Ex-member: I remain very much in love with Opus Dei

By Juan Math Geek in Catholic Answers Forum. Juan Math Geek is a 26 year-old graduate student.

I went through the temporary period of celibacy for several years but in the end I did not continue to make the commitment permanent. It takes normally about 6 years of having to renew the commitment every year, and on the 6th renewal it is for a permanent committment.

Let me just say that for me, in the end, it didn't work out.

Nevertheless, I remain very much in love with Opus Dei.

The thing is, as you search the web, you will encounter commentary that puts Opus Dei very negatively. Some of those who write these criticisms are former numeraries. I cannot say that I understand their point of view, as I can never know what they went through, but I disagree with many of the negative things former numeraries say. I do understand many of the difficulties they cite, but I believe whatever happened to them does not mean there is essentially something wrong with Opus Dei itself, as it is a spiritual path in essence.

So it saddens me to read what they say, like they were insulting my own mom. If you ever come across those criticisms, do consult people from both sides first, and I personally would be very glad to discuss. Not all former numeraries end up hating Opus Dei you know

http://www.escrivaworks.org/

http://www.josemariaescriva.info/

these are great sources of information

Ex-member: My years as a celibate member prepared me for my life as a wife and mother

By Peg Bruer in Opus Dei blogs. She first learned of Opus Dei in 1966. Peg became a numerary member a few years later, when she was not quite 18. For fifteen years after that she lived in centers of Opus Dei in Boston, New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

Since there are a few people who have related “horror stories” about the Work, I would like to share my experiences while I was a member of the Work, as well as my relationship with Opus Dei since ceasing to be a member in 1984. Perhaps by doing so, there will be parents or young people who will realize that Opus Dei is not to be feared or avoided, but in fact sought out as a great source of growing in one’s faith and setting out to serve God through daily work.

While in high school, I started attending some doctrinal classes at a college residence called Bayridge in Boston. From the beginning, I was grateful that the priest explained many points of the Catholic faith which had been glossed over in my religion classes at school. This doctrinal formation continues to be available through centers of Opus Dei, and I feel deeply indebted to the Work for all the hours of instruction which I received as a member of the Work for fifteen years and as a cooperator for the past 22 years.

I have relied on what I learned from classes sponsored by Opus Dei throughout my years in college, law school, professional life, and particularly as the mother of five. It is not a matter of “conservative” or “liberal” positions on issues, but rather what is the truth as taught by the Catholic Church. So much of the present-day confusion of many Catholics on topics such as abortion, euthanasia, artificial birth control, the purposes of marriage, the search for God’s will in each of our lives, could be clarified if only people had the opportunity to receive the solid doctrinal formation that Opus Dei provides.

I truly believe that my years as a celibate member of Opus Dei prepared me for my life as a wife and mother. Because the majority of members of Opus Dei are married, I learned that the essence of both the single life and married life is service to others. While living in a center of the Work, I tried to make life more pleasant for those who lived in the center; now I try to make life more pleasant for my husband and children. The current media effort to report “corporal mortification” used by members of Opus Dei (in the form of a cilice and discipline) as a shocking expose is laughable. For example, how many secular people spend hours each week in grueling exercise routines, sometimes rising at 5:00 a.m. to get in a workout before the workday begins, or deprive themselves of all fattening foods for the sake of achieving the ideal body? The discomfort of wearing a cilice is nothing in comparison.

Was I recruited by Opus Dei without knowing what I was getting into and without my parents’ knowledge? Absolutely not – in fact when I was about to join Opus Dei I talked with my parents about it that morning, and remember my father’s clear and very supernatural answer: “When each of my kids reached the age of adulthood (I had three older siblings, and three younger siblings) I permitted them to do whatever they thought was God’s will, and I will do the same with you. God bless you.”

Other allegations about Opus Dei have included that members are pariahs if they leave the “organization” and that the internal workings of Opus Dei are secretive. Believe me, if I thought I could reveal “secrets” from my years of life as a numerary, I would be seizing this Da Vinci Code moment to publish a book and reap windfall profits! Instead I can attest to witnessing many members of Opus Dei who practiced a complete dedication to God through detachment from material goods, who sacrificed their personal ambitions in order to be available for the needs of Opus Dei, who used every minute of the day well in order to get more done for the glory of God. For a period of time I was in charge of the accounts for the women’s section of Opus Dei in the Midwest. Every penny that was donated, and every penny that was spent was accounted for.

My experiences with Opus Dei since 1984 have been equally positive. When I met and decided to marry my husband, it was a priest of Opus Dei who gave us pre-Cana classes. We have often relied on his practical advice in resolving any controversy throughout twenty-one years of marriage. Shortly after marrying, a priest of Opus Dei asked my husband and me to help give classes in our parish to people who wanted to convert to Catholicism. When my mother died in 1990 several members of the Work brought dinners for my family and guests, and many of those I had known while in the Work attended the wake and funeral.

In the Jubilee Year, our family traveled to Rome. My fourth child was ready to receive her First Holy Communion, so I asked in advance if it might be possible for her to receive at the crypt of St. Josemaria. A priest from the United States who was then residing at the headquarters of Opus Dei celebrated a special Mass for our family and my daughter received her first Holy Communion in the Oratory of Our Lady of Peace. Our whole family considers that day a very special blessing from God. When the Founder of Opus Dei was canonized in 2002, I went to Rome again with my oldest daughter. I continue to feel that I owe St. Josemaria a great debt for all the formation I have received and the faith I have. Because of the doctrinal and spiritual formation I received in the Work, I was able to organize classes for parents of my children’s friends when our children were about to make their first Holy Communion.

For a period of time my family lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where there is no center of Opus Dei. However, several friends of mine became cooperators of the Work and we met weekly to pray together for Opus Dei and our own intentions. Over the years, my children have participated in camps organized by Opus Dei, as well as clubs and classes. While I have learned that I need to respect their freedom to attend these activities, I have also learned to use prayer as a weapon in helping them to make the best decision. For any parent who is concerned about their children’s growth in the faith, the support and assistance of Opus Dei is a godsend.

A final point I would like to refute is the role of women within Opus Dei. I have read some accounts by former members who say women are relegated to servant- like roles when taking care of the household tasks, the cleaning, laundry, and so forth in centers of Opus Dei. The fact is, the work of the home is considered a professional job, one that requires training and skill. I learned many aspects of household management while I was a numerary, and have since been able to use this knowledge in my own household. At various times I worked in the administration of some of the centers of the Opus Dei. However, I also acquired a B.A. in Political Science, and was encouraged to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer. Once I became a lawyer, my goal was the same as that of anyone working in the household tasks of the center: sanctify my work, sanctify myself in my work, and try to sanctify others through my work. Opus Dei does not teach that there are levels of work that are more important than others, but that every job is important and becomes more valuable depending on how much love of God one puts into the job.

Like all families

A post in dominic-cooray.blogspot

THE OPUS DEI story in Singapore began in 1982 with the arrival of four laymen and two priests from the Philippines. The first Opus Dei centre here was established in October that year and the next centre, for women, the following year.

Today, there are four Opus Dei centres in Singapore – two male and two female –with 10 to 12 numeraries, mostly Singaporeans, living in each. It is not easy to put a number on the size of Opus Dei here because in addition to the numeraries “the associates, supernumeraries and Cooperators are also part of the family,” explained Gerry Faigal, who came to Singapore with the first Opus Dei group from the Philippines.

Co-operators are those who assist the educational and social undertakings promoted by Opus Dei through their prayer, work or donation. Opus Dei Cooperators include Catholics, other Christians, Jews, Muslims, and others.

Opus Dei is a family, and like all families, the members of Opus Dei move in different circles but also, like all families, they try “to eat together, have excursions together, pray together,” Father Michael Chan said. As an Opus Dei priest, Father Michael’s role in the institution is “to do what the layman cannot do,” he said, namely to celebrate the sacraments, provide spiritual direction, carry out faith formation classes, preaching, and conducting retreats. He is also required to carry out assignments given to him by the Opus Dei regional vicar, and participates in archdiocesan priestly meetings. “(To be an Opus Dei member) is a matter of divine vocation; you discover it through prayer,” said Father Michael, who discerned his vocation during post-graduate studies in England. Each member who joins Opus Dei has made an informed and free choice, he affirmed.
		Father Michael Chan joined Opus Dei in February 1983 as a layman.

Gilbert Keng, 38, has been a member of Opus Dei for the past 12 years. His wife, Josefina, has been a member for about 14 years. Mr Keng likened his special guidance in Opus Dei to a gymnasium where people who want to keep fit go to find special guidance from a fitness instructor. “(Through Opus Dei) I discovered how to be a better Christian,” he declared. ■

Nothing more than a part of the Church that's serious about their faith

By Joe. Joe is thirty-three, married, and teaches in Seoul, Korea. He describes himself as a Buddhist-Catholic.


You remember that secret Catholic organization, the bad guys in the Divinci Code? Opus Dei. Well, I met with them on Thursday of last week. And let me tell you, did we do some strange things.

No, not really. Opus Dei is nothing more than a part of the Church that's serious about their faith. Their founder, Father Josemaria Escriva, was canonized as a saint by John Paul II. I have great respect for Opus Dei. In my opinion, if you believe something, or claim that you believe something, your actions should follow. In other words, if you're really a Christian, this belief should have some serious consequences for your life. But enough preaching, let me get back to the evening.

It took place in an elegant chapel in Hannamdong, Seoul. About a dozen of us sat on the pews while someone read for ten minutes from Saint Escriva's writings. The subject was prayer. We then prayed, oddly enough. The priest talked for fifteen minutes on loving the world and how the world is good, and if it's not, it's our responsibility to do something about it. This was followed by thirty minutes of silence and reconciliation, which is reflecting on our recent thoughts, words, and actions.

Another talk by the priest on joy, a brief benediction of the blessed sacrament, and the evening concluded. My favorite part was the Gregorian chanting at the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Evening of Recollection. It was somber, quiet, reflective, and even joyous, in a quiet, inward bubbling way. It felt sacred... even, dare I say, holy.

Harambee: Trust in mankind

Harambee Africa International. Rome, October 27th

Linda Corbi, Giovanni Mottini and Rosella Villa

“Trust in mankind, and love and be close to people of every condition. From these points of reference, the fruit of the teachings of St Josemaria, was born the Harambee Programme for Africa.” This is the way Giovanni Mottini, the president of the new charitable not-for-profit foundation, defined the profile of Harambee Africa International, presented on the 27th of October 2008, in Rome.

“In the year 2002, due to the canonization of St Josemaria, we asked ourselves what we could do as Christians to leave a sign of his teachings. And we began to get involved in Africa, avoiding an aesthetic look,” Mottini said, “that is to say looking at the continent only from the point of view of its natural riches, or else avoiding its beautiful side altogether and showing only indignation towards its dramas and staying well away from its problems. Instead, Harambee Africa International looks to give concrete solidarity, never from a distance – the solidarity of St Josemaria Escriva.

We began to get involved in Africa,” Mottini continued, “asking ourselves not so much what the Africans needed, but what they were thinking of, because we are convinced, along with Pope Benedict XVI, that the poverty is not only material but above all a poverty of hope.” This is the reason why Harambee Africa International has promoted and sustained programmes in Africa. “We concentrate on education, on improving its quality, because in this way we can cultivate the intelligence and the capacity of every one to improve their own destiny. The solidarity of Harambee by definition is less spectacular but very efficacious.”

After the speech of Giovanni Mottini, the international coordinator of the new association, Linda Corbi, showed the results obtained by the projects launched by Harambee, focusing especially on the experience of Kenya. “We have finished some days of study and work in Nairobi, where we were able to experience the potential for positive change that there is behind the programmes that we have financed to help the teachers in the schools, who are at times the only points of reference for the new generations.”

Harambee Africa International also means to promote a less stereotypical type of solidarity. For this reason there is a series of initiatives promoted by the Italian committee and coordinated by Rosella Villa. “Every month we have an issues forum in which experts on Africa will speak, guided tours of museums, projects, little events and more important ones with the common aim of raising the funds to carry forward this year’s projects. In this way it will be possible for everybody to help Africa in a concrete way.”

Sanctification: The Work Of A Lifetime

By Daniel Tay in Oxygen, 5 November 2008

Today’s quotes, some of them humorous, are on the theme of work:

“I like work, it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.” - Jerome K. Jerome

“Work is the greatest thing in the world, so we should always save some of it for tomorrow.” - Don Herold

“Light is the task where many share the toil.” - Homer

“Some are bent with toil, and some get crooked trying to avoid it.” - Anon

“God gives every bird its food, but he does not throw it into the nest.” - J. G. Holland

“He who labours as he prays lifts his heart to God with his hands.” - St. Bernard

“The great scandal of the nineteenth century is that the Church lost the working class.” - Pope Pius XI

“Be thankful if you have a job a little harder than you like. A razor cannot be sharpened on a piece of velvet.” - Anon

“The best worship, however, is stout working.” - Thomas Carlyle

“Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.” - James M. Barrie

- Taken from “Quotes and Anecdotes - An Anthology for Preachers & Teachers” by Anthony P. Castle
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Work for your salvation.

Have you ever heard of Opus Dei? The name literally means ‘work of God’. I first heard of Opus Dei when a movie was being made from the book ‘The Da Vinci Code’ written by Dan Brown. The story portrays Opus Dei as an insidious cult. One of its characters is an Opus Dei monk who commits murder to protect the secrets of Opus Dei. I still remember an Opus Dei priest giving a talk in Singapore to clarify this. His opening line was, “We have no monks.”

Indeed Opus Dei is an international lay organization in which most of its members are people who live in the world and hold normal jobs. Only a minority of its members are priests. They have no monks. What the members look for in Opus Dei is the spiritual help that they need to sanctify (or make holy) their ordinary work. Thus their work becomes a means to sanctify themselves and help others to do the same thing. The organization asks its members to make an effort to practise human and Christian virtues, as children of God, despite the limitations and errors that are inevitable in human life.

In today’s first reading, we see St. Paul encouraging the Philippians to persevere and “work” for their salvation. There is a saying in Opus Dei that sums it up nicely. It goes: “Conversion is the matter of a moment. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime.” The Philippians were converts, just as many of us were.

All of us must have had a conversion experience at some point in our lives, otherwise we wouldn’t be here reflecting on the scriptures to try to deepen our faith. This conversion experience is the start of our journey and it happens in a moment. How many people do we know who have had conversion experiences but have since fallen away from the faith? This tells us that salvation must be worked for and this is done by leading a holy life.

The beauty of the spirituality of Opus Dei is that it tells us that lay people are called to holiness just as priests and religious are. What sanctifies us is our everyday work and the way we do it. Everyone works, even those who do not have a job. And it is through this work that we become cooperators with God who also works. This is what makes us holy. This is how we work for our salvation.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Daniel Tay)
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Prayer: Dear God, we offer to you the work that we are going to do today. Bless us in our interactions with our colleagues, our superiors, and our clients. Help us to treat them with love, and may this work that we do serve to sanctify us. Amen.

Thanksgiving: We give thanks to the Lord for giving us work, by which we have the opportunity to be made holy.