The Secret History of Opus Dei : Exploring the mysteries of one of the most powerful and secretive forces in world religion, a complete illustrated reference to its hierarchy, its spiritual and penitential practices, and its changing place in today's Catholic church (Paperback)

Opus Dei is perhaps one of the most

controversial religious organisations of our time.

For many years there was little information

about its history and development. More

recently attempts have been made to make its

structure and organisation are now much more

transparent. For some, however, the

organisation is seen as a powerful and shadowy

institution with wealth, influence and many

dark secrets. This revealing book aims to find

out the truth behind the myths and the

speculation, and examines the faces and

personalities behind its institution.

This book presents a global perspective of the

Opus Dei that considers its influence on a

worldwide scale and reveals the truth behind

this powerful institution.

• Investigates the secret world of the Opus Dei and

details its humble beginnings in Spain nearly 80 years

ago to its unique status as a powerful autonomous entity

at the very heart of the Catholic church today

• Uncovers the background of the characters involved in

Opus Dei, such as its founder Josemaria Escriva de

Balaguer, General Franco and Pope John Paul II

• Looks at the membership of Opus Dei, the commitment,

numeraries and supernumaries, rules for entering and

leaving, the treatment of women and the controversial

recruitment of members in schools and universities

• Reveals the true relationship with the Vatican, the

finances and charities, and explores objectively the many

conspiracy theories about and criticisms of the organization