[soc.religion.christian] Looking for "Opus Dei" info

lionti@ecs.umass.edu (09/23/90)

Hi Netland.

I'm looking for info on the R.C. group "Opus Dei"
Does anyone out there know anything about this group?
I will be attending a prayer meeting with this group in the
near future (actually probably before you read this) but I 
thought I would check here for info about this group too.

I've already checked the local Newman Center Library, but the
info they have is scant.  Thanks for any help anyone can give me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric C. McClure		|					  |
lionti@umaecs.bitnet	|My Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner|
Standard Disclaimer	|					  |
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[The Dictionary of Christianity in America cites R. Shaw, "Working for
God the World Over", and D. M. Helming, "Footprints in the Snow: A
Pictorial Biography of Josemaria Escriva".  I assume both of these are
positive views.  For the view that it is a damaging "cult", see Penny
Lernoux, "People of God", chap 10.  --clh]

cms@gatech.edu (09/27/90)

[Eric McClure had asked for referenace about Opus Dei.  I gave him a
couple of books. --clh]

 I have a bulletin put out by Opus Dei (no. 7) describing the 
canonization process of Josemaria Escriva, the work of Opus Dei, its 
purpose, future plans, etc.  There's a section on the Women's 
Institute for Advanced Studies in Guatemala, which Escriva founded 
shortly before his death.  There are also letters from people 
describing how Opus Dei had helped them.  I put this in mainly because 
at the end of the bulletin is a list of published works of Msgr. 
Josemaria Escriva.  They are:  THE WAY, HOLY ROSARY, CONVERSATIONS 
WITH MSGR. ESCRIVA, CHRIST IS PASSING BY, FRIENDS OF GOD, LA ABADESA 
DE LAS HUELGAS, THE WAY OF THE CROSS, FURROW, and THE FORGE.  All are 
available from Scepter Publishers, 481 Main Street, New Rochelle, NY 
10801.  I would suspect these publications put Opus Dei in a positive 
light :-).  The bulletin, by the way, is free, although contributions 
are accepted.  Here's an address:  Bulletin on the Life of Msgr. 
Escriva; 330 Riverside Drive, New York, NY   10025.  Here's a prayer 
you might like (for private devotion):

 O, God, You granted your servant and priest Josemaria countless 
graces, choosing him as a most faithful instrument to found Opus Dei, 
a way of sanctification in daily work and in fulfillment of the 
Christian's ordinary duties.  Grant that I too may learn to turn all 
the circumstances and events of my life into occasions of loving You 
and of serving the Church, the Roman Pontiff and all souls with joy 
and simplicity, lighting up the pathways of this earth with faith and 
love.  Deign to glorify your servant Josemaria; and, through his 
intercession, grant me the favor of....(here make your request).  
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.

 In accordance with the decrees of Pope Urban VIII, we declare that 
there is no intention of anticipating in any way the judgement of the 
Church, and that this prayer is not intended for public use.


Well, I hope you found that interesting and/or useful.

-- 
                                   Sincerely,
Cindy Smith
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jhpb@granjon.garage.att.com (09/27/90)

Opus Dei is special in that it is a "personal prelature" (I think the
term is) of the Pope.  Meaning, to some extent that I am not fully
informed about, the Pope is the one in charge of Opus Dei, not the local
bishops, etc.