AN IRELAND AM guest has lifted the lid on her “traumatising” years living under Opus Dei’s control.
The hit breakfast show was back on air this morning for another episode of chat with Muireann O’Connell, Alan Hughes and Tommy Bowe.
Former Opus Dei member, Anne Marie Allen sat down with Muireann and Tommy to open up on her harrowing experience with the religious group.
Opus Dei is a conservative Catholic institution which was founded by Saint Josemaría Escrivá in 1928.
It now has a presence in over 60 countries and began in Ireland in 1947. It consists of lay members and clerical members.
The organisation is controversial due to its secrecy and strict teachings.
Anne Marie had originally left home in 1979 to do a training course in cookery at an Opus Dei run catering school.
But her dreams completing her course were short-lived when she ended up in a life of domestic serve under Opus Dei.
Allen explained how she joined the religious group at the age of just 16, enduring six years of what was described as “torture and mortification”.
She said: “At 16 I was given a chain and a whip and I was told to mortify myself. It wasn’t voluntary, there was no lead into it, no discernment.
“I was told that the founder did it and that we had to do it for two hours a day and sometimes that was increased if they felt like you were struggling with your vocation.”
The brave woman told how it was a “form of self-harm that was approved by the organisation.”
Muireann asked if there was any way she could have left the course, but Allen responded: “I had given up everything to do the course, so I just thought I would see it out.”
Anne Marie recalled how, as part of the course they were assigned mentors to “help them with their studies”.
She explained: “These mentors were members of Opus Dei and you were telling them personal things about yourself.
“They were very friendly and nice and you felt you could open up about your teenage angst.
“And they would say, ‘Sure why don’t you say a prayer, why don’t you pray to the founder?’”
Soon after, the idea of a vocation was introduced and Allen was asked to be the “assistant numerary” in Rome.
TOTALLY CONTROLLED
Allen told how her entire life was controlled, revealing: “Our phone calls were listened to, our contact with the outside world was limited, our post was opened up.
“Our life inside was to be invisible and live in silence and deliver this first class domestic service to Opus Dei.”
Ireland AM viewers were all left horrified by Anne Marie’s gruelling story.
Catherine wrote on Instagram: “My goodness this is awful that poor young girl. Never heard of this.”
Cathy added: “This was a horrific time in Ireland.”
Joanne remarked: “My mind is blow, like what the f*** was going on?”
And Bonnie exclaimed: “This is absolutely horrific.”
