麻豆约拍

Opus Dei is a controversial Catholic organisation with schools and conference centres across the globe. Close links to the Vatican mean senior members are highly influential within the Catholic church. Opus Dei is Latin for 鈥淲ork of God鈥� and their aim is to help people to achieve holiness through their everyday work. The vast majority of its members are lay people.

Within Opus Dei, 鈥渁ssistant numeraries鈥� are women responsible for cooking and cleaning in Opus Dei centres, serving other Opus Dei members from more educated backgrounds. Over the years, these assistant numeraries appear to have mainly been recruited from poor or working-class backgrounds and through hospitality schools affiliated with the organisation.

Former assistant numeraries who worked in Opus Dei centres say they were overworked, unpaid, isolated from their families and emotionally and spiritually abused. For some, the experience has left their faith deeply shaken.

Many former members are now speaking up and seeking justice. Journalist Antonia Cundy speaks to women in Latin America about their experiences, and what justice would mean for them.

Presented by Antonia Cundy. Produced by Rachel Briggs for 麻豆约拍 World Service.