Peter E. Bristow
Catholic Truth Society
ISBN 9781860821288
ISBN 1860821286
CTS Booklet Mo 03
Over the last 15 years I have read many books about Opus Dei and the founder Saint Josemaria Escriva. What started as academic research has lead to a over half a life time of study, growing devotion and person practice. I am always intrigued to read more about The Work, and the founder. This booklet is a wonderful little read. It gives a great overview of the beginning of the work, and specifically the work in the United Kingdom.
The description of the book is:
"This booklet answers the questions: what is Opus Dei, how did it begin and how does it work, what is its apostolate, its message and spirituality? Dating from the inter-war years, Opus Dei (or 'Work of God') has flourished both before and since the Second Vatican Council, contributing greatly to the rediscovery of the apostolate of the laity. Finding God in the ordinary things, in daily work and family life, the constant need for daily formation and conversion, lie at its heart. It's spirituality, organization and how to join are all set out."
And the Sections in the book are:
What is Opus Dei?
A Brief History
The message of Opus Dei
Finding God in ordinary things
Sanctifying work and renewing the world
Family life
Apostolate and evangelization
Vocation and Spirit
A lay spirit
Forming the laity
Children of God
Daily conversion and interior struggle
Prayer and interior life
The little cross of each day
Devotion to Our Lady
Love for the Church and the Pope
Freedom
Living a vocation to Opus Dei
Opus Dei in the Church
What is a personal prelature?
Opus Dei as a personal prelature
Incorporation into the prelature
The Priestly Society of the Holy Cross
The co-operators of Opus Dei
How Opus Dei is organized
Financial matters
Apostolic Inititatives
Social projects
Some Final Thoughts
Opus Dei and the Second Vatican Council
The re-evangelization of society
Bibliography
Endnotes
If you are looking for a clear concise overview of Opus Dei, I cannot think of another book that accomplishes that so succinctly. The writing is crisp, and tight. There is a lot of information packed into this small volume. I loved reading about the growth and spread of the work, and the specifics of the work in the UK. I would love to see a booklet along the same lines providing an overview of the work in Canada.
This booklet is small and concise. It can be read as a brief history. It can also be given to someone unfamiliar with the work as an excellent overview. I could see keeping copies of this in my breast pock and always having it on hand in order to be able to give it out. The more the pity as it is currently out of print.
Another excellent read from the Catholic Truth Society.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2018 Catholic Reading Plan! For other reviews of books from the Catholic Truth Society click here.
Christian Ethics and the Human Person: Truth and Relativism in Contemporary Moral Theology
Opus Dei: Christians In The Midst Of The World
The Moral Dignity of Man: 2nd Edition 1997
...
Books by St. Josemaria Escriva:
Christ Is Passing By
Conversations with Saint Josemaria
The Forge
Friends of God
Furrow
Holy Rosary
In Love with the Church
The Way
The Way of the Cross
The Way, Furrow, Forge (3 in 1 Edition)
Books about St. Josemaria Escriva:
A Man Who Knew How to Forgive: Lessons from the Life of St. Josemaria Escriva - Francesc Faus
Josemaria Escriva - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky - CTS Biographies
Last of the Romantics: St. Josemaria in the Twenty-First Century - Mariano Fazio
Praying 15 Days with St. Josemaria Escriva - Guillaume Derville
Volumes in the St Josemaria Escriva's Collected Letters:
Letters 1: Singuli dies, 24 March 1930
Letters 2: Videns eos, 24 March 1931
The Burgos Letters (1938-1939): Three Circular Letters
Letters: Letter 3: Res omnes, 9 January 1932
Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933 : Letter 4: Vos autem, 16 July 1933
Letter 5: Euntes ergo, 2 October 1939
Letter 6: Sincerus est, 11 March 1940
Letter 7: Quem per annos, 24 October 1942
Letter 8: Legitima hominum, 31 May 1943
…
Other Posts:
...
Books about Alvaro del Portillo:
Alvaro Del Portillo The Power of Humility - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky
Saxum: The Life of Alvaro del Portillo - John F. Coverdale
40 Years with a Saint: Blessed Alvaro del Portillo on St. Josemara Escriva - Cesare Cavalleri
...
Books by Alvaro del Portillo:
Like Salt and Like Light: Anthology of texts compiled by Jose Antonio Loarte
Faithful And Laity In The Church; The Bases Of Their Legal Status
Journey with Jesus
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