Untold: Opus Dei Opus Dei, Ep. 4: The closest tabernacle to the White House
32 snips
Apr 17, 2026 Guest
Former Opus Dei members (aggregated: e.g., Sarah, Margaret Doran)
Guest
Leo Mir / Leo Meir (represented interviewees)
Sarah and Margaret Doran, former members who recount personal spiritual direction and leaving Opus Dei. Leo Mir, ex-staff at the Catholic Information Center, shares how the CIC near the White House became a networking hub. They discuss the Center’s role in shaping conservative networks, targeted formation of young professionals, and tensions with the Vatican and critics.
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The Catholic Information Center Became A D.C. Power Hub
- The Catholic Information Center on K Street became a hub for Washington elites to pray and network two blocks from the White House.
- Leo Mir recalled heavy hitters like Rick Santorum, Antonin Scalia, Bill Barr and Jim Nicholson routinely attending Mass or visiting the CIC.
Opus Dei Focuses On Forming Elites In Workplaces
- Father Arnie aimed to turn the CIC into a network that evangelised professionals, treating work as a path to holiness.
- Michael Pekarluk said Opus Dei targets seats of power like Rome or K Street to influence the world through lay professionals.
Small Rules Revealed Gendered Culture At The CIC
- Small practices at the CIC reflected Opus Dei culture, like Father Arnie forbidding flowers or snack trays because 'that's women's work.'
- Leo Mir found such rules indicative of rigid gendered roles embedded in the centre's operation.