Customer Reviews

Opus Dei: Leadership and Vision in Today's Catholic Church

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I found this to be a fascinating book simply because it manages to circumvent, while yet explaining, much of the the hysteria often associated with writings critical of Opus Dei. The author is a highly respected Italian journalist who is NOT a member of "the Work". He looks at the roots of the movement in the 1920's and shows how its theology of the laity both pre-dated and clearly influenced the Second Vatican Council's "universal call to holiness." One is struck by the inspired founder and his vision of a lay-spirituality that is as fresh as it is ancient. Further, one is reminded of the zealous excesses of the early Jesuits or Franciscans and how a movement of this type reaches a maturation only after several decades. If you want to know why Opus Dei's membership continued to grow while that of almost all religious orders was declining during the turbulent 60's and 70's, read this book. Clearly, a chord has been struck in the hearts of tens of thousands of Catholics on every continent who are seeking a deeper life in Christ.

What a refreshing thing to see Opus Dei as it really is and as I, and other thousands have seen it to be. I have known many members of Opus Dei and am grateful to have known them, and to continue in their friendship. The spirit of Opus Dei, one of a happy Christian life and finding God in everything human, is one that is a beacon of hope in today's confused society. Though there have been so many criticisms against it, Messouri's book outlines quite well the most "frequently asked questions" about Opus Dei. It happily presents a picture of Opus Dei as it really is, regardless of all this talk about the "secret society" and "dark legend." The fact that he can write so candidly about it is because of its very natural openness and eagerness to help others find what they have discovered-- the divine in ordinary life! I'm very glad that Messouri did such a good job portraying the truth of Opus Dei and I think, rather than being "idealistic" in a derogatory sense,as one commentor described it, it IS idealistic in as much as it is the ideal that we all strive for-- to find meaning in our lives by finding God there. If you try to complicate things, inevitably you lose the simple wisdom found in the spirit of Opus Dei. A healthy dose of common sense for those who want to see Opus Dei as it is.

This is a very informative and interesting overview of Opus Dei by the journalist who coauthored "Crossing the Threshold of Hope". The author is perceptive and unbiased and writes well of an organization that has been unjustly maligned as a dark, secretive, quasi religious order dedicated to the advancement of theoracy or fascism or something - a number of charges are made against Opus Dei. Messori presents the essential spiritual simplicity of "the Work" and shows convincingly that it is precisely this simple, spiritual nature that condemns it to attacks from a secular world.

I cannot think of a better introduction to Opus Dei.

The best book about the institution founded by St. Escrivà de Balaguer. Messori, a well know italian journalist, explores with no subtilities the world of the first Prelature of the Catholic Church. The book discloses all the so called secrets of Opus Dei and presents a scenario that can be understood only from the perspective of the faith. Reading these pages one can approach both the goals and the structure of Opus Dei from the catholic perspective. A perception that can change everybody attitude towards this institution and its members.
Messori guides the readers into the daily life of both the governement and the common people of this institution. Rich of episodes and stories, the book is very easy to read and amusing. A perfect purchaise.

Strangely, as a deep and abiding fan of Opus Dei, I found this book just far too sacarine and cheerleading. The merits of the book lie in its understanding of the simplicity of the lay aposolate in Opus Dei which can bring about wondrous spiritual fruits, difficult to measure and difficult to quantify. But this seemed to just overdo its admiration for Opus Dei so much that it lacked a certain substance as to thing things that he really finds dynamic in "the Work."

I have been impressed by the accuracy of Vittorio Messori explaining Opus Dei spirit and organization. It is one of the most interesting books about Opus Dei i have read.

Finally..someone who openly explores the upoholders of orthodoxy in the Catholic Church today. A good book to bury the false assaults on Opus Dei.

A detailed reading of this put me in the mood for a damn good thrashing which I administered directly I put it down. Ruth Kelly would be proud of me!