A Look At opus Dei #3

A reader asked me what I noticed at the "Day of Recollection" and what I learned.

This was the second "Day of Recollection" (morning) that I attended and the format was the same for both.

The day began with Mass at 8:0 a.m. in a San Antonio, Texas Catholic church offered by the parish pastor--not the Opus Dei priest. This was the parish's regular Saturday Mass and was attended by the parishioners--men, women and children--as well as those men who were attending the day of recollection.

After Mass, approximately 8:30 a.m., those attending the morning recollection went over to the parish hall for a half hour breakfast (breakfast tacos) and fellowship. Those wishing to contribute dropped in a dollar or two for the breakfast.

At around 9:00 a.m. were asked to remain silent for the remainder of the morning and returned to the church. The Opus Dei priest led a reflection on "Mass Center of Life".

At 9:30 a.m. we returned to parish hall where an Opus Dei layman led a short reflection on Mass, other prayers, etc. in our daily life as Catholic men.

At approximately 9:55 a.m. we returned to the church at which time another Opus Dei layman led an examination of conscience, reflecting primarily on Mass in our life and our life in the Church.

At about 10:00 a.m. the Opus Dei priest led a reflection on the letter 1 Peter dealing with "Royal Priesthood" and what this means for us Catholic laymen. For example: Praying constantly, sacrificing, etc. The priest referring to Paul's letter to the Philippians also noted our need to have Christ reign in our lives and to offer reparation for others as well as for ourselves.

At around 10:30 a.m. the morning recollection was concluded with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Opus Dei priest heard confessions--the Sacrament of Reconciliation--between his reflections and after Benediction for those wishing to receive the Sacrament.

A Look At Opus Dei #2

On Saturday February 16th I attended the monthly Saturday Opus Dei's Day of Recollection. Actually it's a half day "Day of Recollection". These days of recollection on the third Saturday mornings of the month are normally limited to the male members--the female members meet at a different time. I was prompted to attend the day of recollection by the input I received from a reader of this blog.

Opus Dei is Latin for "Work of God" and was established in Spain in 1928 by Saint Josemaria Escriva; today it is based in Rome. It was established for Catholic Laity with the mission "..to spread the message that all Christians are called by God to make Christ known and to seek holiness in and through their daily work, family life and social relations."*

Membership is open to all Catholic laity. It may be opened to non-Catholics but I don't know that at this time.

There are three categories within the Prelature of Opus Dei. A. Those who live a celibate life at a common location (here in San Antonio there are less than a dozen such members). B. Those who live at home with their families. C. Those who support Opus Dei through prayers and/or attend the days of recollection, etc. Those in categories A. & B. are recognized as having a calling/a vocation. The great majority of the participants find themselves in category C,--they are called "Cooperators"--these support the mission of Opus Dei and find the days of recollection, and other spiritual forums an aid on their daily journey of Faith.

There are Opus Dei priests who have been called from the lay faithful of Opus Dei. Total membership is about 85,000 members of which about 98% are lay men and women--the majority of whom are married.

More to follow.

*Quoted from the trifold: "Seeking Holiness In Daily Life--An Introduction to the Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei"