Opus Dei

Opus Dei (Latin for "Work of God") is a personal prelature of the Catholic Church. Founded in Spain in 1928 by Saint Josemaría Escrivá, it emphasizes the Catholic belief that everyone is called to holiness and that ordinary life is a path to sanctity.

Organization and Structure

Opus Dei is a personal prelature, a specific canonical structure within the Catholic Church. This means it has its own prelate, a bishop appointed by the Pope, who governs the prelature. The prelature has its own priests, but its lay members remain fully integrated in their own dioceses and under the jurisdiction of their local bishops in matters that do not pertain to the specific apostolic work of the prelature.

Lay men and women can become members of Opus Dei as numeraries, supernumeraries, or associates. Numeraries typically live in Opus Dei centers and are celibate, dedicating themselves fully to the activities of the prelature. Supernumeraries are typically married men and women who support the prelature through prayer, sacrifice, and apostolic work, while continuing to live ordinary family lives. Associates live either celibate or married lives and commit to living the spirit of Opus Dei within their own circumstances.

Apostolic Work and Activities

The primary focus of Opus Dei is to help its members find God in their ordinary work and family life. The prelature encourages its members to sanctify their daily activities by performing them with diligence, competence, and a spirit of service. Opus Dei promotes various apostolic activities, including educational initiatives (schools, universities, and vocational training centers), social work projects, and spiritual formation programs. These activities are often carried out by Opus Dei members in collaboration with others.

Controversies and Criticism

Opus Dei has been the subject of controversy and criticism, often fueled by misconceptions and sensationalized portrayals in popular culture. Some criticisms focus on its alleged secrecy, its recruitment methods, and its perceived elitism. Others question its social and political influence and its financial practices. Proponents of Opus Dei argue that many of these criticisms are unfounded and that the prelature is simply a religious organization dedicated to helping its members grow in holiness within the Catholic Church.