The Real Opus Dei

By Peter Bancroft in Jesus Decoded

Conspiracy buffs intrigued by The Da Vinci Code version of Opus Dei may find the real deal a bit bland. No monks, no murders, no masochism, no misogyny. But for ordinary Catholics trying to live out their faith in the secular world, the real Opus Dei can be quite interesting.

One of the central teachings of the Second Vatican Council was the “universal call to holiness.” God calls all people – priests, religious and the laity – to seek spiritual union with Jesus Christ and to participate in the evangelizing mission of the Church. Opus Dei is Catholic institution whose mission is to help people fulfill this call.

Opus Dei’s name is Latin for “Work of God.” It was founded in 1928 by St. Josemaría Escrivá, and approved by the Holy See in 1947. Since 1982, Opus Dei has been a personal prelature. The Church establishes personal prelatures to carry out specific pastoral missions: in Opus Dei’s case, to spread the ideal of holiness in the middle of the world. As Pope John Paul II put it, Opus Dei “has as its aim the sanctification of one's life, while remaining within the world at one's place of work and profession: to live the Gospel in the world.”

Opus Dei’s main activities are classes, retreats, and spiritual direction. One need not be a member to receive this spiritual formation; in fact, most that do so are not. The focus is on finding practical ways to grow in holiness. How can I develop my spiritual life, even though I am very busy? What do I need to do to carry out my work and other daily activities with a more Christian spirit? What bearing does the Catholic faith have on my family life, friendships and social activities? Opus Dei’s formation helps people find practical answers to these questions, so that they can better integrate their faith with the rest of their life. Other key points Opus Dei emphasizes in its formation are prayer, charity, and awareness that one is a son or daughter of God.