By Gamble Leidolf

Opus Dei Facts: Josémaria Escrivá de Balaguer y Albas was born in Spain to an Aragonese businessman and his wife on January 9, 1902. Ordained in March 1925, he founded Opus Dei ("The Work of God") in Madrid on October 2, 1928. The movement was aimed at lay Catholics, teaching that it was possible to attain sanctity in the midst of a sinful world through their work and the fulfillment of their personal, family and social duties.

Gamble's Comments: The Basis of Being also aims at teaching it is possible to live a good wholesome life in this world we live in. We should not be controlled or become victims of our environment. We are the masters of our actions and can control the type of impact we have on this world, for good or bad.

Opus Dei Facts: People tend to compartmentalize their lives, separating their religious practices from other aspects of their lives, according to Jeronimo Nisa, rector of South African Opus Dei’s communications office. Opus Dei enables the faithful to bring all reality under the ambit of faith, a path of sanctification for everyone, and not only for consecrated people, under the correct pastoral guidance, said Mr Nisa, a Johannesburg-based Spanish radio journalist.

This emphasis on lay spirituality and a personal growth in holiness has been seen by many as a forerunner to the Second Vatican Council, which taught that all baptised are called to follow Jesus Christ, by living according to the Gospel and making it known to others. At the time the idea of sanctity outside of religious life was fairly radical, and the movement was initially viewed with skepticism within the Church, Mr Nisa said. Opus Dei eventually received Vatican recognition in 1950, the first lay religious institute recognized in such a way.

Gamble's Comments: While the Basis of Being is not dealing specifically with spiritual matters it does assist those who choose to follow a spiritual path. The Maxim’s are all focused on making us better responsible human beings. In order to follow a spiritual path we must also be a positive role model to those around us.

Opus Dei Facts: By the time of Bl Josémaria’s death in June 1975, Opus Dei had spread to five continents with more than 60000 members in 80 countries. Today there are about 80000 members, with some 1600 priests ordained specially to serve the movement under the auspices of the Priestly Society of the Holy Cross, founded by Bl Josémaria in 1943 and united with Opus Dei. Under Pope John Paul II, an ardent supporter and promoter of Opus Dei, the organization was granted the status of a personal prelature by the Vatican in November, 1982, a year after the cause for Bl Josémaria’s sainthood had begun.

This means that Opus Dei would be under the authority of its own bishop at its headquarters in Rome’s Parioli district. Opus Dei has not been without controversy. Critics charge that the organisation–whose stated focus is on evangelisation–has strategically and aggressively placed its members in the upper echelons of political and economic power in many countries, especially in politically conservative climates, such as Franco’s Spain, Reagan’s America, the junta-ruled regimes of Latin America. There have also been rumours of "shadowy" Opus Dei members who manage a huge patrimony of international funds.

There is also the charge of recruiting members from among the brightest students, young people who have the potential to do great things in the professional sphere and to play influential roles in positions of power, leading to accusations of elitism, "clannishness", and a secretive culture, prompting some critics to dub it the "Holy Mafia". "All these accusations have been proven false," Mr Nisa said.

Gamble's Comments: Standing firm in the face of controversy is never an easy task. However, during these times of tribulation it is important to stay true to what we know to be right. To stay the course and weather the storm will only make you stronger. This is a lesson which is expressed numerous times throughout the Basis of Being.

Opus Dei Facts: "They have not, however, affected the expansion of Opus Dei’s membership, which includes individuals from all backgrounds–farmworkers, doctors, housewives, students. Where is the elitism in this?" he asked. He added that members have no reason to publicise their Opus Dei affiliation–after all, lay spirituality is treated as a private matter. Mr Nisa referred to "recent ideological campaigns" against Opus Dei, with various motivations behind them. "Saying that Opus Dei gives support to a regime, if anything, displays a lack of knowledge of what the prelature is all about." Members have from a broad array of political tendencies, and as individuals they are entitled to freedom of thought in political matters, he said.

Gamble's Comments: This is another important aspect of what is taught in the Basis of Being. We should not be sheep that blindly follow. We should be educated in all that we do and understand that not everyone we come in contact with will share our spiritual, political, or other beliefs. However, this does not mean we can not coexist in peace.

Opus Dei Facts: Critics also have charged Opus Dei with having an undue influence in the Vatican, and that the papal household has come increasingly under Opus Dei’s domination since it attained its prelature status. This, Mr Nisa said, is "a complete distortion of the prelature’s role. Opus Dei came into this world to serve the Church." For Opus Dei members, Bl Josémaria’s canonisation is a celebration of the idea of holiness and "apostolic commitment among the Christian faithful, helping them to discover and take on the demands of their baptismal vocation in the specific place they occupy in the world."

Gamble's Comments: In much the same way as Opus Dei is aimed at serving the Church, the Basis of Being is aimed at serving everyday people. It is not meant to replace a belief system or contradict spiritual matters. It is solely focused on helping us become better human beings and in so doing can also aid those striving for higher spirituality.

The Basis Of Being supports all beliefs that lead to a prosperous and peaceful lifelong pursuit of happiness for not only ourselves, but those around us.

What is the Basis of Being?

The Basis Of Being is a groundbreaking book broken down into 13 Chapters of 28 Maxims each. Written by Liam Ballinagar & Gamble Leidolf; edited by Corine San Crainte, this wonderful pocket sized guide will change your life forever. With 364 Pearls of Wisdom, you can make but one alteration a day and by the end of 12 months, you might not recognize yourself. But of course your good deeds will have been rewarded and come back to you tenfold. Thank you for considering the Basis Of Being. If you are ready for the Future: CLICK HERE