Resources Miguel Fisac Interview Now Available (from ODAN newsletter Vol. 10, No. 1, 2000) ODAN is pleased to make available: "An Interview with Miguel Fisac: An Insight into the Early Years of Opus Dei." The booklet details the experiences of Miguel Fisac, a prominent early member of Opus Dei who knew Opus Dei's founder intimately. Fisac became a member of Opus Dei in 1936 after repeated pressures from Opus Dei's founder, Josemaria Escriva and other Opus Dei members. He was a trusted friend of Escriva's, often accompanying him on long journeys. In the 1950's, Fisac became disenchanted with Opus Dei, deciding to leave the organization in 1955. Despite an amicable departure, Fisac endured ostracization and persecution at the hands of Opus Dei members. A prominent Spanish architect, Fisac suffered professionally because of Opus Dei's infiltration into Spanish society, and its power to blacklist. In the interview, Fisac relates a story of particular cruelty on the part of Opus Dei members. After Fisac's young daughter died, Opus Dei members visited him and in no uncertain terms told him that her death was a punishment for leaving Opus Dei. As the only surviving member who belonged to Opus Dei before the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Fisac was sought after by Opus Dei's Founder for his and his family's ability to provide financially. Fisac was included in Escriva's legendary escape over the Pyrenees because his family was able to provide a significant amount of money needed to hire a guide for the journey. Fisac's earnings as an architect were the main source of income for Opus Dei in the early years. Fisac's testimony was refused by the Tribunal of the case of beatification of Msgr. Escriva. Why? Fisac explains this in detail in the booklet. The foreword to the booklet is written by Alberto Moncada, a sociologist and writer who is also a former Opus Dei member. Moncada is the author of "Historia Oral de Opus Dei," a book which relied heavily on the testimony of Fisac. The booklet also includes a brief biography of Fisac, an index of names, and a description of ODAN and its purposes. Posted to website May 13, 2002 |