Opus Dei

Opus Dei. It is a personal prelature of the Catholic Church that emphasizes the universal call to holiness and the sanctification of ordinary work and daily life. Founded in Madrid in 1928 by the Spanish priest Josemaría Escrivá, its stated mission is to help members and others seek God in their professional, social, and family lives. The organization is known for its rigorous spiritual practices, its influential lay and clerical membership, and its presence in over 60 countries through educational, corporate, and media initiatives.

History and founding

The founding of Opus Dei occurred on October 2, 1928, when Josemaría Escrivá experienced a foundational inspiration while on a retreat in Madrid. Escrivá, then a young diocesan priest, envisioned an institution within the Catholic Church that would promote holiness among laypeople without requiring them to leave their secular professions. The organization grew slowly amidst the political turmoil of the Second Spanish Republic and the subsequent Spanish Civil War. Key early milestones included the admission of the first women members in 1930 and the establishment of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross in 1943, allowing for the ordination of its own clergy. After receiving final approval from the Holy See as a personal prelature in 1982 under Pope John Paul II, its headquarters were established in Rome.

Structure and governance

Opus Dei is governed as a personal prelature, a canonical structure directly under the Vatican and the Congregation for Bishops. Its prelate, currently Fernando Ocáriz Braña, serves as its worldwide head, succeeding previous prelates like Javier Echevarría and the founder, Josemaría Escrivá, who was later canonized as a saint. Membership is divided into several categories: numeraries, who are typically celibate members living in centers; associates, also celibate but often living with their families; supernumeraries, who are usually married; and cooperators, who are not members but support its activities. The organization's central governance bodies include the General Council in Rome, with separate councils for men and women, overseeing regional administrations like the United States, United Kingdom, and Nigeria.

Spirituality and practices

The core spirituality is derived from the teachings of Josemaría Escrivá, particularly as outlined in his book The Way, and emphasizes finding God in everyday activities. This doctrine, often called the "holiness in the middle of the world," encourages a profound interior life combined with professional excellence. Common ascetical practices among members include daily Mass, regular Eucharistic adoration, the recitation of the Rosary, and the practice of mortification, such as the use of the cilice and discipline. Members also engage in frequent spiritual direction and annual retreats to deepen their commitment, with many participating in formative activities at centers like the University of Navarra or the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross.

Controversies and criticism

Opus Dei has been the subject of significant controversy and criticism from various quarters, including former members, journalists, and some theologians. It has been frequently accused of promoting secrecy, exerting excessive control over members' lives, and employing cult-like recruitment and retention methods. Its role during the Franco regime in Spain has been a point of historical debate, with critics alleging political collaboration. The organization's practices of mortification and its strict hierarchical structure were prominently highlighted in popular culture, such as in Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code. These portrayals have been strongly rejected by its leadership and the Vatican.

Influence and activities

Opus Dei exerts influence primarily through its extensive network of educational, social, and corporate initiatives across the globe. It sponsors and operates numerous universities, including the University of Navarra in Pamplona and the University of Piura in Peru, as well as business schools like IESE Business School in Barcelona. Its members are often prominent in fields such as law, politics, journalism, and finance, contributing to its perception as an elite organization. Other significant activities include running hospitals like the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, organizing youth outreach programs, and managing media outlets such as the Associated Press-allied news agency ACI Prensa. Its publishing arm, Scepter Publishers, distributes spiritual works worldwide.

Category:Opus Dei Category:Personal prelatures Category:Religious organizations established in 1928