Well, Opus Dei is a Roman Catholic organization that was developed in 1928 by a Spanish priest Josemaria Escrivá. Here are some facts that you need to know about Opus Dei:
1. It takes five years to join Opus Dei where one renews their commitment every year before undertaking a lifetime commitment.
2. Members of the Opus Dei community take celibacy vows
3. The members live at the Opus Dei facilities across the world e.g. Dr. Patrick Ngugi declined the Muthaiga House and opted to live in Loresho estate at the Opus Dei facilities.
4. They whip themselves when reciting prayers as a means of self punishment
5. They have their own special greetings; “pax” and “In Aeternum” in Latin which means “Peace” and “In eternity”
6. The committed members strap a spiked chain (cilice) around their upper thighs for two hours a day as a sign of penance
7. The Opus Dei has a less formal category that allows members to have families and stay at their own houses.
Despite claiming that the Opus Dei members are dedicated to holiness and Sanctity, they have been involved in some controversies.
The novel/film The Da Vinci code portrayed the organization as an all-powerful, wealthy and secretive cult-like Catholic sect.
The Opus Dei Awareness Network is one of the most vocal opponents of Opus Dei. Dianne DiNicola, its executive director has said:
“The biggest problem we have with Opus Dei is that a person is not free to make their own decisions. They live in a controlled environment and all the while Opus Dei hides behind the Catholic Church.”
The organization has also been describes as a Catholic freemasonry by critics who accuse it as being secretive and manipulative.
Opus Dei members respond to these allegations by emphasizing the fact that all members are free to join, and leave, as they please.
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