The principal characteristic of Opus Dei is not a set of techniques or methods of apostolate, not any specific structures, but a spirit which moves one to sanctify one’s ordinary work. -founder Escriva
No specific structure?
The central government of Opus Dei is made up of two fifteen-member councils, celibate men and women separately, presided by the prelate. Each council lives in its own multimillion-dollar Roman villa.
Each country is governed by two councils of celibate members, men and women separately, presided by a priest. Each council lives in its own multimillon-dollar house.
Each country is divided in delegations. Each delegation is governed by two councils of celibate members, men and women separately, presided by a priest. Each council lives in its own million-dollar house.
Each delegation is made up of houses (centers) in which celibate members live, men and women separately. Each house is governed by a council of four celibate members, including a priest.
No techniques or methods?
There are over twenty-five secret documents that define in great detail every aspect of life in Opus Dei. These documents are written in Rome. Every Opus Dei council worldwide has a copy of these documents, in the Spanish original (they are never translated in the local language).
They are secret in that
- Not all members have access to them;
- They have not been presented to the Vatican for analysis and/or approval.
Filed under: Doublespeak, Freedom, Opus Dei, Secret documents, escriva, prelate
I found the Spanish version of the Catechism. I can read Spanish, but is there an English version that someone has translated?
ANSWER:
Not that we know of. Our experience in countries where Spanish is not the main language is that the person using the Catechism for instruction of other members uses the Spanish version.