What organization is Opus Dei?

1. Overview and Definition

Opus Dei—formally known in Latin as “Prelatura Sanctae Crucis et Operis Dei”—is an institution of the Roman Catholic Church founded in 1928 by Josémaría Escrivá (1902–1975). The term “Opus Dei” translates to “Work of God.” The main focus of Opus Dei is to encourage Catholics to find holiness in their ordinary, day-to-day work, integrating spiritual devotion into professional and personal pursuits.

This organization gained official Catholic approval in 1950. In 1982, Pope John Paul II established it as a “personal prelature,” a unique status within the Catholic Church. Members include laypeople—men and women—as well as priests, who are spiritually under the Prelate of Opus Dei rather than under the bishop of a specific diocese.

2. Historical Background

Josémaría Escrivá was a Spanish priest who, according to Opus Dei’s records, felt called to start this initiative on October 2, 1928, to emphasize sanctity in ordinary life. Over time, Opus Dei grew, especially after World War II, and spread to different continents. Escrivá’s vision led him to write various works, such as “The Way,” promoting discipline, piety, and integrating faith into everyday tasks.

In the modern era, Opus Dei operates worldwide, establishing centers, schools, and other educational programs. Its rapid expansion, particularly in the late 20th century, contributed to questions and, at times, controversies, due to its distinct structure and committed membership.

3. Purpose and Guiding Principles

According to Opus Dei, every Christian is called to holiness (Leviticus 20:7: “Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy…”). They emphasize that daily tasks—whether in an office, in a factory, or at home—can become a means of sanctification. In this sense, they connect professional excellence with wholehearted devotion to God, recalling Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being.”

Members of Opus Dei adhere to traditional Catholic doctrines, attend daily Mass if possible, practice confession frequently, and commit to various spiritual exercises. The organization promotes a disciplined spiritual life: mental prayer, reading Scripture, praying the Rosary, and reflecting on mortification or self-denial practices. While these emphases are consistent with broader Catholic devotion, Opus Dei’s distinctive approach often centers on the concept of uniting one’s work life directly to prayer and sanctification.

4. Membership and Structure

Opus Dei’s membership includes:

• Numeraries: Celibate lay members, often living in Opus Dei centers.

• Associates: Celibate lay members who typically live at home but follow a rule of life aligned with Opus Dei’s spiritual practices.

• Supernumeraries: Married or single individuals who live more conventional lives yet incorporate Opus Dei’s spiritual framework.

• Priests: Clergy incardinated into the Prelature.

Each member is encouraged to cultivate piety and a balance between personal liberty and obedience to the organization’s statutes. The Prelate of Opus Dei, based in Rome, oversees its apostolic and spiritual direction.

5. Key Teachings and Activities

• Sanctification of Work: The belief that daily work, offered to God, is a path to holiness. Opus Dei highlights that God’s call can be realized in both professional and family settings.

• Personal Formation: Members typically receive spiritual direction and formation, attend retreats, and study Catholic doctrine.

• Evangelization Efforts: Through social projects, schools, and university residences, Opus Dei fosters moral values, mentorship, and service. These works resemble the biblical principle of using personal gifts for God’s glory, seen in 1 Peter 4:10: “Use whatever gift you have received to serve one another…”

6. Common Controversies and Questions

Though fully recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, Opus Dei has drawn interest and critique for factors such as:

1. Secrecy and Openness: Some critics suggest Opus Dei’s internal practices are too private, while the prelature denies undue secrecy and points to official Catholic approvals.

2. Mortification Practices: Certain members use traditional Catholic ascetical practices (e.g., small self-denials), which can appear unusual to outsiders. Critics question the necessity of these, though Opus Dei frames them as voluntary acts imitating the apostolic discipline taught in Scripture (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:27).

3. Influence within the Church: Because of its direct relationship with the Pope, some have seen Opus Dei as wielding disproportionate influence. The group maintains that it concentrates on personal holiness and has no political agenda.

7. Scriptural and Historical Observations

• Unity in the Body: Christians are commanded to “test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). From a broader perspective, any Christian group or initiative must be weighed against the teaching and example of Scripture.

• Tradition vs. Scripture: Some Protestant critics hold that elevating ecclesiastical tradition can blur the principle of Scripture alone (John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”). Opus Dei, however, aligns itself with Roman Catholic tradition, which holds both Scripture and Sacred Tradition as interwoven.

• Historical Growth: Opus Dei’s presence in diverse cultures and educational institutions can be seen as a testament to Christianity’s global reach and the Church’s organizational adaptability. Archaeological and historical data confirm Catholicism’s expansion over centuries, providing a backdrop to how institutions within it, such as Opus Dei, take form.

8. Relation to Other Christian Perspectives

Many evangelicals and other conservative Christians uphold the principle that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), underscoring that “there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Viewing Opus Dei through this lens, believers acknowledge that the heart of the Gospel rests on Christ’s resurrection and saving work. While Opus Dei shares the Catholic profession of faith in Christ, non-Catholics may remain cautious about any traditions or teachings perceived to go beyond the bounds of Scripture.

Nevertheless, from a historical standpoint, organizations like Opus Dei can be seen as part of the wide mosaic of groups within the Christian tradition seeking to express devotion to God.

9. In Modern Context

Opus Dei has featured in popular culture, most notoriously in fictional works—e.g., “The Da Vinci Code”—which have led to misconceptions about its aims and internal practices. Official statements from the prelature clarify that much of this portrayal is dramatized fiction rather than fact.

The organization continues to promote education initiatives around the world, often focusing on moral and professional development. In terms of direct spiritual activities, members invite others to prayer groups, retreats, and doctrinal sessions, attempting to integrate faith with modern life and technology.

10. Concluding Remarks

Opus Dei is a personal prelature within the Roman Catholic Church, emphasizing that each believer, through daily work and life responsibilities, can strive toward holiness. While it has drawn both respect and criticism, its stated objective remains to uphold devotion to Christ, encourage moral living, and foster a deeper spiritual walk in the midst of everyday endeavors.

In evaluating Opus Dei, Christians of various backgrounds look to Scripture as the ultimate determinant of truth. As in all matters, believers look to the Bible’s consistent witness: “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). By that standard, any group’s activities, teachings, or spiritual emphasis should be measured against the Word of God, trusting that true devotion is always rooted in what is revealed in Scripture, exemplified by Christ, and guided by the Spirit.