Our Lives in His Hands: An Ordinary Couple's Path to Holiness

by Olga Emily Marlin

One of the young men who accompanied St. Josemaría Escrivá on his escape to freedom during the Spanish Civil War was Tomás Alvira. He wished to follow the founder of Opus Dei in a life of apostolic dedication, but as a married, rather than a single, person. St. Josemaría advised him to wait and, at the right time, he could become part of Opus Dei as well as be a family man with wife and children, which happened within 10 years. This is the story of the life and adventures of Tomás and his wife Paquita, who raised a large family and whose cause of holiness is now progressing through the approval process of the Catholic Church.

Genres: Catholic, Biography

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2018

Reviews

[Eva]

I was recommended this book by an Opus Dei member I met on the plane (!!) back from a discernment retreat (!!). Unfortunately it was out of stock. A week or two later a lady was handing out some of her books at an Opus Dei recollection I attended (!!), so of course I had to borrow it. I will for sure remember Tómas and Paquita if I marry. The book was just okay though, lol.

[Alexis McGlachlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that this book might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I thoroughly enjoyed learning about this ordinary couple’s journey to holiness. This book described ways they were able to glorify God in their family, daily duties and responsibilities, work, friendship with others, and their sufferings. I will remember and hold the ways that Paquita and Tomas used their simple, daily tasks to honor and love our Lord.

[Mikayla Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: Feels weird giving a rating to a biography written about two ~soon to be~ Saints. So 5 stars for their lives, but 4 stars for the grammar and flow of the book.

This is not a book I would have picked up myself (so thanks FOCUS wives book club). I struggled to get into the flow of the book. It has moments of being choppy(?) and some of the phrasing was weird (maybe a translated book).

The story of Tomas and Paquita is truly one to be encouraged and challenged by. The amount of quotations that were gathered from their children and those who had affection for them throughout their lives was tremendous and each so telling of this couple’s virtue!

The insight into Tomas’s teaching “vocation” and Paquita’s role in the home were both inspiring! The insight into raising children who strengthened their wills with the practice of freedom.

I loved that the book ended with a chapter dedicated to each of their deaths. The suffering offered up and gift of their lives showed the truth within hope!

Servants of God Tomas & Paquita Alvira, pray for us.

[Katie Groom · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome couple. Very poorly organized book, which detracts from their story. I feel like most chapters were teeny bit of background + [sort of relatable quotes]

[Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every Christian couple should read on how marriage can be a pathway to sanctity, as exemplified by the life and adventures of Tomás and his wife, Paquita.

[Grace Gallo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful. This book is simply written and a delight to read from start to finish. I want to emphasize that this couple’s example of sanctifying ordinary moments of life and work is for everyone, not just those discerning or living a vocation in marriage.

[Monica Lafleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful example of a couple that was always striving for holiness. Truly inspiring.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a translation summarizing the lives and various letters/ testimonies of a married Spanish couple, Paquita & Tomas Alvira, who were the first married couple to be formally enrolled in and dedicated to Opus Dei (Work of God), and who personally had a great friendship with St Josemaria Escriva.

Their cause for beatification is well underway. They were parents of nine children; the oldest died as a young child, the remaining children all ended up joining Opus Dei and dedicating their lives to God through their daily work. Tomas was an educator and Paquita a homemaker. We get a glimpse into how they sanctified all the ordinary moments of their day and work, and the impact this had on all who came in contact with them. It is very inspiring; so much wisdom here.

[Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish the cover of this book could be displayed. However, this book is beautiful. It’s great for those who are interested in the vocation of marriage. Whether you believe God is calling you to this vocation or you want to simply learn more about it, it’s a great book about how to live this vocation with love, joy, and peace. Despite the struggles, the couple were constantly selfless caring about others and setting a good example to their children. Just a great book!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely a must read for all couples. A treasure outlining the vocation of marriage, the education of children and the oath towards holiness as outlined by the teachings of St Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei. As this couple’s process of beatification is undertaken, the book treats us to numerous commentaries of friends, students, associates and their own children.
Highly redommended

[Y Salib · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about two beautiful people who had nine beautiful children
God was there after all He needs only two to gather in His Name. So how about thirteen?
Cannot praise this book enough

[Manuel Garcia-Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that will leave a mark.

[Michael Choi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is always patient. Key word ALWAYS, not 99 times out of 100, but 100 times out of 100. ALWAYS

[Evelyn Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second read. Just as inspirational as the first time.

[Peyton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book, it was a swift read and an inspiring one, too! That being said, as the subtitle suggests... it's an ordinary story- 3 stars.

[Maria Therese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read for really anyone! The Alvira’s life story is a lesson in dedication to faith and commitment to God and family. I think this is a book I will want to reread!