Opus Dei

Opus Dei is an organisation linked to the Catholic Church which was founded by Josemariá Escrivá de Balaguer. It has a relatively simple message: all Christians can contribute to the spreading of Christ’s message without having to be a member of the clergy. However, the organisation has suffered several scandals over the years, including the Matesa affair, and is notorious for its secretive nature and controversial practices, such as the mortification of the flesh. In just 50 minutes, you will find out how its actions have shaped the structure of the Church and understand its profound influence on 21^st-century Catholicism.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough discussion of the key moments in the history of Opus Dei, including its beginnings in Spain and the Second Vatican Council. It also features a full history, a valuable introduction to the political, social and economic context and an evaluation of the impact of Opus Dei, giving you all the essential information about this mysterious religious organisation.

About Opus Dei

Opus Dei (Latin for ‘Work of God’) was founded in 1928, although it is sometimes argued that the organisation only truly came into existence after 1939. It was originally a very innocuous society; it was more a space for reflection and discussion than anything else. However, as time went by, the organisation slowly became more demanding and more secretive, leading to the society as it exists today.

This clear and accessible 40-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to Opus Dei
• Opus Dei throughout history
  • Foundation of Opus Dei
  • Spain in the 1930s
  • The Roman period
  • The Second Vatican Council
  • Schismatic paranoia
  • A personal prelature
• Most prominent members
  • Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer
  • Álvaro del Portillo
• Aims and functions of Opus Dei
  • Holiness in the secular world
  • The organisation’s structure
  • ‘Whistling’, or joining Opus Dei
  • The members of Opus Dei
  • Opus Dei’s activities
• Controversies of Opus Dei
  • The Matesa affair
  • A controversy from The Da Vinci Code
  • Opus Dei and the Papacy
  • The importance of secrecy
  • Mortification of the flesh
• Summary