Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words

by M.T. Oates, Linda Ruf (Editor), Jenny Driver MD (Editor)

A doctor, a professor, a dancer, a stay-at-home mom, and a marketing executive are some of the inspiring women portrayed in this collection that describes the women of Opus Dei, a Roman Catholic organization composed of clergy and lay members dedicated to fostering Christian principles at all levels of society. Each essay, interview, and profile in this compilation explores facets of Opus Dei that are unfamiliar to many. The DaVinci Code and other popular entertainments have whetted the interest in this controversial organization, and promulgated many assumptions that members of the organization contest. The women portrayed in this collection encompass an inspiring—and, for some, surprising—segment of a Catholic institution that encourages women around the globe to develop their skills and talents to the fullest and to be engaged in the world. Single, celibate women and those raising families describe their first encounters with Opus Dei, what made them decide to join, and how it transforms and orders their daily lives. Relevant information on the organization and workings of Opus Dei, its structure, and some of the key practices of the members are also discussed.

Genres: Catholic

224 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Celia]

half star. don’t recommend

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers the spiritual lives of a number of women who are Opus Dei followers. It certainly holds a number of surprises. Perhaps one of the most surprising aspects emphasised time and again in this book for those ignorant about Opus Dei teachings is the theme of equality of women within the Opus Dei faith. These women share their experiences within the faith . How the faith has allowed them to achieve much in their work and private lives. Two other fundamental aspects are the encouragement to continue working as professionals and to value marriage and family life. All of these women work to a high degree in their chosen professional careers. They all claim that this is possible because they have introduced God and Christ into their everyday life. They pray daily, read spiritual readings, pray the rosary and attend daily Mass where possible. Saint Josemaria Escriva, the founder of Opus Dei valued women in the workplace and through his teachings these women perform powerfully. Many are also married with children. They bring Opus Dei into their home life. They celebrate their marriage and their children on a daily basis. I found nothing in this volume on the lives of Opus Dei women to make me feel uneasy or unsure of the direction Opus Dei takes the believer rather I was reassured as to the good Opus Dei has to offer the individual, the married, the family. Followers of Opus Dei talk about offering up their work whether at home or work to the Communion of Saints. That living in this way enables them to make 'spiritual deposits' in a "spiritual bank" that others around the world can draw on even when they are doing something an menial as diaper changing. Opus Dei is universal in it's breadth. I would recommend this book to any who want to know more about Opus Dei especially women.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters were interesting, like one about a Filipino lady physician who was one of the founders of the hospice movement, created by a desire to bring dignity to the last days of terminal patients. I'm Filipino, so I love to read about how Filipino immigrants made a difference in America.

But almost every woman discussed was an Ivy League college graduate, which leads the reader to believe that the typical Opus Dei woman must come from this class of woman. That made it look like a kind of aristocracy, but I know Opus Dei is not an aristocracy but a community that teaches people how to integrate their spiritual life with their every day life. This book gave me little idea of how Opus Dei was different than other ministry movements, which was the reason why I read it. I speculate that the women were selected to show the best and brightest of Opus Dei to defend against the negative theories about Opus Dei that were popular in movies and books at the time, when conspiracy theory stories were booming.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent compendium of stories by women of Opus Dei, from the married to the single, from all walks of life. The central message is that we are all called to sanctify our lives,to become saints, within our everyday lives. The testimonies of these women also contain an incredible call to service, spurred by the teachings of St Josemaria Escriva, to live out Catholicism in this secular and anti- Catholic world. Highly recommended.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was super excited to get this book and it did not disappoint! It is a collection of short spiritual memoires by female members of Opus Dei. The diverse format included essays, interviews and profiles. Spoiler: These women as super holy!

In each chapter, a woman shares her individual story about how she was attracted to Opus Dei, the process of joining and her Opus Dei activities as a member. These stories are so inspiring! They make Opus Dei seem attractive and fulfilling. The women are amazingly accomplished. Overwhelmingly so at times. (One is a former refugee who goes to Harvard and then has 12 children. How do you compete with that?!) It was counter cultural in a good way.

I learned a lot about Opus Dei through this book. From the cumulative chapters, Opus Dei members seem to share the following daily spiritual commitments: daily mass, rosary and an hour of personal prayer (30 minutes in morning & 30 minutes in afternoon). Prayer is purposely broken up throughout the day, so that members are constantly weaving it into their work day. There is a focus on dedicating their work as a form of prayer and seeking excellence in their work as a way to elevate that prayer. Through reading this book, I better understood their concept of "The Work". They use their ordinary lives and professions as a path to holiness. They also attend weekly circle meetings (45 minute lessons), weekly confession and an annual retreat. Traditional catholic practices are used and encouraged.

Members must carefully discern if they have the vocation to join Opus Dei, whether this is the specific path of holiness God designed for them. There is no pressure to recruit members or have family members join. Non-members are always welcome to join Opus Dei activities, but don't have the spiritual commitments of members. Members make 1-year commitments annually. And after five years, they have the option to make a permanent commitment or continue with annual commitments.

The women are fascinatingly diverse. Some work outside the home in high profile careers and others are homemakers. Homemaking is viewed as a professional career choice and women study to become excellent at it. Hospitality (homemaking or working at a retreat center) is studied with the earnestness of any other profession.

Detractors will note that Opus Dei programs are single-sex and hospitality classes are only available for women. Additionally celibate women run the retreat centers, meaning they clean and organize things for both men and women. (i.e. Celibate women clean up after men; which could be spun into something misogynistic and awful.). There is also a semi-cringe essay (chapter 14) by a hospitality professional who discusses her work as well as practicing self-mortification by wearing a cilice (hair cloth) two hours each day. I would recommend every other chapter for non-catholics or non-practicing catholics. But this chapter might be too much for them to understand. I understand where the author is coming from but the unfaithful probably will not. It was honest of Opus Dei to include it.

Published in 2009, this book describes a teeming community of Opus Dei members and friends who take spiritual classes, participate in circle meetings and take Opus Dei retreats through the Toronto retreat center. Spiritual activities are open to all interested and some people participate for years without feeling to vocation to become an Opus Dei member. It seems like a resource open to all serious Catholics, whether you are a member or not. Non-catholics can even participate in some things. I wish we had something like that is our area! What a gift!

Reading this book gently but seriously challenged me in my spiritual journey. It was a compelling read! I loved that this was essentially a book about high achieving women who are 100% catholic. It changed the way I think about my own housework and elevated it. It helped me to think about it as my prayer and sacrifice to God. It also inspired me to attend daily mass regularly.

Highly recommend this book to other catholic women who are in the world (not religious life) but seeking a structured path to holiness.

[Bec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what you would expect. I got this book to aid in my personal research of Opus Dei, knowing full well that it would likely be chock-full of propaganda. I was not let down! From the forward written by the president of a now defunct college for economically challenged women, to chapter after chapter written by steadfast fanatics of the Opus Dei cult, I was able to gain a healthy perspective of how Opus Dei works, how those entrenched in it's ranks view it, and how thorough the brain-washing is. This book will remain on my bookshelf for as long as I can keep it there. It's a valuable resource- although probably not in the way Opus Dei intended it. Five stars because it gave me exactly what I wanted.

[Maripaz Villalobos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that pictures the ordinary-extra ordinary daily life of women that their dreams are much greater than success.

[Michele Rayah]

I learned quite a bit and it very interesting.