Opus Dei

is an institution of the Catholic Church that was founded in Spain in 1928 by Josemaría Escrivá. Its stated mission is to help its lay and clerical members seek holiness in their everyday occupations and societies. Opus Dei is officially recognized within the Catholic Church, although its status has evolved. It received final approval by the Catholic Church in 1950 by Pope Pius XII. Pope John Paul II made it a personal prelature in 1982 by the apostolic constitution ''Ut sit''. The group is considered controversial and has been criticised for having cult-like qualities.

Laypeople make up the majority of its membership; the remainder are secular priests under the governance of a prelate elected by specific members and appointed by the Pope. As ''Opus Dei'' is Latin for "Work of God", the organization is often referred to by members and supporters as "the Work". Aside from their personal charity and social services, they organize training in Catholic spirituality applied to daily life. Opus Dei members are located in more than 90 countries. About 70% of members live in their own homes, leading family lives with secular careers, while the other 30% are celibate, of whom the majority live in Opus Dei centers. Provided by Wikipedia