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Women of Opus Dei: In Their Own Words

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I almost didn't finish this book. I had gotten close to the end and then was distracted by another project. Last night I couldn't sleep, so I picked it up as easy reading to try to lull myslef back to sleep, thinking, well, now's a good time to finish this book. My God, I'm glad I did. Kuddos to the editors for including Margaret Kalb's Changing Diapers for God. I was downstairs at 3:30 AM this morning laughing my head off! There are many inspiring stories of diverse and unique women that really make you think, but in my opinion, Margaret's takes the cake. Specifically, I think she best describes the fact that heroism is not found in always being perfect and doing everything perfectly like many moms and wives think. Instead, heroism is found in always "beginning again." Thanks Margaret for sharing your sincerity and charm.

I read this book over the weekend. It was just too good to put down. As I finished it, I felt a smile on my face and I was heartened by the hopefulness of knowing that somewhere out there these ordinary women are trying to live their faith to the full, with utter naturalness. What a thoroughly inspiring and enjoyable read!

This is an extremely well-written book that is an enjoyable and inspiring read. You want to keep on reading it but I limited myself to one chapter a night and I looked forward to meeting another wonderful women each evening. They certainly inspired me regarding the important role women can play in making this world a better place. My brother was in hospice before he died of cancer and I now know I can thank the late Josefina Magno for founding this wonderful organization that supports the dignity of living and dying with one's eyes on God.

This book is so good! I read it in almost one sitting, I found it so interesting. Besides telling the stories of many diverse women members of Opus Dei, it also explains many aspects of the Prelature that are not universally known or understood.

The stories are inspirational, but also funny, and strike a chord in so many ways. I also learned, as Jane Reckart did, that it didn't matter that I didn't fit because God made me the way he did for a reason. Jeanne Murray's story also resonated with me - I have always been a bit skeptical, but, like her, have found that these are real people - like you and me. I have both of those stories marked with Post-it notes to easily re-read them when I need a little personal boost.

This book will be very interesting to people who want to know what Opus Dei is all about or what makes the women members of Opus Dei "tick". It is also very good to give a realistic view of the Prelature to those who do not know it, letting them see that the members are truly diverse and as real as you and me.

The Women of Opus Dei is a collection of essays and interviews by women who are members of the international organization, Opus Dei (Work of God) founded in 1928 by St. Josemaria Escriva. Striving to explain their work and how they came to know of Opus Dei, each woman sensitively reflects on her own path to the church and the humble commitment she has made to her world. An abiding love of Jesus Christ and the clarity of understanding the strength of God's will manifested in each life, underscores the commitment these women have made to each other and to their communities.

The Women of Opus Dei reveals to the reader the diversity and wide range of professions and the varying educational backgrounds held by the members. This is a highly qualified, professional and well educated group practicing service to others quietly and with focused determination. The experiences are drawn from women who are wives, mothers, business leaders, caregivers, immigrants, and women who are celibate as well.

If there have ever been misunderstandings about Opus Dei, these clear and extremely sincere essays and interviews reflect the personal spirituality, integrity, and clarity of purpose held by each of these members. These essays underscore the calm sense of opportunity of service each day brings to these members as they live the love of God.

Review by Sally Reynolds
Houston, Texas

Opus Dei received a great deal of negative publicity a few years back when "The DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown was making headlines. In some ways, this book is a response to that publicity. The women of Opus Dei wanted to tell their stories and explain their lives.

I came to "Women of Opus Dei in their Own Words" not knowing anything about Opus Dei. I was pleasantly surprised. Founded by St. Josemaria Escriva in Spain in 1928. The name "Opus Dei" is Latin for "Work of God." The organization "is dedicated to helping lay men and women throughout the world find and love God through their daily work and social interactions, and to spread the Christian message in and through their daily lives."

They offer a combination of resources to help members live out this mission. Among them are "a daily, flexible plan of prayer . . . weekly, monthly, and annual Catholic spiritual and theological development programs . . . personal guidance sessions . . . Centers and conference centers . . . managed as settings where Opus Dei and many others can find a Christian home environment to inspire and encourage them."

St. Josemaria was very supportive of women and encouraged them to be the best they could be in "whatever professional sphere they chose." He was always adamant that "work in the home is a professional job as well." The women who share their stories in this book come from all walks of life. Some have families. Others have chosen to remain celibate in order to serve God exclusively. Some work solely in their homes. Others have high-profile professions. All are united in their desire to live their lives for God. They share their conversion stories, their call to become part of Opus Dei, and their struggles and successes. I think most women reading this will find that these women are very much like women we know.

The "Women of Opus Dei" is an inspiring, informative book. Even if one has no call to join Opus Dei, it is interesting to learn about their lifestyle. There are also wonderful suggestions about ways to integrate one's service of God with all aspects of life.

I blew through this book during a free afternoon at the library, rising from it feeling refreshed and inspired to live my life more intensely.

I was particularly impressed with the variety of professions represented, and also the emphasis on the fact that the work of the home can be every bit as much a professional career as a corporate position.

I could relate to these women! The hula dancer and the mom with laundry challenges especially appealed to me. At first, some of their educational backgrounds were intimidating - Stanford, Harvard, etc.- but as their stories unfolded, I came to realize they weren't so different from the rest of us. They truly seemed content even while they struggled to live the holy, yet ordinary life that Christians are called to. Inspiring!