I could write a looooooong post on Opus Dei!

By Roamin' Roman | Homepage | 10.03.06 - 8:43 pm |

I could write a looooooong post on Opus Dei! Suffice it to say simply that I first got to know about OD while I was in Rome last year - Providence granted me the great blessing of having a priest of OD be my regular confessor/spiritual director. Through him, I also got to know many wonderful lay women involved with OD from around the world, and through them I was able to participate at a few of the conferences that are held at the OD pontifical university in Rome each year. Now that I am back home, I am continuing to receive spiritual direction and formation from OD, we do not have an OD center (yet...) in the Twin Cities, but there is an OD priest who comes up from Chicago once a month to offer direction and evenings of reflection. I also now meet with a good friend of mine who is a supernumerary, she has become a spiritual guide for me as I try to stick to my spiritual plan of life.

Got questions about the truth about Opus Dei? You can see what my spiritual director from Rome has to say for yourself - he's got his own blog!! Fr. John Wauck can be found online at
http://davincicode-opusdei.com! Some of you may also want to see the series Fr. Wauck did for EWTN last year, "Mirror of the Soul" - you can get more info at http://www.ewtn.com/series/2005/mirror_soul.htm.

From: http://www.haloscan.com/comments/geraldaugustinus/115985848380242765/

Refreshing

By Buffalo Bill

Opus Dei is fantastic. Their spirituality, closeness to the Church, and holiness is so refreshing in our current world.

I lived in a house associated with Opus Dei during College. I am so thankful for the spiritual foundation provided. The spiritual direction received was top notch.

I personally have never seen any of the attributed but often unsubstantiated negatives associated with Opus Dei by detractors.

I am not a member but wish they had a Center in Buffalo! For those that live near a Opus Dei center, you will not regret attending any of their functions.

For those looking for more...

www.opusdei.com

From: http://www.haloscan.com/comments/geraldaugustinus/115985848380242765/

Met numerous people and priests of Opus Dei

By dymphna email at June 17, 2007 11:45 AM

I met numerous people and priests who were part of Opus Dei. All struck me as the happiest, most satisfied Catholics I've ever met.

From: http://www.splendoroftruth.com/curtjester/archives/008115.php

Thanks to Dan Brown, I found true spiritual peace

By John Browne 4/16/2007 10:37 PM

The Way is a book I never travel anywhere without. It speaks right to my heart.

The first time I heard about Opus Dei was when reading "Da Vinci Code", and I've never looked back.

Ironic really, but thanks to Dan Brown, I have found true spiritual peace with St Josemaria.

From: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=25543378&postID=5768544211592446746

Reflecting on Faith and Lukewarmness

By Fr. Tim Finigan

I had to leave in a bit of a rush after Mass today in order to get to Wickenden Manor in time for the start of the Day of Recollection for priests. Hence I forgot to take my camera - I will try to remember next time. The photos on this post are rather poor quality snaps from the mobile phone, enhanced a bit using PaintShop Pro.

Wickenden Manor is the retreat house of Opus Dei in the South of England (the north has Thorneycroft Hall, near Manchester.) It is in the heart of the Sussex countryside near the village of Sharpthorne. I would have driven there in just about an hour had I not taken a wrong turning just before my destination.

The conferences were given by Fr Frank Calduch. He spoke first of all about the virtue of Faith and the importance of a living faith in the priest. The second conference was on the theme of Lukewarmness: something that St Josemaria wrote about. It was delightfully counter-cultural. Instead of telling us to find "Me Time" or to be happy with who we are, he pointed out that the lukewarm priest tells the faithful by his example that they need not bother with carrying the cross.

He also spoke of how priests might fear that they should conserve their energy to live longer in God's service. He said that if we die through hard work in the service of Christ, God will always find a replacement for us. My sister Mary told me later that this was very similar to something Pope John Paul said when he was very tired one day and someone told him he must take it easy.

As ever, there was a wholesome lunch with good conversation, Rosary and Benediction and time to catch up with news from other priests (including fellow-blogger Fr John Boyle, South Ashford Priest. I always leave these days with profound gratitude to the priests of Opus Dei for their friendship, generosity and good example to us diocesan clergy.

From: http://the-hermeneutic-of-continuity.blogspot.com/search/label/Opus%20Dei

Have been around them a lot

By Ted on Jun 22, 2007 6:18:09 AM

I am not a member of Opus Dei-but have been around them a lot--and think they are great--certainly not the stereotype that many have nor the ridiculous DaVinci Code book has.

That does not mean I understand I every nuance or agree with every idiosyncracy nor that I like every member. But they do have some amazing things and have some amazing people.

I think Opus Dei is great--maybe not perfect as they are trying to be, but really great and authentically Catholic.

From: http://jimmyakin.typepad.com/defensor_fidei/2007/06/in-the-mail.html

Fully approved by the Church

By Kevin ( Tertiary of the Order of the Holy Trinity and Captives; born May 18, 1971)

Opus Dei, which is fully approved by the Church (with its own place in Canon Law) and whose founder was canonized by Pope John Paul II --is a vocation within the lay vocation (except for the priests obviously).

All mortifications (not like DV-Code) are rooted in the traditions of Christians in the Church (and the saints!)--even of the laity (such as tertiaries).

And myself knowing various members of "the Work" as it is called in English--I can say they are seeking holiness in ordinary life.

From:http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1656901#post1656901

Awesome!

By Proeliator (Dec 6, '06, 10:32 am)

Opus Dei is awesome! I have had the privilige to attend some of their evenings of recollection. I suggest you pick up Scott Hahn's new book, "Ordinary work, Extraordinary Grace" "My Spirtual Journey in Opus Dei". Doubleday Publishers. Its a great read.

From:http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1715010&highlight=opus+dei#post1715010

A feast for the soul

By John (Dec 4, '06, 12:57 pm)

Arnold Hall Conference Center in Massachusetts

I admire the members of Opus Dei. The spirituality they evoke is very human and very ordinary--you might miss it entirely just by looking. However, it is as old as the early Christians and they genuinely practice it in their lives. The members of Opus Dei may seem elitist--I know many who are professionals-Doctors, businessmen and people in places of authority--but they practice their faith in the utmost humility. If you have a center of Opus Dei near you, I would highly recommend attending their retreats--it is a feast for the soul!

From:http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1710173&highlight=opus+dei#post1710173

Escriva's writings: most inspirational stuff I've read

By Jayson (born February 6, 1982; at http://jaytek.net)

I wish I had the courage to be as holy as the men and women who are members of opus dei. I find Josemaria Escriva's writings to be some of the most inspirational stuff I've ever read. Anyone who thinks Opus Dei is some sort of evil cult should really take a long hard look at their ideas about good and evil.

Again, this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_contradiction goes a long way in explaining why people are so against Opus Dei.

I wish I were courageous enough to use a cilice and the discipline.

In the meantime, I often sleep without pillows, take cold showers, and fast. For me, at least, mortification has been a key part of progressing spiritually. It helps us to conquer our bad habits and it also helps us to gain a fuller understanding of the communion of saints which we profess so often in our creeds. Through our self sacrifice and our willingness to bear suffering we are able to make up what is lacking in others and are able to benefit the entire church and the whole world.

It should also be noted that through our faith in Christ, suffering is no longer something that is entirely negative but is instead something that we can use for the betterment of ourselves and others. We are able to take our enemy's weapon and use it against him!

From: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1075481#post1075481
and http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1075851#post1075851

It's all about bringing the individual closer to God

By Methodius, a Catholic convert

I am a new Catholic -- converted via a friendship I made with an Opus Dei member. I've been receiving spiritual formation via Opus Dei for about two years.

I am often amazed at the boogey-man type characterization of Opus Dei. My experience with Opus Dei has been extremely positive. Opus has no political agenda, but rather is aimed at providing spiritual direction to its members and their friends. It's not secretive nor is it particular exciting -- the "norms" of Opus Dei center around about 90 minutes of prayer each day -- things like attended Mass, silent prayer, spiritual reading, and saying the rosary. It's all about bringing the individual closer to God.



It's true Opus Dei *in general* focuses upon well educated young people, but only because they become very effective apostles of God as they will help shape society. Hence there are many Opus Dei people that are clustered in Silicon Valley and LA for example. For the record, most people involved with Opus Dei are not members, but "hangers on" of sorts. I am one of them: it's not a big deal.

It's true Opus Dei *in general* focuses upon well educated young people, but only because they become very effective apostles of God as they will help shape society. Hence there are many Opus Dei people that are clustered in Silicon Valley and LA for example. For the record, most people involved with Opus Dei are not members, but "hangers on" of sorts. I am one of them: it's not a big deal.

here are some interesting videos about OD:
http://www.youtube.com/therealopusdei

Taken from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=2241476#post2241476

My family was all pagan until the mid 80s

By John Russel, Jr. of Australia

My family was all pagan until the mid 80s. At this time my older brother began to search for a deeper meaning to life. He wound up getting involved with Opus Dei in about 1987. Soon after he got married. In about 1989 he converted me. I never knew one thing about God or any religion. In 1989 his wife converted from Anglicanism. At her instructions, I went to a parish priest to learn a bit about the faith I never knew. He is a very holy priest, and I usually spend my Thursdays helping him out (my day off work).

My older brother became a cooperator in Opus Dei, so did I, and so did his wife. They now have six children (the oldest 14). They are the most polite, respectful and in general virtuous kids I have ever seen. Many strangers even tell them this.

I have been seeing a priest of Opus Dei for spiritual direction for 15 yrs. They have been seeing him too. The priest is probably a saint. When he got his calling as a young man, and told St Josemaria, he was told if you're going to be a priest you have to be a saint.

I have always had a great love for Opus Dei. My family and friends have received such tremendous blessings and graces from our involvement. My older brother's kids often attend mass during their lunch break, go to frequent confession, pray the rosary, do the first Saturday devotion, etc. But they also have lots of other sport and fun activities. They are extremely well balanced, and very happy with their lives. I am so proud of them.

I have met many other people involved with Opus Dei. And they all make such an effort to make you feel welcome, and to be sure you're alright. These people are the best Catholics I have met.

There is more. My mother came back to the Church in 97. She is not involved with Opus Dei, but has been heavily influenced by it through the rest of us. By our prayers and penances and example.

Two months ago my younger brother came back to the Church and he is now a cooperator (that is, not a member). He has 2 children and they are going to a school run by parents involved with Opus Dei. The children at these schools usually end up good Catholics, unlike the Catholic schools where 98% leave the faith when they leave the school. My older brother's kids go to these schools too. So in my immediate family we have 13/15 as Catholics. The other 2 are on the way. We are praying etc for them, giving them good literature etc.


Tangara and Redfield School in Sydney

In the early 90's I met a Chaldean Catholic, now RC. He was on his way out of the Church. I spoke at length about the faith, and got him to pray the rosary daily. He has now made over 3000 rosaries for people. Especially in the hospital. How many souls have started praying the rosary because of his efforts, which would never have happened without Opus Dei.

My auntie, uncle and cousin have recently come back to the Church. We are praying hard for their perseverance. Because as with something so beloved by God (as with Opus Dei) the devil works very hard to keep people away. He even tries to turn good Catholics against each other. This should never happen. My auntie brought another lady I know to Mass a few weeks ago. She has not been to Mass for years. I'm praying she sticks.

My older brother converted an entire family about 2 yrs ago. There have been others, and probably many we don't know about yet, who have returned or converted to the Church. And the story is still unfolding. Today I am having 50 Masses offered for everyone I know, especially those most in need. In the past 2 yrs that makes about 750 Masses. Some might say that's over-the-top crazy. But that's what people said to St. Josemaria Escriva, 'You're mad". And he would reply, "Yes. I'm madly in love with God."

The people involved with Opus Dei strive to live with the spirit of the first Christians. And they were damn good Christians. They are not too open, all the time. But, that’s because the enemy is there trying to devour the seed that has been planted. Most people involved with Opus Dei are very happy.

All these conversions, from nothing. All because of Opus Dei.

God bless Opus Dei.

Original taken from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=1217694#post1217694

It has been a fantastic journey

By Fergal of Naas, Ireland:

Hi folks! Let me start by saying that I am a supernumerary of Opus Dei.

I grew up hearing my folks say things like "Oh those fella's" and "Stay well clear of them lads" etc. I grew up suspicious and ignorant of the organisation.

St. Josemaria was introduced to me as I lay in a hospital bed, having 16 hrs a day of chemo drugs. I knew nothing about him except that he was the newest Saint in Heaven. His picture was given to me by a Diocesan Priest and it stayed on my bed side locker throughout the 3 months.

Only in 2003 did I start to look into Opus Dei and it has been a fantastic journey. I have to say that as I grew closer to 'the Work'. I fell slowly in love with the wonderful plan God had revealed through St. Josemaria for the laity and how they should respond to the universal call to holiness.

I started to attend monthly recollections, loved what I heard, spoke to their priests, loved what I heard, read St. Josemaria's book, loved what I read and on the 7th of April 2005 in St Peter's Square, Rome I decided to go a step further and ask for admittance. They do not make it easy for you to join! I was made to feel like my desire was not being listened to or acted upon. Again from the suspicions and insecurities I picked up from my poor parents, I expected that I would have been gobbled up. NO!! I had to ask and ask again and it seemed that no one wanted to do anything about my desire. I could have given up but eventually after some months of persistence things started to move, but move very slowly.

Then came the formation! I was given one-on-one lessons by a priest of the Prelature right through the whole Catechism of the Catholic Church and into Catholic Social Doctrine. Again a fantastic experience. I could ask what I wanted, where I wanted, and ask for clarification when I wanted. I found the Priests to be very learned men in all areas of Catholic Doctrine and beyond.

Through the months I got to know the other supernumerary and numerary folk who live about my town and further afield. Again, some of the time the words of my parents came back to haunt me and I got a little worried about a lot of 'what if's' that actually never materialized.

To cut a long story long (apologies folks ) I was admitted to the Prelature as a 'Supernumerary' on Feb 2nd last and I am more and more amazed even on a daily basis at how wonderfully "Catholic" they are. I am so glad that God has put me on this particular path. It is a difficult path but one that proves to be most worthwhile to me in my role as father, husband, son, teacher etc...

At this very moment, a Saturday afternoon, 12 young lads aged from 9 to 13 (my son included) are visiting & entertaining the old folk in the local Hospice. My son brought his recorder with him so that he could entertain them with some music. Just before they leave the Hospice, they will pay a short visit to the Blessed Sacrament (which they do every week), have a short talk on some virtue that they are asked to try to absorb (tidy room, helping mom and dad, sharing, saying daily prayers etc..) and then they will have some hours of orienteering on the Curragh plains!! On other weeks they go horse riding, make props for their upcoming movie, play soccer, have art lessons, go to places of educational, historical and religious importance (a lot of those here in Ireland) all the while doing everything for the love of God and one another.



Look the Church herself has its vehement detractors. If we are hated we must remember that Christ was hated first. If we are ridiculed for our vocation then rejoice and be glad for so is the Church. I would be far more worried if we were seen to conform to worldly standards and receive little or no criticism by the 'enlightened' of this age.

My experience has only been one of satisfaction

From Relyas (born November 6, 1984)

My friends,

I would deeply recommend looking into Opus Dei! My experience has only been one of satisfaction. The men and women involved are pious, intellectual, and well formed.

I can't recommend them enough.

Taken from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=40319#post40319

Opus Dei has to be seen and experienced

From Aquinas XVI:

I'm a cooperator with Opus Dei for 6 years and have been participating and assisting with many of the activities and formations for 11 years.

In one of the shows from Fox, an Opus Dei priest said something true: Opus Dei has to be seen and experienced. I completely agree with this.

Opus Dei is a true blessing and that is exactly why the attacks on it are virulent. It's not a surprise at all.

Taken from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=81456

I have known Opus Dei for about 30 years

By Betsy of Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

I have known Opus Dei for about 30 years, and find it to be a source of the very finest formation. I have received an amazing formation in the teachings of the Church, and fabulous spiritual direction from the priests. The thing that impresses me the most is the good common sense that runs through everything. They teach the straight truth, without being either lax or scrupulous, liberal or conservative. There's also a wonderful loyalty to the Holy Father and the Church, without trying to be "more Catholic than the Pope."

Members and non-members alike receive education in the truths of our faith, wonderful spiritual direction and a good healthy dose of common sense. There are people I know who on their own, might tend toward some kind of extremism, but with the benefit of the formation they receive from Opus Dei, they have been prevented from moving into - how shall I say it - nuttiness.

Taken from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=121317&highlight=opus+dei
Also from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=172127

I did a decent amount of research on Opus Dei

By Orionsbelt ( December 15, 1964)

My son has attended a Junior High/High School (6th - 12th grades) that is run by Opus Dei for several years. When my son had to transition to high school we allowed him to decide where to go. We investigated several local Catholic HS (we live in the Chicago area so there are a lot to choose from). Ultimately he chose to stay at his school but it was a tough choice for him - he says he wished I hadn't given him the choice because it was too hard. His biggest issue was football. They don't have football at his school because it is too small. He's found lacrosse and is liking it.

First off, to those who say keep your children away because they will be brainwashed. If so, they are terrible at it and I want my money back. My 14 year old son is a pain in the a#@ just like every other 14 year old. But he's also a good kid, getting a good eduction, and learning his Catholic faith in a consistent environment.

I did a decent amount of research on Opus Dei and the particular school before enrolling him. He attended our local parish grade school prior (like my 3 younger kids still do). However, I had still been influenced by some of the negative things I had read and wondered if I would regret it.

I remember an event during his first year at the school that made me much more comfortable. They have a father/son overnight and I was apprehensive - I don't go much for "share your thoughts" type activities and I was expecting to encounter a bunch of gung-ho types.. Well it was about as normal as you can get. Kids played soccer, football, chess, etc. Dads basically did anything they wanted. Some sat and chatted about the same junk I talk about with my regular friends. Some read. Some joined in with the kids. One guy went to his room and slept most of the time.

We all cooked the meals and cleaned up. The dads had a few beers - remember we're Catholic not evangelicals . We got together in the evening with the Principal of the school and some of the other teachers to discuss general topics, the school, and talked about what it means to raise teenagers. Had a bonfire by the lake and said the rosary (those that were interested) - again remember we're Catholic.



I guess a cynic would say they trick you by being just like everyone else.

In case you are wondering about me to evaluate this post:

I am a Catholic who practices my faith (with the same failings as every other Catholic/human) but I am not a member of Opus Dei. I attended a Jesuit HS (and was also a pain in the a#@ at 14) and they didn't brainwash me either.

I've gone to a few of the reflection evenings offered by local Opus Dei people. They are interesting and I go when I feel like it. No one pressures me to join anything.

I socialize with the the other parents at school functions and otherwise. I know some of them are associated with Opus Dei to varying degrees but don't really get into the details.

I am reasonably social and participate in my local parish more than some less than others. My best friend is not Catholic and his kids attend the local public high school. He and his son would have been as comfortable at the father/son overnight as I was - he just wouldn't have participated in the Mass or rosary. My son socializes with his kids and kids from his school probably equal amounts.

As far as money goes the tuition is about the same (give or take) as the other private and/or Catholic schools in the area. There are wealthy people and not so wealthy but no one makes a point of it one way or another - I'm somewhere in the middle if it matters.

Anyway, I really don't understand what all the fuss is about around Opus Dei. It's there for people who want it and many people's lives are enriched by it. If you don't think its for you, no one raises an eyebrow.

I know first hand that the people involved with Opus Dei do good things for the community as individuals, as a school, as an organization, and as Catholics.

The school chaplain is an Opus Dei priest. He is a great guy. He really understands teenagers. Lets them be teenagers when appropriate and sets them straight when they need it. I've known a good number of priest over the years and I really appreciate his participation in my son's education.

Are there goofs? sure a few. But there are goofs in my local youth baseball organization also. Goofs in my parish. Goofs at work. Goofs in my family. You get the picture - you can't judge a group by its goofs.

I hope this gives people window of understanding.

Taken from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?p=2039143#post2039143

The writings of St. Josemaria have moved me tremendously

From Maurin of Hollywood, Fl:

"Whenever you see a poor, wooden cross, alone, uncared-for, worthless...and without a corpus, don't forget that that cross is your cross--the everyday hidden cross, unattractive and unconsoling--the cross that is waiting for the corpus it lacks: and that corpus must be you."

[This] quote both draws me and horrifies me at the deepest levels.

I have no first-hand experience of Opus Dei, but the writings of St. Josemaria have moved me tremendously.

"The Way" and "The Furrow" are filled with quotes that impact just as much. What great material for prayer, meditation and Adoration of our Lord in the Eucharist.


Taken from: http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=130053&page=2&highlight=opus+dei

From the same thread:

I used to have a friend from the Philipines who was in Opus Dei. We got together with her regularly and did examinations of conscience and readings from the Opus Dei books and other stuff. I still have all the books and need to make better use of them. It was a good experience for me, but I was never a member of Opus Dei. My friend was very holy, and taught us how to offer up everything and make everything a prayer.