Holy See overrules Japanese bishops on Neocatechumenal Way
January 10, 2011
The Vatican Secretariat of State has overruled the Japanese bishops’ decision to suspend the activities of the Neocatechumenal Way in the nation for five years.
A group of Japanese prelates met with Pope Benedict and Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on December 13 to discuss their concerns about the lay movement. The prelates complained that the group’s activities are secretive and that its activities, including its manner of celebrating the sacred liturgy, harm the unity among the faithful.
According to a Neocatechumenal Way spokesman, the Secretariat of State has made the following decisions:
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Further information:
- Neocatechumenal Way Will Not Be Suspended in Japan (Zenit)
- Bishops want Neocatechumenal Way to leave Japan for 5 years (CWN, 12/17)
- Pope Benedict XVI: Address to members of the Neocatechumenal Way on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of its origins in Rome (2009)
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Posted by: extremeCatholic -
Jan. 12, 2011 10:08 PM ET USA
These lay movements in some areas "cherry pick" the most faithful, the most energetic Catholics from exactly the parishes where they are most needed build up the local Church.
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Posted by: dover beachcomber -
Jan. 11, 2011 4:11 PM ET USA
Quite a slapdown. Would that the Vatican would be so firm with the USCCB!
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Posted by: voxfem -
Jan. 10, 2011 7:30 PM ET USA
Anything on the liturgy that is secretive is wrong. I tried to do some research on it a couple years ago and couldn't find much. A lot of talk about how it's a great way to revitalize the people in the pew but few details. Suspicion is the right response until they are more open. Pray for the Pope and his staff so that they can see clearly.
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Jan. 10, 2011 4:43 PM ET USA
I'm on the side of the Japanese bishops on this one. Once again the Vatican disappoints.
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Posted by: Don Vicente -
Jan. 10, 2011 9:40 AM ET USA
I thought that Pope Benedict had given the Neos 2 years to conform their liturgical practice to that of the Roman Rite -- I thought that he did this back in 2005! Quico Arguello, their founder, seems to have had some notions arising from the very real Jewish roots of the Liturgy. He's an artist. Good intentions with debatable results. The Japanese bishops know Japan and their people better than the Secretariat of State. This is going to look like just another example of Western insensitivity.
