The history of Opus Dei in Mexico: a path of faith towards success and power

Abstract

This article addresses the expansion of Opus Dei in the economic, political and religious life of contemporary Mexico, highlighting the support it has received among local economic and political elites. The first part of the article explains the founding myth of Opus Dei and the conformation of the organization of the laity in Spain during the Civil War. The second part explains the first years of promotion of Opus Dei in Mexico, beginning with the arrival of the first Spanish members in 1948 and the creation of the women’s section in 1950. The third part deals with the consolidation of Opus Dei in Mexico, from the year 1967 to date. The main driving force behind this process is the founding of the first business management school in Latin America, IPADE, by numeraries and supernumeraries, whilst being spiritually directed by priests. The article is based on interviews with numeraries and supernumeraries, along with documentary sources.