Japanese bishop insists: Neocatechumenal Way stays out of diocese
January 20, 2011
A Japanese bishop has announced his determination to suspend the work of the Neocatechumenal Way in his diocese, regardless of the movement’s support from Rome.
Bishop Osamu Mizobe of Takamatsu acknowledged that the Vatican has reversed a decision by the Japanese hierarchy to call a 5-year halt in all activities of the Neocatechumenal Way in their country. The Vatican has promised to send a papal delegate to investigate tensions between the movement and the bishops.
Nevertheless, Bishop Mizobe said, “It is not permissible for any organization or movement to use whatever power they can to stop the bishop from taking action in his diocese.” While the Japanese hierarchy as a whole awaits further direction from the Vatican, the bishop announced a firm policy for his own Takamatsu diocese:
The conclusion I have come to is that, until we have received the results of the visit of the special envoy of the Holy Father, I ask you to suspend all activities of the Neocatechumenal Way in the diocese.
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Posted by: AgnesDay -
Jan. 21, 2011 1:16 PM ET USA
Having participated in tertiary orders and other religious movements, I have become very wary of movements that emphasize certain spiritualities over simple Catholic spirituality. Most often, the first victim of these movements is obedience toward authority. I just wish that the Holy Father made fewer pronouncements in praise of living persons and their works, which would help them grow exponentially in humility and other virtues.
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Posted by: voxfem -
Jan. 20, 2011 10:26 PM ET USA
I hope they choose obedience.
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Posted by: -
Jan. 20, 2011 9:08 PM ET USA
Every time I read that the "Vatican" approves the Way, I also read that the approval is conditioned upon certain corrections being taken care of in the liturgy and in their catechetical texts. That indicates that something is not consistent with the Catholic faith among the Neo-catechumnals. Why all the controversy if the Way is on the up and up? In Colorado the three-times married, two-times divorced leader of the Way, Rose Mary McCleod is controversy enough for me. Good for Bishop Mizobe!
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Posted by: Obregon -
Jan. 20, 2011 8:55 PM ET USA
Gee, is this another example of a bishop acting in communion with the Bishop of Rome?
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Posted by: Minnesota Mary -
Jan. 20, 2011 6:47 PM ET USA
Three cheers for Bishop Mizobe! Hang tough Your Excellency!
