pastoral activity. He arrived as an ‘extra-diocesan priest’, as he was incardinated in Zaragoza. He had the intention that his family (who were living in a very difficult economic position as their relatives, especially uncle Carlos refuse to help them with anything) move to Madrid, but first he needs to find a house and the means to support it. On his arrival to Madrid he turned up at the pontifical Church of San Miguel as he was being waited for there, and showed the rector the documents so that he could be granted ministerial licenses and be able to celebrate the Mass there. Probably he could not say Mass until the next day, and that he might have celebrated already in Zaragoza before taking the train as, back then, it was not permitted to celebrate in the evening. The rector clarified to him that it was not about a chaplaincy but to celebrate a daily Mass, with wages of 5 pesetas and 50 cents (which wasn’t enough even to pay for the rent where he was staying). During the first days of his stay, our father tried to get information about academic processes, with the intention to sit exams in the next opportunity. On the 28 he presented a request to sit the exam of History of International Law. Soon after, he moved into the priest’s residence at Larra street, managed by the “Damas Apostólicas del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus”. In our father’s soul continued intensely the petition “Lord, may I see!”, through which he asked God to reveal to him what He wants from him and that he doesn’t get yet. On the other hand, he has the intention to make his path into Madrid, trying to get an interview with the nuncio through a recommendation. All plans failed. After two weeks, st Josemaría had not been able to make contact with the nuncio or to turn up for the exams in June and Sept., which meant a financial loss as he had paid some 50 pesetas to enroll. He hadn’t yet either found a way to give lectures to earn a living. It was a very lonely time for him.