The recent and I would say unhealthy, interest in Opus Dei (or Octopus Dei as it is sometimes known, is due I suspect, to its political and financial tentacles that extend into many dark corners of this fallen World), does fortunately offer my son, James and myself a chance to scrutinize and try to understand the secretive facts about Opus Dei.

Founded in Spain by a young Catholic priest, Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer in 1928 and with the intention, according to him and after a vision that he claimed allowed him to proclaim to listening Catholics that: "God wants Christians to be Saints and Apostles." Opus Dei would it seems over the next 40+ years, offer advice to its many willing devotees concerning sexual conduct, family life, spiritual devotion and the promotion, naturally enough, of Opus Dei. And encourage new adepts of how they should all observe the dictates of Mgr. Escriva. (One is reminded of Chairman Mao's dangerous little "Red Book" that influenced three generations of militant Chinese, and still does!)

(1902-1975)

Since 1945 Opus Dei's creeping influence in the Catholic Church and its multi-layered finances have dramatically expanded. And as the Catholic church's Vatican II beliefs have since then marched dramatically to the political left with its smothering emphasis on the social gospel, it seems somehow Opus Dei has remained very much bonded to the distant days of pre-Vatican II. I'm not sure how they have managed this in today's magnanimous prevalent culture. But they surely have. However, many of today's Catholics (and the many that I knew), view Opus Dei as an unpleasant fascist movement, indeed many professional Catholics do wonder why the Roman Catholic hierarchy blindly allows this pseudo clerical movement to work and proselytise in parishes? What's going on, they ask?

Incidentally, I might add, today's loyal Catholics have always observed the shadowy reputation that Opus Dei enjoys, with its assorted international connections with many Fascist Governments since the Second World War, as very, very dubious. But Opus Dei has always been anti-Communist and I suspect rather proud of it. And I would suspect Opus Dei still views the churches "liberation theology" message as Marxist in everything...but name.

But politics does make strange bedfellows, does it not? 

Its is also no coincidence that the late founder (now a Saint) always had it seemed, some very personal connections with the late General Franco's regime in Spain, as well as in General Stroessner's Paraguay, General Pinochet's Chile and Fascist Portugal. Today its ethereal authority is witnessed in Peru, Argentina, and El Salvador and also in Austria. Now that to me is some assorted political racing colours to be associated with, isn't it?  

The sect's founder, Mgr. Escivera would always, we are informed, be deeply suspicious of all people who criticised him or Opus Dei (naturally), as well as communists, socialists and fellow travellers. Freemasons and world conspirators (the Illuminati?), as well as the Jesuits. (Too far to the left for his personal choice, I suspect.) 

In later life he once remarked:

"I have met lots of Bishops, and different Popes, but I am the only founder!"

And he must have had many loyal friends in high places in the plush rooms of the Vatican, for between his death and his canonization, as a Saint, it took a matter of some 17 years. This must be a religious record in the history of the Catholic Church, don't you think?

Yet somehow both these active religious political wings of the Roman Catholic Church do seem to happily co-exist, with perhaps I would suggest, the very influential Opus Dei surviving at the popular behest of the hierarchy of Catholic Bishops. Indeed even in Tony Blair's England with its long tradition of liberal views, the Roman Catholic Bishops, do seem to have a comfortable working relationship with Opus Dei.

But what the serving laity at parish level or the secular Clergy thinks of this close relationship is another matter. And I'd love to hear from them if they can e-mail us.

Today, the controversial Opus Dei is granted from the Vatican a "personal Prelature." And since 1982 they still remain happily outside the supervision of whatever diocesan Bishop they come under in parochial or other works. Some past favour from the late Pope must have augmented this privilege and I have to ask do other Religious Orders have such a blessing from Rome?

Statistics

Some exterior estimates suggest a popular world wide membership at between 75-80,000 active committed divisions, and with 1,500 serving priests operating in many countries and a further 15 consecrated Bishops that we know of supervising them in their parishes and educational works such as at universities and other educational facilities.

It has been claimed by the press, but not substantiated, that the Labour British Secretary for Education, Ruth Kelly MP, along with her husband, joined the Opus Dei at University. If you knew her at college, do let us know.

But it does seem to me that this is a well-oiled religious machine-don't you think so?

What is staggering is according to Opus Dei money watchers, is the financial worth of the order estimated at $2.8 billion! Indeed according to some cult observers, the Roman Catholic Church in just America alone, is, itself valued at $102 billion. Absolutely amazing, don't you think? If nothing else they certainly have the Midas touch for accumulating wealth!

  (Masonic chequered floors)

One smart piece of real estate that we know of (and there must be many others we don't know about) is located in the fashionable Lexington Avenue in New York City. This today, is the abode of the Opus Dei worldwide operations Inc. Once valued at $42 million when it was constructed in the early 1980s, one can only speculate what its worth is today.

(Expensive marble floors)

So now I have to happily speculate

The early true Christian church did not seem to be glorified with such blessed divine business acumen did they? You know they didn't...DID THEY?

Because, we read in the New Testament of the Lord Jesus and his apostles, being hungry and eating ears of corn (Matt.12:1)

I mean can you imagine Benedict XVI dining on ears of corn with Cardinal Sodano, or Rowan Williams and Gene Robinson tasting this simple meal? You can't, can you?

And did not the Lord remind many who would listen:

"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matt. 8:20.)

Now I'm sure the Cardinals of Westminster, Paris or Chicago have more than 5 or 6 desired locations to rest their weary heads each evening, or perhaps your local Archbishop, in fact why don't you ask him when you see him next - or write and ask him.

And the apostle Paul writing to a young preacher asked him to "bring my cloak" (2 Tim. 4:13.) This when he was alone and shivering and hungry in a damp Roman cell! Do see what I am saying? The Apostle Paul, the author of 14 Epistles in the New Testament, now awaits his favoured cloak, and how worn was that you might ask? I know I would. So until it arrives, Paul has nothing but the cold to keep him warm!

And what about Jesus the Lord and His chosen apostles having no food it seems for I suspect a midday meal for all of them to eat and share. And how would YOU react if after hearing your door bell ring you opened it and saw the Lord with the favoured twelve on your doorstep or in your front porch perhaps waiting to be invited in to your home?

Makes you think doesn't it? It also seems that they had no current abode or dwelling place in which to sleep, but slept I suspect, many times under the bright stars-AMAZING, don't you think?

My point, you ask?

Nowhere do I read in the New Testament of:  

The First National Bank of Jerusalem

The Allied bank of Bethlehem

The United bank of Nazareth

The Royal Bank of Antioch. Or was it Corinth?  

If God can bless the Roman Catholic Church today and all the evangelical television ministries (or has He?), could He not have set up adequate fluid money transactions for His only Son and His faithful followers two thousand years ago, rather than wait to turn on the money tap in the 20th century? 

What's going on here?

And yes, I know that Judas was the group's financial man so he must have had a money background, mustn't he. But look what happened to him and his reputation?

And don't we all remember the cursed thirty pieces of silver and how money sealed the fate of Judas at the end of a twisting rope!

It all rather seems to me, that money and its portentous power as written in the New Testament, is cursed rather that blessed. Oh and what about that much quoted rich man and the camel? Remember that one?

Finally what did the Apostle Paul warn in 1 Timothy 6:10:  

"For the love of money is the root of all evil." 

But don't tell Pope Benedict XVI this, for are we not reliably informed that the Vatican's financial gurus control some 7,000 bank accounts! WOW!

And who would wish to forget the terrible final warning of Jesus:

"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26.)

And with that final terrible warning on the building of the false fabric of financial empires from the very Lord Himself, I suggest that organized religion and those who prop it up need to get out of that lucrative currency market. Just leave it to the secular boys, after all its their god - well isn't it that they worship?

And then came American author, Dan Brown

You see five years ago the mention of the shadowy group "Opus Dei" would have raised very few secular heads. Well maybe in some Church circles.

But not today. To date, the best seller The Da Vinci Code has sold a staggering several million copies. 

I suppose Dan Brown has become a wonderful recruiting sergeant for Opus Dei. (I am not aware that he is in any way associated with this Catholic sect, but if you know otherwise please let us know.) As well as the many popular guided tours in Roslyn Scotland and in France, all it seems to introduce even more gullible people to Opus Dei and its strange non-Biblical religious rites. Oh and don't forget, the future coming blockbuster film The Da Vinci Code staring Tom Hanks and soon to premier at a film screen near you.

As for me you ask? I'll give the film a miss and also on a future DVD rental as well.

Recently some further personal research unearthed by my son, James, does seem to paint Mgr. Esvavira as a rather cruel misogynist. Former Opus Dei member, Maria Del Carmen, described in her book Beyond the Threshold: Life in Opus Dei, of a very vivid sexual remark that he once made towards a terrified young woman, who as a paid up member of Opus Dei (yes they do bestow their salaries to the order, it's mandatory!), had according to the author, committed the unforgiving sin of posting a letter without the Mgr's. permission!

Incoming and outgoing mail from all Opus Dei houses, it seems were always scrutinised and read (sounds like KGB censorship?!?!)

Former member Joseph Gonzales witnessed Bibles and other books being burnt in the garden of his Opus Dei house. (Sounds like a book-burning gig in Germany in the 1930s ordered by propaganda Minister, Dr. Goebbles, doesn't it?)

So what is going on here, I have to enquire. Well let's see shall we?

Please remember that political mind control was used very successfully in Red China and Nazi Germany. Assorted Sects under Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Jim Jones and Judge Rutherford thrived on it. And still do. So does it not seem possible that the present Roman Catholic Church must also be guilty of such a serious crime against these obliging members entrusted to their care?

I've also read that past members who were forcibly rescued from this evil sect by concerned families had to financially resort to having them de-programmed! Its all been documented.

You know I'd love to hear from any readers who had to pay a professional to de-programme a family member out of the sect. I also wonder who is qualified to carry out this dangerous work. If you have any information do let us know at this website.)

Warning

If you're a paid up member of Opus Dei or just an admirer - GET OUT OF IT!

If you are thinking of giving it a try - PLEASE DON'T!

If you know a friend or a member of your family involved with this sect WARN THEM!

DON'T DELAY-THE DESTINATION OF THEIR PRECIOUS SOUL IS AT STAKE!

If you know someone who has escaped PLEASE LET US KNOW.

OPUS DEI IS NOT GOD'S WORK! NEVER WAS!

TO THE MANY FAMILIES OF MEMBERS SADLY STILL IN ITS CLUTCHES, IT IS TO THEM SIMPLY THE WORK OF LUCIFER.

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P.S. I suppose what I am trying to emphasis is that all those people in these cults and others must look for the exit door before it is too late.

Then when you have walked through it, repent, and then seek the saving grace of being saved through being born again. AMEN!

G. Patrick Battell,

December 2005

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