Cardinal Arinze, the head of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments as given an interview in which he addresses the liturgical directives that were recently issued to the Neocatechumenal Way.
The Cardinal presents the matter in a very kind, face-saving way, but he is clear on the points (which had been disputed by some Neocatechumenal spokesmen) that these directives are not a complete vindication of the NW’s liturgical practice and that the directives ARE to be followed and are not just a working document that needs further approval in order to go into force.
EXCERPT:
Q: How did this letter [that conveyed the directives] come about?
Cardinal Arinze: It stemmed from the results of this congregation’s examination of the way in which the Neocatechumenal Way has celebrated holy Mass for many years, as, following the approval of the statutes by the Pontifical Council for the Laity — for a five-year period — the rest of the Vatican dicasteries had to effect the approvals in their domain. Our congregation’s domain is the liturgy.
To carry out this examination, we created a mixed commission of persons named by the Neocatechumenal Way and by our congregation. In the discussions, many practices emerged which they carry out during the Mass. They were examined and it was seen that many of them were not done according to the approved books.
This is the background. Everything has been examined in many sessions by the mixed commission for a period of two years or more. And a discussion also took place among seven cardinals of the Roman Curia at the request of the Holy Father, who examined everything. Therefore, this letter is the conclusion of this whole process.
Thanks for continued coverage on the Neocathecumenal Way. I do apologetic work in Guam and the Philippines every January and this is a HUGE issue on Guam — even to the verge of dividing the Church. Thanks.
Hi Jim, the fact that this is just my first time to open this page I appreciate much of its content. Hopefully, I could spend more time surfing thru this and enjoy much more than I could.
For your info, I would like to introduce myself first before anything else.
I’m Paul Cruz Mahinay, a Philippines citizen, neocathecumenal way responsible, Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Meranila Subd.
I hope I could be one of your listed friends.
God bless.
Hi Jimmy,good blog you have here. I would like to comment on the way the neo-cathecumenal celebrated mass. I am a member of a commnunity,and I was under the imperssion we had 2 years to affect some points of change.Like standing to recieve communion. I would like to address the criticisim of some people about the communties celebrating seperately from the parish masses.Within our parish besides the normal 4 Sunday masses offered,there are two other masses,one for the Vietnamese community (with their own “church”) and a seperate mass for the Sudanese community.Why is it no one critisises these seperate events,that are permanent.?
Hi Jimmy,
I have been a non-active member of NCW. I would say that even though I am not active anymore, I still go to mass evry Sunday and observe the Liturgy as the good cardinal Arinze is pointing out. I dont think that NCW is building a church w/in a church the the way the early Reformists did.
The way has been a big, big help to me as a Catholic in whole. I appreciate the Sacraments more that ever.
Thanks for the update on my beloved brothers in the way. I hope our mother church is enlightened in all our decisions.
My wife has been a member of the NCW for more than 30 years now, and she will finally finish the program, after all that time, with the renewal of her baptismal promises, this Easter. I have attended about 150 NCW masses in the last 3 years… but as an unassociated lay participant, and would never consider joining the movement (..unless they completely change..that is!)
I find NO precedent for this type of group anywhere in the history of the Church, and I’ve read countless lives of founders of religious orders, from St. Pachomius, to St. Augustine, St.Benedict, St. Francis,St.Dominic, St.Ignatius, St. John Bosco..etc.. And nothing in the way that the NeoCatecumenal way conducts their affairs, both liturgical and social, is in anyway similar to any of these approved and holy organizations.
Agasin, I see NO Historical precendent here,(even as I see no historical precedent in the Charismatic movement)and if they say they try to re-live the first century experience…I can only compare them to groups that claim the same argument, that generally , “only the 1st. century Christian experience was authentic.” The Mormons and contless other groups propose the same arguements and themes.
However, I do find that the vast majority of it’s members are very nice, if not the most learned in theological things. But, then again, I find countless Pagans, Buddhists, Evangelicals etc.. as often very nice also.
One problem I have with the NCW is in their apparent LUST to be accepted in the Church, as authentic, which seems to defy all normal understandings of the meaning of humility and modesty. It seems that they will go to all means to promote themselves and try to prove that their ways are legitimate, and even superior.
Sitting square infront of a Catequist, one night, for about 3 hours, I needed to listen to him encourage all the members to be strong against enemies of the NCW. He seemed to imply that anyone who opposed the NCW, in anyway, was a heretic or enemy, not thinking at all if some of the criticisms might be made for purposes of ‘fraternal love and correction’ and for ‘serious cause’. During this gathering, I really was tempted to ask for the microphone from him and tell everyone that there are indeed good Catholics out there who have some very, very, serious and substantiated problems with the NCW. And moreover,we are not ENEMIES!…but rather great lovers of the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, both in all her doctrines and all her canonical laws! We love the Church because we love Jesus Christ who founded HIS one and only Church!
When I sometimes state these things, even my wife occasionally retorts, programmed, I think, by NCW lessons, that, we “live by the Spirit, not the Law”, and implies that I am overly legalistic! Really, I only want what the Church teaches! Nothing more, Nothing less!
But, with this new Arinze Letter, my wife now see’s a bit more clearly what I’m talking about! Never having been taught anything about liturgical laws and norms, after more than 30 years studing the faith in the NCW, she knows that she might have overlooked something important! She even complains that she “can’t change or influence anything, because she isn’t a leader or Catequist”. And I retort, if my group (the Legion of Mary) was in anyway opposed to Church laws or teaching, I would not hesitate to go to the highest level, and in fraternal love, to make known the errors!This is a very Christian thing to do! Why should there be so much fear? Might it not be fear of rejection from the NCW? Fear of standing up for the Truth as proved from Catholic Church canonical laws and documents?
I also, mention that the Nazi’s of Germany, many who were just ordinary soldiers, gave the same argument..ie. ” I’m just following orders”.
To put make things short, I don’t hate the NCW. I think they have tremendous POTENTIAL! But they need to obey the pope and the Vatican EXACTLY as demanded of them, and with great love and care! They need to stop twisting the meaning of things. they also need to bring their million or so members into the light, not only of the Bible, but of ‘liturgical laws and norms’ to be followed. (ie. “Redemptionis Sacramentum”, “GIRM” ect..)
And they should follow these norms just as the letter says, without addition and without omission. And I would further add…without ‘grumbling’ or trying to ‘squiggle’ or maneuver around things, or petition for extensions of time, etc.
Furthermore, I hope they read the letter VERY CAREFULLY and pay attention to the ‘fine print’, the referenced numbers from appropriate documents, etc…
Nothing should be overlooked! It’s not like it’s a 3000 page manuscript, but only a 2 page letter. So it is not right to take this letter in a ‘general’ sort of way, as is implied on the NCW Wikipedia site. In a 2 page letter every word and reference is essential!
And regarding their ‘Lay Testamonies” or “Echoes”, which can easily take 20-30 mins. or more, with an average of 6-8 testamonies at any given Mass)– and combined, occupy sometimes more time than that given by the priest or deacon’s homily, I hope they don’t by pass the following sentence in the Arinze Letter:
“Careful attention must also be paid to the Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum no.74.”
REDEMPTIONIS SACRAMENTUM [74.] If the need arises for the gathered faithful to be given instruction or testimony by a layperson in a Church concerning the Christian life, it is altogether preferable that this be done outside Mass. Nevertheless, for serious reasons it is permissible that this type of instruction or testimony be given after the Priest has proclaimed the Prayer after Communion. This should not become a regular practice, however. Furthermore, these instructions and testimony should not be of such a nature that they could be confused with the homily,[156] nor is it permissible to dispense with the homily on their account.
To all the leaders of the NCW…Please read this VERY, VERY carefully, even as is asked of you by the pope!
You ask your members to study for 30+ years to follow your NCW program! I ask only that you use 15 minutes of your time to read and follow exactly what #74. of “Redemptionis Sacramentum” teaches!
Or am I just being a ‘Pharisee’, or ‘enemy’, like some members of the NCW might insinuate, just because I try to follow and be faithful to the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church and the also the clear will of our holy father Pope Benedict XVI?
May the Lord help the NCW to adapt fully and completely to both the spirit and details of this very essential Vatican letter!!
I have been walking in the Way for almost 15 years now. The issues about the Liturgy has always been the centre of many criticisms. However, over the years, there has been many changes which is done in accordance with the Liturgical norms.
While it is true that when I first started to walk, there were somethings missing – like the Creed and the Lamb of God. But, these are now practiced by us.
Regarding the holy communion, I don’t see much of a “fuss” when one recieves the body and blood of Christ standing or sitting because, to me, this is but a symbolic gesture. What is important is that one recieves it with deep reverence – having one’s heart and mind focused on Jesus Christ. Before Vatican II, people used to recieve the Body of Christ with their tongue. But now, Catholics are allowed to recieve it with their hand. Why has this not become an issue?
Everytime I attend the Saturday Eucharist I am always edified by the echo of my brothers – because it makes the Word alive. Only when the Word is alive, can one see and taste it as the Word made flesh – precisely in the Holy Communion. Otherwise, whether one stands or line up OR sits down – when recieving the Body and Blood of Christ without such Spirit, it is pointless. It’s just “going thru the motions”.
another thing, is the sign of peace. It’s true that we do it after the Creed and the Four Prayers (intercession). But what is wrong with that? I find it much more meaningful to do so especially when this moment is used as an occassion for us to reconcile with each other – i.e. with those whom we may have had a grudge, judgement or something like that and vise versa. Otherwise, how is it possible for one to say “Holy, Holy, Holy” and the “Our Father” when there is still something unsettled. Did not Christ tell us to be reconciled with our brothers first BEFORE offering our gifts at the altar? In the Sunday masses that I attend, some people don’t nod/bow to each other during the sign of peace, much less to shake hands. The issue here is not whether the sign of peace is done before or after the anaphora but that it is done in the right spirit.
If these things becomes a nitty gritty issue, then we should also question more about about liturgical practices done based on “inculturation”. An example is in Taiwan – where during the All Souls Day, the Presbyter usually takes a small cup of Chinese wine, prays (interceeds) for the souls of the dead and slowly pours the wine in front of the “plaque?” – bearing the names of the dead. This practice, as far as I know, is an ancient Chinese tradition – which is practiced by the Chinese people. But why did the Pope and his predecessors permit it? In short, there are several of these liturgical norms which were and are still allowed by the Catholic Church due to geographical and cultural considerations. But this is not the place for me to enumerate here. It’s best that you find them out for yourselves by attending the All Soul’s Day mass in Taiwan. Again, Hong Kong Catholics practice cremation out of necessity since land is very much limited.But why this does not become an issue here? Why pin-point the Neocatechumenal liturgy? Find out for yourselves and tell me is what I am saying is something made-up or real.
As far as my experience can testify, I am greatly helped by the Way because the Eucharistic celebration is NOT the only thing that helped me but also the Liturgy of the Word and the Convivences.
Neocathecumenal way………… going back my High School days….. my father asked me who is GOD for me ……. i answered him God is ” Papa Jesus” “Yahweh”…the one who created us and made all the things in this World….
My father replied…. NO! GOD is …… television,”artista”, breakgame, all the things i (refererring to myself) saw i praised and idolized……
My parents become a member when i was 12, …… from 12 to 14 years old and present i don’t understand those things they are doing like attending Eucharist every Saturday, once in a year ECHO CONVIVINCE, and once in year “SALUBONG” and memorizing the NEO’S song(s).
For me , the greatest gift i received from GOD is when my parents entered NEO.
i’ve learned how be more patience, understanding and how to love our neighbor more than ourselves despite i’m not an active member.
being a NEO member you have to surrender everything to god….. because in this Community no matter how good-bad you are , no matter how rich-poor you are no matter how strong-weak your faith you have….still GODs message for each one of us is to BE like him.
As a “cradle catholic” attending K-12 in Catholic school when we still had the gift of religious (sisters and priests) as teachers – I still drifted from a true, living understanding of my faith and how I was to practice it once I got into the world so to speak. I have walked with an NCW community for 4 years and my life has been transformed by this charism of the Holy Spirit. I am drawn to the sacrements, the Word of God in the scriptures, with an interior depth of understanding and connection that I never had before. My family does not walk in the NCW community, but their lives too have been blessed in an interior way. Our lives are much better spriritually despite the fact that each of us has suffered physical and temporal diffuculties during this same period of time far beyond anything we’d ever had imagined. Praise and thanks be to God for this gift to His people.
hi jimmy,
Im a memeber of NCW for more than 4 years and I found out that the way realy helping me in building my faith to God and follow His teachings,It restore my catholic faith gradually.
I have been in the Neocatechumenal Way since my parents started walking in the Way when I was five years old. I joined a community when i was 12. If my parents had never joined the way they would have been divorced and I would not have the ten siblings that I have now. They could hardly be called Catholics when they started walking, but now i see a change in them that has changed my life as well. Without the Way and the signs of faith my parents have become, I would certainly be lost today.