Numeraries

Numeraries are members of Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church. They are typically celibate and live in Opus Dei centers rather than in family homes while actively participating in the organization’s mission. Numeraries usually pursue professional careers or university studies in secular settings and integrate their work with their spiritual formation within the center.

A central feature of life as a numerary is the daily discipline of prayer and sacramental practice, especially regular Mass and personal prayer, along with ongoing spiritual instruction offered by Opus Dei. The guiding idea is the sanctification of ordinary life: work, study, and daily duties are seen as paths to holiness when performed with faith, diligence, and a spirit of service.

Numeraries participate in the life and governance of their local Opus Dei centers and contribute to its apostolic activities. They may provide guidance or mentoring to other members and participate in programs designed to support the spiritual and educational aims of the prelature.

Opus Dei distinguishes numeraries from other types of members, notably supernumeraries, who are typically married or live with their families, and associates, who participate in a different capacity. Globally, numeraries form a significant portion of Opus Dei’s membership and can be found in diverse professional and academic settings, reflecting the organization’s emphasis on integrating faith with daily life.