Historical Overview
Opus Dei was founded in 1928 in Spain and is currently established in 66 countries.
Statutes of Opus Dei
The statutes defining Opus Dei’s mission and structure, published (in Latin) in "The Canonical Path of Opus Dei," A. de Fuenmayor, V. Gomez-Iglesias, J. Illanes, Midwest Theological Forum, 1994.
Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests
Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests (Chapter II, n. 9) – This excerpt on the relation of priests and laity sheds light on the organic cooperation between priests and laypersons in Opus Dei.
Constitution on the Church, "Lumen Gentium"
Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Church (Chapter V, nn. 41 and 42) – This passage on the universal call to holiness highlights a central message Opus Dei.
Apostolic Exhortation on the Lay Faithful, "Christifideles laici"
John Paul II, Apostolic Exhortation on the Lay Faithful (Chapter I, nos. 16 and 17) – This excerpt on the vocation and the mission of the laity in the Church and in the world helps illuminate the vocation of Opus Dei members, 98% of whom are laypersons.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Catechism of the Catholic Church (nn. 874-913) – These points about the structure of the Church speak of the vocation of laypersons and their participation in the priestly, prophetic and royal mission of Christ.
Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, 'Apostolicam actuositatem'
Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity (Chapter I, n. 2) – These reflections on apostolate of the laity are of interest with regard to the apostolate Opus Dei members carry out in society.