Real Catholics

[MARK65]

My Parish Priest has told me that Opus Dei are the "real catholics" , what does he mean by that ?

[atonement]

I admit I do not know but I assume there may be a few interpretations of the question! Does he mean that Opus Dei members are more 'uncompromising' in their daily lives? Maybe he means it in a technical sense, is it anything to do with Vatican II? my guess is that your priest was complimenting members of Opus Dei for their forthrightness in carrying the holy life into the world. But I dont know. I am beginning to feel like I need to read up or do research every time I start to post on this site.... which is maybe no bad thing

[alex001]

Ah Vatican II - a subject I find fascinating to read about. Talking about "real Catholics" (and so vaguely staying on-topic) I was reading an interesting book recently called "The Smoke of Satan" which talked about the more "extreme" Catholic groups in the USA (who no doubt consider themselves "Real Catholics".) It certainly didn't include Opus Dei in this list as extreme - but there is a whole spectrum of groups. The more extreme ones consider a number of popes from Vatican II onwards to be "false popes".

I'm still learning about Vatican II (and Opus Dei), but I'm starting to wonder how many people have used Vatican II to their own advantage to promote a more "liberal" cause. The same church that held Vatican II also made Opus Dei a personal prelature. I don't think there is anything incompatible between Vatican II and Opus Dei.

A

[nick]

Definitely off topic alex001 I am copying your post into the forum 'Other Topics' Thanks

[alex001]

Just to try and bring this back on to topic. Perhaps the idea of a Real Catholic is someone who is not a "Sunday Catholic". Someone who tries to practice the principles in all their affairs. As a relatively new member of the church, and nowhere near as dedicated as members of Opus Dei, I hesitate to make any judgements. But I do respect those (like my priest) who show a committment to the Church rather than their own ideas, and who are therefore willing to make the sacrifices that demands.

A

[Dark Knight]

I agree with your priest but suspect he diddnt mean to the exclusion of a lot of other good catholics.

[Ollie]

I agree with your priest but suspect he diddnt mean to the exclusion of a lot of other good catholics.

You mean like the members of this forum?

[trenchtown]

Just to try and bring this back on to topic. Perhaps the idea of a Real Catholic is someone who is not a "Sunday Catholic". Someone who tries to practice the principles in all their affairs. As a relatively new member of the church, and nowhere near as dedicated as members of Opus Dei, I hesitate to make any judgements. But I do respect those (like my priest) who show a committment to the Church rather than their own ideas, and who are therefore willing to make the sacrifices that demands.

A

Should all Catholics not carry Gods work into their daily lives? Working or otherwise, is not the duty of all of us to do as such?

[mark]

Should all Catholics not carry Gods work into their daily lives? Working or otherwise, is not the duty of all of us to do as such?

that is our essential purpose and that is where in my opninion the hairshirt and cilix, constantly reminding us of our duty, can be a serious weapon in the struggle.

[Windhover]

Opus Dei?!? How disturbing! Doesn't that priest know that Carmelites are the 'real Catholics'...? They were described as 'strict' in that wikipedia article on mortification, after all...

This makes me recall a quote I read concerning the Jansenist heresy. A certain cardinal was sent to try and woo a convent of Jansenist nuns back into union with the Church. Apparently he didn't succeed, but he left us with an amazing description of these 'superior' ladies:

"As pure as angels and as proud as devils".