Opus Dei

As part of the Catholic Church, Opus Dei adheres to all its teachings, including those on penance and sacrifice.

"The Da Vinci Code" falsely depicts Opus Dei as having unenlightened views on women and their role in Church and society. The reality is quite otherwise.

"The Da Vinci Code" falsely portrays Opus Dei as being focused on wealth and power. The reality is that Opus Dei is focused on helping people grow in their faith and integrate it with their ordinary activities, not on gaining power to implement some political agenda. Similarly Opus Dei and its members have great concern for the poor, which is an important element of the Christian faith.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor has entrusted the pastoral care of St Thomas More, Swiss Cottage, to the Opus Dei Prelature.

Pope John Paul II has called for solidarity with the earthquake victims of the disaster in south and southeast Asia; the Church herself is moving to aid the people afflicted by this catastrophe.

"With what a special blessing God referred to Mary from the beginning of time! Truly blessed, Mary, among all women!"

The approaching end of the year is an occasion to summarize some social initiatives that were taken in 2004. They all have in common the concern to help others that is part of St. Josemaria's legacy: "Don't be indifferent to the pain of another person. That relative, friend, colleague--even someone you don't know--is your brother" (The Furrow, 251).

"Stay with us, Lord,” John Paul II’s apostolic letter for the Eucharistic year, has been introduced at the Vatican. According to Cardinal Arinze, the Pope’s letter "will help guide the Church to celebrate this special year with the greatest possible fruits."

The Marian Shrine at Torreciudad in the Spanish Pyrenees became a family shrine on September 4 when a multitude of people from many cities in that country and several neighboring ones gathered there. The Prelate of Opus Dei presided at Mass. His entire homily can be found in an adjoining column.