Elitist, Opus Dei? I don't think so

Kathleen McCormick, is a carer, cleaner, grandmother and a Co-operator of Opus Dei. She lives in Glasgow.

I’ve never had money. Money helps to make your life easier. I’ve been down so many times, I know what it’s like not to have any money – you can’t survive. I never really liked educated people in high jobs – before, I wouldn’t have given you the time of day. I wouldn’t even say hello to someone like you.

It’s because we were so badly treated as children; we were so poor as children – we had nothing. We were neglected by teachers, the well educated people, I hated them! Doctors, teachers, officials… we were neglected so my opinion of professionals was very bad.

But not now, not since meeting Anne, that’s where it all started. She’s my doctor. She’s a numerary of Opus Dei, and she’s been so good to me all through my illness till now. She gave me a wee prayer card of St Josemaria, which I put away in a drawer for a long time.

Then I began to know more about him and I prayed to God through him, just talking to him. I’ve been cured of cancer and have had very bad health and horrific pain, and I’ve received a lot of support from St Josemaria, in many, many ways… but that’s another story. We are great friends.

I just wish I’d met you years ago, when my children were younger… you could have taught me to cook and do so many things I didn’t know how to do. I was very alone. I tell my daughters and sons now to jump at the chance to take their children to activities people of Opus Dei organise.

And I have met so many other wonderful people. When I have been very ill or upset I’m able to ring my friends in Opus Dei, and they help me so much. I may still fall out with people because I am awful quick- tempered, but nobody holds a grudge.

I go to recollections sometimes, when I can. I enjoy it. It gives me time to sit and relax and think in peace. I found this very tiring at first, it took a lot out of me; after the first few times though, I felt better and I got used to it. There’s a lot I don’t understand about prayer.

My son Danny will tell you about my miracle… when I was attacked by three men – drug addicts – and very nearly stabbed. Those young men are all dead now, drug-related. Looking into their eyes was incredible: I’ve seen a deadness in people’s eyes who are on drugs.

St Josemaria really does take care of me. I was wrong to fall out with him, but he understands.