Opus Dei

First, there was "The Da Vinci Code." Now there's "De-coding Da Vinci." The latter, by writer Amy Welborn, aims to debunk the errors that permeate the best-selling novel by Dan Brown.

"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.

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

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.

In 1973, Saint Josemaría prepared this book, drawing on his abundant preaching. It consists of 18 sermons preached between 1951 and 1971 that follow the feasts of the liturgical year, from Advent to the Solemnity of Christ the King

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).

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

"Jesus has remained in the Eucharist to remedy our weaknesses, our doubts, our fears, our anxieties; to cure our loneliness, our perplexity, our discouragement; to accompany us on our way; to uphold us in our struggle. Above all, he is there to teach us to love, to draw us to his Love." Read or download excerpts from Bishop Javier Echevarría's pastoral letter, written on the occasion of the Year of the Eucharist declared by Pope John Paul II.

Bishop Javier Echevarría, then Prelate of Opus Dei, wrote this letter for the Year of the Eucharist proclaimed by Pope John Paul II for 2004.