The Da Vinci Code
By
Dan
Brown
The
Priory of Sion—a European secret society founded in 1099—is a real
organization. In 1975 Paris Bibliothèque Nationale discovered parchments known
as Les Dossiers Secrets, identifying numerous members of the Priory of Sion, including
Sir Isaac Newton, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
The
Vatican prelature known as Opus Dei is a deeply devout Catholic sect that has
been the topic of recent controversy due to reports of brainwashing, coercion,
and a dangerous practice known as "corporal mortification."
Opus
Dei has just completed construction of a $47 million World Headquarters at 243
Lexington Avenue in New York City.