Opus Dei and Its Mission
Opus Dei's purpose is to contribute to the Church's evangelizing mission. In particular, it aims to spread the Christian message that every single person is called to holiness. This teaching was at the heart of the Second Vatican Council, which was enormously influential in shaping the Catholic Church's understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ in the modem world.
The Founder
Saint Josemaría Escrivá (1902-1975), founded Opus Dei in 1928. Even during his lifetime he had a reputation for holiness, which continued to grow around the world after his death. He was declared blessed in 1992 and a saint in 2002 by Pope John Paul II. The feast day of Saint Josemaría is June 26.
Members
People of all kinds belong to Opus Dei: priests and lay people, men and women, young and old, married and single; of every occupation and social level. Men and women have the same status in Opus Dei, Most members are married and have families. Some members make a commitment to celibacy, and so generally have more time and availability to dedicate to the various activities promoted by Opus Dei.