Fortson's Signs, Symbols, and Secret Societies: Opus Dei

Founded in 1928 by Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, Opus Dei is a unique organization within the Roman Catholic Church that emphasizes the idea that holiness can be achieved by laypeople through everyday work and duties. Over the years, it has grown from a small Spanish group into a global entity with nearly 100,000 members, recognized as a personal prelature by the Church. Its history is intertwined with major 20th-century events, and it has garnered both significant recognition and controversy, particularly regarding secrecy and influence.