Opus Dei and the dioceses
At the institutional level, what is Opus Dei’s relationship with the dioceses? Is its pastoral work carried out in accord with religious institutions and other ecclesial entities?
Do the laity belong to the prelature, or only the priests?
Both belong equally to the prelature.
What was Opus Dei before it became a prelature? How did the 1950 statutes differ from the present ones?
From its foundation on October 2, 1928, Opus Dei was already in essence, although in an embryonic state, the same as we see it today: a part of the Church, made up of faithful and structured hierarchically around a head who was at first the founder, St. Josemaría Escrivá, a priest.
How do personal prelatures resemble and how do they differ from dioceses, religious orders and movements?
One should keep in mind that all ecclesial realities share in the life and purpose of the one Church. Therefore, all are called to live in the same ecclesial communion and to foster mutual affection.
Does Opus Dei have greater autonomy now that it is a prelature. Can one speak of Opus Dei as a church within the Church?
No part of the Church constitutes "a church within the Church."
How is it possible that it requires a specific vocation to be a member of a prelature?
Naturally this vocational requirement is not essential to personal prelatures, which could be based on very diverse circumstances, usually linked to social bonds among its faithful.
Upon whom does the prelate of Opus Dei depend? Who appoints him?
The prelate of Opus Dei and the prelature itself depend on the Holy See: on the Roman Pontiff and the Congregation for the Clergy.
Conference in Rome for 25th anniversary of the Personal Prelature
Cardinal Ruini, the Vicar of the diocese of Rome, and Bishop Javier Echevarria, Opus Dei's Prelate, were among the speakers. The conference was held at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross (VIDEO: 2’37’’).