To the University of Guam Board of Regent member who is a member of the NEO movement and approached my husband today to defend Father Pius and express her dissatisfaction with my public comments on what is happening with our Church community I have this to say - I used to have respect for you, I always thought you were a nice woman. I wondered why you left our parish. But hey that's your choice. And it's my CHOICE to express my opinion and feelings on this matter. COWARD - you have something to say about me and my views say it to my face. You know where I live. Keep your NEO Poison away from my family. That goes for all of you NEOS. You have no idea what a pissed off Irish Catholic I am right now.
To the UOG Regents, endowment foundation and everyone else affiliated. DO NOT MIX YOUR RELIGIOUS CULT WITH OUR PUBLICLY FUNDED UNIVERSITY.
To the UOG Regents, endowment foundation and everyone else affiliated. DO NOT MIX YOUR RELIGIOUS CULT WITH OUR PUBLICLY FUNDED UNIVERSITY.
ALERT! ALERT! ZOLTAN YOU ARE WANTED IN THE PRINCIPAL'S OFFICE.
ReplyDeleteHope you're listening Dr. Underwood.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't want to jeopardize that federal funding now would we? Better check on those other two professors as well...
Yes, you go! I am behind you all the way. I'm glad you stood up against that. It is spirits like yours that motivate me to actively voice my concern for our church and to stand up without fear.
ReplyDeleteGood job. You go girl. We're with you.
ReplyDeleteSo....family has no boundaries now, huh? As Bernadette stated, COWARD! For those who choose to go that route, beware! I, for one will not tolerate that type of abuse. You think a pissed off Irish Catholic woman is bad?
ReplyDeleteHi Tim, you need to check out the Diocese of Orange as they have also run into problems with the neocatechumenal way at Our Lady of the Pillar Parish. The Diocese of Orange had two potential seminarian there and the neocatechumenal people did not want to cooperate in sending their candidates to where the local bishop wanted them to go so instead of working with the diocese's vocation's office, they left and joined a Redemptoris Mater seminary someplace else. This left officials at the Diocese of Orange really upset because they were not willing to listen to the local bishop.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sorry a$$ bunch of people this Neo, sneaking behind Mrs. Meno's back, so pathetic.
ReplyDeleteSo I guess anyone who expresses their opinions on their own Facebook page will be hunted down like Bernadette Meno? Do these people not know when to stop?
ReplyDeleteHello everyone, I am currently a youth (17 yrs old) member of the Neo. Like many of you, I feel that the Neocatechumenal Way should be abolished from our Island. I disagree with many of the teachings and practices that are taught by the Neo. Although my parents would be upset and most likely hold a grudge for a while, I plan to stop "walking" in the Way once I turn 18. The reason I am a member of the Neo is because my parents joined it when I was about 5 or 6 years old, and like most children, I followed where my parents went and what they believed in. Fortunately, I am lucky enough to not have had my mind "brainwashed" into thinking that the practices and beliefs of the Neo is the proper way to strengthen my faith and put me on the right track into God's kingdom.
ReplyDeleteHaving been in it for over a decade already, I have a personal, first-hand account of what it is like to be in the Neo and the people who join it. I am asking that you please remember that members of the Neo are people as well. They have regular jobs, families, attend parties, functions, etc. From what I have noticed, the Neo appeals to those who are in bad points in their lives. Many of those that join in the beginning of their walk are in a dark place, have deep personal issues, emotional scars, and they are broken/hurting spiritually and/or mentally. And, like many people at a dark point in their life they looked to the Church for help and guidance. To them, joining the Neo seems like a better alternative than attending regular Sunday Mass and going to confession. And because their minds are in a very vulnerable state when they join, they are also easily manipulated into believing the beliefs and following the practices of the Way. The youth in the Way have been raised in it, which leads many of them to believe that following the Neo is the right way to practice their Catholic faith.
And as in all groups there will be those who feel they are better than others, they act arrogant and feel like everything they do is the right thing. There is no excuse for what the UOG board member did approaching Mrs. Meno’s husband, that was a stupid action on her part. But please, do not label all those in the Neo as outcasts because in the end, we are human beings. There is good in everybody whether you see it or not.
As a 17 year old teenager, I am still accepted by all my friends because I don’t go around preaching to them everything about the Neo and that it would be better if all Catholics were in it. I came to a conclusion at 12 years old that the Neo was not for me. There has always been a bad feeling in me that the Neo was not right. I hope that you all read this and think about what I said. I am sorry for any grammatical errors as I am not the best writer in the world. The one teaching that I have learned from the Neo that I think we can all agree on is that God loves you for who you are and not what you do.
This sounds like someone who wants to build bridges. What a refreshing point of view. Thank you for being an oasis in this desert.
DeleteMay my prayers do help you walk the path that God gave to you when you were conceived, I started out with the first community in our parish, but left when explanations were not forthcoming when contradiction arose between what is being taught and what was learned from the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I am praying for you. Jes of Chalan Pago.
DeleteThank you 17 year old Anonymous. Early on, I tried to make the distinction between regular members of the NCW, like yourself and probably your parents, people who just want to deepen their faith, and the Kiko's, the militant faction of your group whose activism doesn't do the rest of you any favors.
DeleteIn general though, movements like this come and go in the church, and as you point out, are often in response to a need. It is to the discredit of our church that we have not done more to address the needs of those on the margins, the divorced, the abandoned, the mentally hurting. And I hope that the end of all this, the pastors who are left standing, will have had a wake up call.
I personally have begged some, even the archbishop (though he won't remember) to do more for married people other than just pre-cana. Next to the ordained, sacramentally married people are Satan's biggest target, and it is a shame we do not better engage the evil battle that is occurring in our church on that front.
While the neo movement has helped many people, helping people can not be our standard if we wish to judge catholicity. Recently a Jehovah Witness gathering was held at UOG and a friend who attended, a Catholic, told me of the many testimonies he heard from people who testified to how they were saved from all the ills that we regularly here testified about from people in the NCW. In fact, according to my friend, there were nearly 3000 people at this gathering. If it’s about helping people then certainly the Jehovah Witnesses are doing a wonderful job.
But of course it’s not just about that, it’s about truth. And at the core of the problems with the NCW is Kiko’s theology. It’s not noticeable to most because most don’t have a theological background, or sadly, even a rudimentary catechetical knowledge of their Catholic faith.
I don’t have time to get into it here. But I would venture to guess that this different theology is at the root of your discomfort with the NCW. Chuck White has done some very valuable research on this. I would recommend his blog at www.thoughtfulcatholic.com
Thank you again for your honesty and courage. Tim
Out of the mouth of babes the truth comes...
DeleteThank you AnonymousAugust 5, 2014 at 12:40 AM(17 yr old) for speaking boldly.
Tim, my husband and I were members of the archdiocesan marriage ministry a few years ago. A fundraising was conducted with a plan toward sponsoring events to help Catholics strengthen their marriages. The chancery staff took the lead with ticket and cash collection and finances. Months after the event, we were stonewalled regarding the results of our effort. Finally, when planning for the event for the following year we were informed that the money got siphoned up into the "general fund" or some such and were thrown a pittance, I believe.
DeleteMy husband an I were horrified and extremely disheartened that we were party to pretty much lying about where funds were to be directed. Our group had such high hopes to be part of promoting marriage in the diocese. It was an effort by us laity to help strengthen our faith. Botched by an "administration" who looked at efforts with the title "archdiocesan" to be their imprimatur to the collections. Needless to say, my husband and I faded out of the picture. This activity continued sporadically but we ceased our participation. Perhaps other efforts by the laity withered likewise because of chancery greed.
I pray that the Lord continues to bless this young person for speaking sincerely. I have had a very similar experience. It is so hard to speak out and go against your parents, even when they take away your spirit by forcing you to do something. Their heart is in the right place, but it is still wrong.
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous @12:40 AM, First of all, let me say that for someone so young, you are very wise! You made some very fine points in your comment and what stood out to me is your reminder for everyone not to label everyone in the Neo as outcasts and your reminder to all of us that we are all human beings. In our anger and frustration, it is very easy to forget this very important fact. You are right in that everyone has good in them.
ReplyDeleteI do hope however, that you consider not waiting until you are 18 to leave the NCW. Why wait? You already know in your heart that it is not right. Whatever you decide to do, know that you will be in my prayers. Continue to grow and persevere in your Catholic faith. God bless!
Bernadette is awesome!
ReplyDelete1240. Thank you. You really touch my heart. Yes. We are all human beings loved by God no matter what state in life we are in. I pray for all of us that we come to unite as one true church. Keep praying. God bless you and may the holy spirit guide you in your journey.
ReplyDelete1240. You are wise and I admire your courage. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteDr Underwood is speaking at Rotary Club of Guam this Thursday. Find someone who is a member and come as their guest. Be a fun discussion to watch. Let's spread this controversy. Lunch starts at 12, speaker comes on at 1230.
ReplyDeleteBernadette, where do you think Tamuning Community gets their table wine? Ahh those Neo Cate communists...I miss being in the community. Ahh that kiss if peice. . Left cheek right cheek and one in the middle for good measure. Yes I'm a sinner, and there is plenty of sinning going on in the communities. Daamn that Easter vigil was long, sleep in the back with the old guys in Piti community. Hahaha I used to make the bread. Shhh don't tell anyone I put salt and sometimes a little butter. Dude, Jesus needed to taste good. Did you know they make Mogan David with extra alcohol, good stuff. Father V would fall off the wagon in the Neo. Someone say Pizza? Money is evil, you don't appreciate the graces Gid gives you...so why dont you put it in this trash bags. Grace who? Hahahaha Pizza Pizza
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