For a century, Opus Dei has transmitted to the world a message of encounter with God in ordinary life. A first of its kind, this book is an extensive investigation of this institution and its founder, Josemaría Escrivá. All documentation that exists and is preserved about Opus Dei and its founder, as well as numerous oral testimonies, have been accessed in order to leave no rock unturned in this historical reveal of one of the Church's most fascinating modern lay and clerical organization. PART I International Consolidation (1962-1975) Chapter 1. Governance of a Global Entity Section 1. An Ongoing Process of Founding Section 2. Central and Regional Governing Bodies Chapter 2. Formation Section 1. St. Raphael's Work Section 2. Philosophical and Theological Education of Numeraries Section 3. Professional and Family Care of Persons Section 4. Associates and Supernumeraries Section 5. The Diocesan Clergy Chapter 3. Institutional Activities Section 1. Higher Education Section 2. Primary and Secondary Schools Section 3. Technical and Vocational Training Centers Section 4. Development and Demise of Common Works Section 5. Financial Support of Apostolic Activities Chapter 4. Theological-Legal Developments Section 1. An Anomalous Situation Section 2. The Message of Opus Dei at Vatican Council II Section 3. The Special General Congress Chapter 5. A Post-Conciliar Legacy Section 1. Doctrinal and Liturgical Measures Section 2. Activity of Members in Spanish Politics and Other Settings Section 3. The Founder's Final Projects, Writings, and Travels PART II THE YEARS OF ESCRIVÁ'S FIRST SUCCESSOR (1975-1994 Chapter 6. A New Hand at the Helm Section 1. A New "Father" in Opus Dei Section 2. Governing Opus Dei Section 3. Activities of the Prelate Section 4. Relations with John Paul II Chapter 7. The Legal Solution Section 1. The Process Section 2. Advantages of the New Legal Status Section 3. Protecting the Prelature Chapter 8. Growth Section 1. Numerical Growth Section 2. New Countries Chapter 9. Doctrinal Formation Section 1. Cooperators and Young People Section 2. Formation of Members of the Work Section 3. Service to the Church Chapter 10. Apostolic Activities Section 1 Educational Activities Section 2. Social Works Chapter 11. Public Opinion Section 1. Spain: The Rumasa Affair Section 2. Great Britain: Cardinal Hume Speaks Section 3. Germany: Opus Dei Defends Itself in the Courts Section 4. Italy: A Parliamentary Inquiry Chapter 12. The Beatification of the Founder Sect