No one told me the story. I know the story

By Diego Mercier in  Quora. Diego is from New Zealand, an Industrial Engineer and Science and Physics Teacher. 

I was a Numerary member of Opus Dei for 11 years. I was director not only of a Centre (house) but of a country (one of them). So, no one told me the story. I didn't read the story. I know the story.

Opus Dei is not for everybody, although everybody can benefit from her teachings, which are no other than the teachings of the Catholic Church applied to normal life.

Some people find Opus Dei’s approach to Christianity very exaggerated or fanatic. This can happen. Some think that the way Opus Dei does proselytism (apostolate) is social-classes based, discriminatory and full of ‘secrecy’. Some say that the way they practice mortification is ‘outdated’ and the same they say about their approach to morals. They say Opus Dei seeks political power (power in the Vatican) and that the Prelature associates itself with dictators like Franco or Pinochet…

I kind of understand where all this criticism comes from, but strongly disagree with ALL of it. If Opus Dei doesn't fit your views or lifestyle, that's fine. But don't lie about them. I had wonderful years as a celibate member in the Work. I learnt tons of philosophy and theology. I made great friends. I helped all sorts of people, from poor people through charities and social works to my most wealthy friends. And finally, I learned to deal with God in a powerful way that helps me even today and till I die, I hope.

Opus Dei has no political affiliation. Her members can have the one they want - some of them chose to be involved in the governments of Pinochet and Franco and some others were against them, but the Prelature itself has nothing to do with any of that. Earthly power and money is worth nothing for Opus Dei although they do get in many countries generous donations to develop their apostolic activities.

The value that Opus Dei puts on ‘work well done to be offered to God’ made the institution a powerful source of great activities: universities, schools, health centres… all of them offering quality service. The whole idea of Opus Dei is especially attractive not only to intellectual people who are generous with their time and resources but also to normal guys who enjoy her approach to ‘seeking holiness in the midst of the world’. I fully understand this and also understand ‘bad experiences’ underwent by people who just came to a place that was not for them or dealt with the wrong guy at the wrong time.

What you do as a member of Opus Dei depends on what type of member you are. If you are a Numerary member you live for the Prelature: you give all your money and time to the Prelature. The Prelature is your family and other members are your brothers/sisters. If you are a Supernumerary, you are married -usually- and you participate in the apostolates of the Prelature according to the time available you have. You contribute to the Prelature financially as you want/can.

No matter what type of member you are, you have to strive for true holiness/sanctity in the midst of the world, via prayer, mortification and intense apostolate.

There is so much to say about the Work. I loved almost every moment I was there.