By Courtny Gerrish in WTMJ-TV, MI, February 22
Strange rituals, and dark secrets. 'The DaVinci Code' exposed its version of 'Opus Dei' to the world. Turns out...Opus Dei has a stronghold in Milwaukee. But what exactly is it?
Opus Dei is an organization within the Catholic church. The Opus Dei we saw on the big-screen showed members inducing self-flagellation, and following cult-like practices. But we found...reality is very different from the fiction of 'The DaVinci Code'.
Just ask Sharon Ruplinger...a busy mom of five. Or ask Chris Wolfe, a political science professor at Marquette. Both are members of Opus Dei.
"As a mother, I can find so much in the doctrine classes, in the talks that are periodically given on virtues," Sharon explains.
"I think in the long run that does make me a better professor. I hope so anyway," Chris says.
St. Josemaria Escriva founded Opus Dei in Spain in 1928. It calls on Christians to bring holiness into their everyday lives.
Sharon adds, "It's for lay people, in the middle of the world, to grow in holiness."
In addition to their daily routine, most Opus Dei members attend daily Catholic mass. Members get support not only from God, but from each other. They often gather at Opus Dei centers for mini-retreats. Chris says he enjoys the retreats.
"Pulling yourself out of the hub-bub of the day, and recalling to mind, well, what are the really important things in life," he says.
Tom Mammoser has been a member for 40 years, and lives at the Layton Study Center in Brookfield. "I guess you could say Opus Dei for me is a way of life, a guide in my life," Tom explains.
Today, there are over 60,000 Opus Dei members across 6 continents. But despite this popularity, many of us only know the 'DaVinci Code' version.
"It's less dramatic than the movie would present," Tom admits.
The movie portrays Opus Dei as an oppressive, secretive society. "I think people in Opus Dei don't have any secrets about being members of Opus Dei. But on the other hand, they're not out there wearing it on their sleeve," Tom says.
Despite the apparently flawed depiction, many members think 'The DaVinci Code' was a good way for the faith to progress.
"I think Opus Dei came out of the whole mess with a lot more people interested in it, and kind of an intriguing group," Chris says.
A study that started with a young Spanish priest...and continues today here in Milwaukee, and across the world.
"It's a wonderful thing, and a lot of people feel it's making a difference in their lives...and making a difference in society," Tom points out.
Opus Dei places a strong emphasis on family. In many cases both spouses are members, but they do worship separately. The reason: They say men and women each have different spiritual needs.
Anyone is welcome to attend Opus Dei events. Check out OpusDei.org if you want to learn more about the group.
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