Opus Dei is an organization of the Roman Catholic Church that was
founded in Madrid on October 2, 1928 by St. Josemaria Escriva. Opus
Dei has over 80,000 members dedicated to the Catholic life. "The aim
of Opuse Dei is to contribute to that evangelizing mission of the
Church". It helps all Catholics to live their everyday lifes
according to the values of the Gospels and the "sanctification of the
work". Opus Dei tries to "make the Gospel present in all human
endevours". All Catholics, not just missionaries, have the
oppurtunity to do evangelistical works.
Opus Dei tries to keep people in their fimiliar enviorment but change
what they do not where or who they are. Opus Dei attempts to harbor
individual faith and fervent devotion to the Church and its cause.
There are two main features of Opus Dei. The first of which is Divine
filliation.
"Divine filiation is the foundation of the spirit of Opus Dei." This
idea gives encouragement to members of Opus Dei that God is always
with them and that they can be simple in their relationship with God
but still do His will. Also members are called to see God in
everyperson and treat them with the respect and dignity of a child of
God.
A second feature of Opus Dei is Ordinary Life. "Ordinary life can be
holy and full of God...Our Lord is calling us to sanctify the ordinary
tasks of everday, for the perfection of the Christian is to be found
precisely there." "Great holiness consists in carrying out the little
duties of each moment". The family is a major part of ordinary life
for members of Opus Dei. They are called to be examples of holiness
for all.
Opus Dei works with students and young people on an apostolic mission to help deepen the next generations relationship with Christ. They try to foster a deep desire to do Gods will and to follow the values of Christ. They set up schools and youth activity centers to allow Catholic youths to promote their spiritual lives.
Opus Dei not only has faith but it also helps to spread faith to others. They have faith in young people and try to help them develope faith in God.
