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Secretive Catholic sect Opus Dei was founded on 2nd October, 1928 by the young, energetic priest Jose Maria Escriva, who believed his divine mission was to inject religious fervour into everyday life, with holiness achieved not via clergy, but from the daily work of laypeople.\xa0\nThe faith grew rapidly in Spain, especially during the Franco era, eventually spreading internationally. But its ties to right-wing governments, including those of Franco and Pinochet, sparked criticism; and its propagation of corporal mortification - where members engage in practices such as wearing uncomfortable garments and self-flagellation - have been controversial.\nIn this episode, Arion, Rebecca and Olly consider the organisation\u2019s presence in the halls of power; investigate how the sect continues to attract followers, years after Escriva\u2019s death (and Sainthood); and ask just how (in)accurate Dan Brown\u2019s The Da Vinci Code really was\u2026\xa0\nFurther Reading:\n\u2022 \u2018What is Opus Dei, and why is it so controversial \u2014 both in and out of the Catholic Church?\u2019 (ABC News, 2023): https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-01-30/what-is-opus-dei-secretive-catholic-church-group-prelature/101905802\n\u2022 \u2018Letter: A former member recalls Opus Dei\u2019s methods\u2019 (Financial Times, 2024): https://www.ft.com/content/5e053d88-4b12-4cd9-95d9-fbfee2eecfa4\n\u2022\xa0\u2019St. Josemaria Escriva's impact\u2019 (Catholic News Service, 2012): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHFNuo5cefQ\n\nLove the show? Support us!\xa0\nJoin\xa0 \U0001f334CLUB RETROSPECTORS\U0001f334to DITCH THE ADS and get an additional full-length episode each SUNDAY\u2026\xa0\n\n\u2026 Plus, get weekly bonus bits, and unlock over 100 bits of extra content.\xa0\nJoin now with a free trial on Apple Podcasts or Patreon and support our show \u2764\ufe0f\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices