Christian church

How to Tell if Someone Is Opus Dei

Mary Smith
By Mary Smith. Updated: January 16, 2017
How to Tell if Someone Is Opus Dei

The Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei is an institution belonging to the Catholic Church. It was founded on 2nd October 1928 by Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, a Spanish priest canonised in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. The Latin term 'Opus Dei' means 'work of God'. Note that the followers of Opus Dei are not like Masons who belong to a secret society, and who have no idea who is giving orders or who belongs to their lodge. They also don't need to use external symbols. You'll be able to tell is someone is Opus Dei by their way of life.

Steps to follow:

1

There are different types of Opus Dei members. Each type of member can be more easily identified, for example, priests are dressed as such so it's easy to identify them. Lay followers of Opus Dei are more difficult to identify:

  • Priests of the Prelature: they can be numerary members or associates.
  • Lay: they can be numerary members (or numerary assistants), associates or supernumeraries.
  • Diocesan priests can be associates or supernumerary.
How to Tell if Someone Is Opus Dei - Step 1
2

The people of Opus Dei are reputed for being wealthy but according to their congregation, they are not accustomed to being ostentatious. They are usually people who dress well without wearing any brands and they have money but don't show it off.

3

For members of Opus Dei, family is very important and they devote themselves to their family and their work. Family is the center of their life, so they tend to have large families. They are also determined people who are usually successful in their careers.

How to Tell if Someone Is Opus Dei - Step 3
4

Opus Dei members tend to take their children to certain schools where they receive education according to their beliefs. For this reason, you can identify followers of Opus Dei if you go near any of the congregational schools found around the world.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Tell if Someone Is Opus Dei, we recommend you visit our Culture & Society category.

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How to Tell if Someone Is Opus Dei