One of the really cool things about having a blog that more than a handful of people read is that publishers are constantly sending me free books (I’ve received about 20 boks in the last 4 months). The way it normally works is that a publishing representative will send me an email that says, “So-and-so has a brilliant book coming out in the next few weeks on X. Would you be interested in receiving a free copy?” To which, I normally respond, “Sure.”

Well, this evening I came to a really neat surprise. Some kind soul at Doubleday sent me Scott Hahn’s latest book, entitled “Ordinary Work, Extraordinary Grace: My spiritual journey in Opus Dei.” Now, those of you who have been reading SA for some time now know that I think the world of Scott Hahn, and I am . . . well, let’s just say I feel a strong connection to Opus Dei. :) So, I am obviously thrilled to have an advance copy of the book. I am a little perplexed as to how I got on the freebie list. Indeed, I never even received an email about the book, which is a tad unusual. But I am certainly not complaining. Thanks Doubleday! You rule! 

In any event, I plan on reviewing the book for y’all in the near future; so, stay tuned.

Very cool.

I am interested in doing a brief interview with a member of Opus Dei (preferably with someone who lives in the South). I am hoping to publish the interview here at SA the day the movie-that-must-not-be-named comes out. Please email me if you or someone you know is willing to do the interview. Thanks!

The NY Daily News has this piece, “Inside Opus Dei,” which notes, inter alia:

This obscure Catholic society, whose Latin name means Work of God, has been thrust into the spotlight by the blockbuster book and upcoming movie, and so it is opening its doors and waging a public campaign to debunk the secretive, sinister reputation it gained from the novel.

To battle Sony Pictures and the movie opening May 19 starring Tom Hanks, Opus Dei ramped up its Web site, produced a high-quality film showing everyday members across the country - farmers, firefighters, businesspeople, students - and is urging them to give interviews.

. . . .

The group espouses the conservative, pre-Vatican II ideals, a counterpoint to liberation theology, in which activist clerics work to change conditions for the poor and downtrodden. Its members are rumored to be at the highest levels of governments and financial institutions.

“None of the famous people who are said to be members are,” Finnerty said, shaking his head at the mention of actor Mel Gibson, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.).

Except for Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls, he would not divulge the names of any prominent or celebrity members, citing privacy.

At the $47 million, 17-story red brick and limestone building on 34th St. and Lexington Ave., Finnerty spoke in a 16th floor conference room with sweeping views of the city. Asked who the New York leader is, Finnerty said only that it’s a team of lay people and priests.

“It’s an institution blessed by several Popes. That wouldn’t have happened if Opus Dei was the way this small handful of people perceive it,” he said.

I am just curious: How many of my fellow Catholic readers have been asked whether they were members of Opus Dei over the past few weeks. Me? I’d say at least a half dozen times.