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http://www.odan.org/
New book sheds light on Opus Dei
Véronique Duborgel, a 44-year old kindergarten teacher and former Opus Dei supernumerary,
has written a book about her 13 years in Opus Dei, "Inside the Hell of Opus Dei." As recounted
by Susan Bell of the Telegraph (Britain), in her book Duborgel "describes techniques of psychological
isolation similar to those sometimes used by sects, and claims that Opus Dei intrudes into the
most intimate areas of members' private lives, encourages them to inform on each other and
drains their financial resources...she was instructed not to tell family or friends that she was a
member of Opus Dei."
To read the full article by Bell:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/11/04/nopusdei104.xml
True Story of Opus Dei Supernumerary in Movie "Breach"
Once again, Opus Dei members are featured in a movie entitled "Breach."
Unlike the fictional Da Vinci Code, however, the movie is based on the true story
of convicted FBI spy and Opus Dei supernumerary Robert Hanssen.
Many wonder, how could a seemingly pious, dedicated and hard-working man be at
the heart of one of the worst security breaches in the history of the United States?
The answer can be partly found in the paradoxical nature not only of Hanssen, but also
of Opus Dei, both of whom share similarities such as elitism, superiority, secretiveness,
intelligence, detachment, and isolation.
For current and past news articles about Hanssen, along with some thoughts on the
paradoxical nature of both Hanssen and Opus Dei: Hanssen and Opus Dei
Official Announcement of ICTOD, the International
Collaboration for Truth about Opus Dei
A collaboration of three separate groups who have experienced
firsthand the deceptive, manipulative and cult-like practices of Opus Dei
has been formed in response to Opus Dei's depiction of itself to the
media and the general public.
Note: Regrettably, it is our understanding that the domain name www.opuslivre.org has been purchased
by Opus Dei and is no longer a source for information about Opus Dei. Nevertheless, concerned individuals
and former Opus Dei members remain in Brazil. Please contact ODAN if you would like to be placed in
contact with others from Brazil.
Reflecting on this action by Opus Dei, the question to ask is this: What does Opus Dei fear about the
free flow of information that it would pursue shutting down those who have experienced firsthand Opus Dei's
deception and manipulation? This is the type of action employed by extremist regimes, whether fascist or
communist, where information is routinely stifled through control of all forms of media.
ODAN supporters and those familiar with cult information may remember the similar demise of the
Cult Awareness Network (CAN) which was completely taken over by Scientology in 1997. Opus Dei's
actions speak louder than its words...
OpusLivre, Opus Dei Awareness Network, Inc. and Opus Libros have announced the formation
of The International Collaboration for Truth about Opus Dei (ICTOD). The collaboration is the
result of three separate groups of people who have had harmful experiences with Opus Dei in
locations from all over the world wherever Opus Dei operates.
ICTOD was formed to challenge the statements made by Opus Dei in its recent media campaign
to dispel the image depicted in the book and recent movie, The DaVinci Code.
The collaboration consists of Opuslivre, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Opus Dei Awareness Network,
(ODAN) based in the United States, and Opus Libros, based in Madrid, Spain.
ICTOD believes Opus Dei has focused on the extremes of the movie, such as bloody use of the
discipline (whip) and the cilice (spiked chain) while saying nothing about how the organization takes
away a person's freedom through a subtle indoctrination process consisting of aggressive recruiting
techniques, the withholding of information necessary to make an informed choice and the use of subtle
pressure, fear and guilt to exact blind obedience upon its members. ICTOD will focus its resources
to educating the public about the absolute control and obedience that exists in Opus Dei along with
deceptive and manipulative recruiting practices.
For more information about ICTOD, including contact information and a statement from the
coordinator of Opus Libros: ICTOD
The Many Names of Opus Dei's Founder
Opus Dei's founder changed his name multiple times throughout his
lifetime - This heavily footnoted document written by a man who has
asked to remain anonymous, details these changes, many of which
are not recorded in any of the "official biographies" promoted
by Opus Dei.
New Testimonies:
The ODAN website announces the posting of new testimonies about Opus Dei
"Opus Dei Recruits Minors and Deceives Church Officials"
"Opus Dei Superiors Lied to Church Officials"
"Government, Direction and Control in Opus Dei"
"Fathers, don't let your sons grow up to be Opus Dei recruits"
Included with these testimonies are the guidelines issued by the now deceased Cardinal
Basil Hume in 1981 in England (Cardinal Hume Guidelines) directing Opus Dei to comply
with a number of criteria, including not allowing minors to make any commitments to
Opus Dei; requiring that minors discuss the matter with their parents or guardians before
making any commitments; allowing Opus Dei members to choose their own spiritual directors
(in Opus Dei or not) and enter or leave the organization without undue pressure.
The new testimonies show clearly that Opus Dei before, during and after that time period, has
clearly violated all those guidelines while making false statements to church officials. While
several of the authors have chosen to remain anonymous for various reasons, including fear of
repercussions from Opus Dei, ODAN has verified that they are true accounts written by sincere
individuals who contacted ODAN with the desire that their stories be known. It is ODAN's hope
that by posting this information for public perusal it will lead to a change in Opus Dei's
deceptive and unethical practices.
The testimonies can be found under Testimonies and Other Writings.
Opus Dei, the Da Vinci Code and ODAN
The Opus Dei Awareness Network, Inc. (ODAN) has prepared a statement about Opus Dei and
how it is depicted in the novel and upcoming film "The Da Vinci Code." The statement can be
read at the following link: Opus Dei, the Da Vinci Code and ODAN
We have also posted new testimonies in the "Testimonies and Other Writings" section of our website.
Included are two letters written to ODAN from parents with children in Opus Dei schools (some identifying
information has been changed to protect the identity of the children and their families.) The letters can
be found at the following links: Letter1 and Letter2
If you have a testimony to share involving a negative experience with Opus Dei, please contact
us. ODAN does not share information about anyone who has contacted us unless permission
is given to do so.
Opus Dei's Forbidden Book List
Opus Dei's "Index of Forbidden Books" which they continue to deny using, has been updated
thanks to the Spanish sister group Opus Libros. The new list which is believed to be current as of 2003,
can be accessed as an Excel spreadsheet at the following link:
Index of Forbidden Books New
Legionaries of Christ:
Legionaries of Christ Founder Father Marcial Maciel Degollado has been forbidden by the Vatican to
engage in any public ministry in the wake of allegations made by several individuals that Maciel had sexually
molested them over a period of time that encompasses decades.
For more information: Legion of Christ
Opus Dei in the Spotlight
Due to the release of the 'Da Vinci Code' film on Friday, May 19, 2006, Opus Dei has been featured in all
areas of the media - television, radio and newsprint. The movie, based on the novel by Dan Brown,
includes Opus Dei characters.
Articles and Programs about Opus Dei:
CNN Paula Zahn, May 19, 2006
Former Opus Dei numerary assistant Colleen O'Neill was interviewed live on CNN
Paula Zahn at 8:00 pm on Friday, May 19. Colleen left Opus Dei in 2005 and has been
providing interviews to the media about her experiences in Opus Dei, which mirror those of
former members who left Opus Dei many years ago. The testimony of a former Opus Dei
numerary assistant can be read at the following link:
http://www.odan.org/tw_basic_human_rights_were_violated.htm
Opus Dei Unveiled, The History Channel, May 16, 2006
Directed and produced by George Tzimopoulos and Bill Brummel Productions
http://www.historychannel.com/davincidecoded/?page=schedule
Opus Dei: A Silent Revolution (2005, 52min) by Marcela Said and Jean de Certeau
Wednesday, May 17
http://www.nmwa.org/news/news.asp?newsid=213
Ex-Opus Dei Members Decry Blind Obedience
ABC News, by Charlotte Sector
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=1856656&page=1
Opus Dei members: 'Da Vinci' distorted
Daily Record by Abbott Koloff, May 14, 2006
http://www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060514/ENT05/605140346/1005/ARCHIVES
Does Opus Dei Have a Dark Side?
NBC 11, San Jose/San Francisco/Oakland, May 17, 2006
http://www.nbc11.com/index.html
Inside Opus Dei
Victoria News, by Mark Browne, May 19, 2006
http://web.bcnewsgroup.com/portals-code/list.cgi?cat=23&paper=36&id=651800
The Real Story on Opus Dei - Not the Hollywood Version
The Ottawa Citizen; the Associated Press, May 8, 2006
http://www.canada.com/globaltv/national/story.html?id=db572eef-929e-4986-954f-b4ad923a01e3
Opus Dei lifts veil
NorthJersey.com, by John Chadwick, May 18, 2006
http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2OTM2MzY5JnlyaXJ5N2Y3MTdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5Mg==
Opus Dei in Spotlight Thanks to "Da Vinci Code"
KDKA Pittsburgh, Sonni Abatta reporting, May 15, 2006
http://kdka.com/seenon/local_story_135193203.html
Behind the Secret Sect of Opus Dei
CBS2 Chicago, Antonio Mora reporting, May 15, 2006
http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_134231944.html
Note: Opus Dei was denied a request to expand its Windmoor facility near Notre Dame University by
the South Bend, Indiana zoning board on May 18, 2006. Neighbors as well as officials at Notre Dame
University were opposed to the expansion.
Verdict handed down on Opus Dei request
WNDU-TV, South Bend, Indiana, May 18, 2006
http://www.wndu.com/news/052006/news_50015.php
Expansion of Opus Dei group home has neighbors concerned
WNDU-TV: South Bend, Indiana, May 9, 2006
http://www.wndu.com/news/052006/news_49791.php
Note: The following two articles from the National Catholic Reporter detail extreme changes
recently made by Opus Dei Bishop Robert Finn in the diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, MO.
Extreme makeover - the diocese
National Catholic Reporter, May 12, 2006
http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2006b/051206/051206a.php
No Rationale for upheaval in Kansas City
National Catholic Reporter, May 12, 2006
http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2006b/051206/051206t.htm
Many in Bay Area Part of Opus Dei
ABC7News: San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose, May 12, 2006
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=assignment_7&id=4168073
The New York Daily News, April 30, 2006
The Sunday, April 30 edition of the New York Daily News featured the following article about Opus Dei: http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/413507p-349475c.html
The Record.com, May 13, 2006
"Doing 'the work of God'" by Mirko Petricevic
http://www.therecord.com/
Opus Dei, Vilified in 'Da Vinci Code,' Runs Global MBA Schools
Bloomberg.Com, April 26, 2006
By Vernon Silver and Michael Smith
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000088&sid=afC6cxjKOvr0&refer=culture
Beware the Cult of Opus Dei
from Traditio.com, Traditional Roman Catholic Network
Scroll down to "June 22" to read this account of the cult-like tendencies
in Opus Dei, including blind obedience to superiors, the belief that the group
is entirely perfect as it was established by the Founder, and fascist tendencies
turned to religious purposes. On the same website, there are further comments
about Opus Dei at the following link (scroll down to "Opus Dei" in the
alphabetical listing: www.traditio.com/tradlib/faq10.txt )
About ODAN
The Opus Dei Awareness Network, Inc. (ODAN) was founded in 1991 to meet the growing demand
for accurate information about Opus Dei and to provide education, outreach and support to people
who have been adversely affected by Opus Dei. ODAN challenges many of Opus Dei's
Questionable Practices because of the way they affect an individual's personal freedom, choices
and family life.
Since 1991, ODAN has been in contact with countless individuals, families, the secular and religious
press, clergy, religious, cult awareness organizations, campus ministers, home-schooling parents and more.
ODAN is a worldwide community of people who have had painful experiences as a result of their
association with Opus Dei.
Contact Us
ODAN is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
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Opus Dei Awareness Network, Inc.
P.O. Box 4333
Pittsfield, MA 01202-4333
Telephone: 413-499-7168
Fax: 413-499-7860
Email: odan@odan.org
Executive Director: Dianne DiNicola
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Revised May 7, 2008