By Tim Rohr
A certain Cardinal Becciu has been in the church news quite a lot lately. He is already a convicted felon, but he was recently made to stand trial for more corruption charges. You can learn about his history in this Wikipedia article. Scroll down to the section titled "Trial."
His name has appeared on this blog multiple times, beginning in 2014, when a letter, signed by Becciu, was loudly trumpeted by local Neocats as proof that "Pope Francis backs the Neocatechumenal Way."
We questioned the letter in 2014 here. Something didn't sound right. Becciu appeared to be another Kiko-operative in the Vatican. How fitting that he ended up as "the first Catholic Cardinal to testify in Vatican criminal court," and then convicted.
In looking at your link to a 2014 JW post, I don’t recall that post, but it is also very timely.
ReplyDeleteMy take away is that your 2014 post makes it very clear that the NCW is to celebrate the Easter Vigil with the ONE parish Easter Vigil.
There was a meeting in 2024, when I was delegate to the NCW, where the Apostolic Delegate, Fr Romy Convocar, and Fr Paul made it clear to the NCW leadership that there was to be no separate NCW vigil mass. The NCW representatives were not happy about the decision, claiming it was allowed in their statutes.
Fr Paul pointed to the GIRM which requires only one Easter Vigil in a parish, and that they were wrong in their understanding of the NCW statutes.
They left the meeting knowing they were clearly told to join their parishes for a single Easter Vigil.
But as we have seen in other areas, the NCW does what the NCW wants to do. So they celebrated their own Easter Vigil.
Yes. They have always done whatever they want because they own the bishop of whatever diocese they are in.
DeleteIn 2024 who did they own?
DeleteThey owned the bishop makers. Both Convocar and Jimenez minded their manners. Both were rewarded.
DeletePope Francis settled the matter in 2014, revoking a Feria VI in this regard. The Easter Vigil with the indults granted to the Neocatechumenal Way can be held, as is done in all parishes of the Pope's Diocese (Rome). Becciu has nothing to do with the Neocatechumenal Way; he is linked to Chiara Lubich's Focolare Movement. (Everyone knows this.) From what you write, I must say that unfortunately, Pope Leo, who is American, when he warned the Spanish bishops about the danger of traditionalists, very similar to American evangelicals and influenced by nonsense like QAnon, etc., was probably right. Fortunately, in Europe (and in Italy in particular), this is a marginal issue. P.S. It's truly unfortunate to read certain comments from a gentleman who I believe is a permanent deacon. Perhaps he would review canons 273 to 289, which he is bound to respect. Happy Lent, a time of conversion - for everyone -.
ReplyDeleteWould you mind posting or linking to the documentation you reference relative to "Pope Francis settled the matter." Apparently the hierarchy in this diocese is unaware. Also, since you seem to be quite knowledgeable about the NCW, what are your thoughts about the NCW's disregard - since 2017 - of the moratorium (and still in effect) on the formation of new communities?
DeleteObviously, I have no link to forward, just as your bishop doesn't need one; he can refer to the source. For your information, an Italian journalist you're certainly familiar with wrote about it: Sandro Magister, announcing the opening of the evaluation process in 2012 and its closure in 2014 by the Supreme Pontiff. If Neocatechumenal Way catechesis is not permitted in your diocese, you must be obedient to the bishop, but certainly, for a parent, being denied a serious and comprehensive education in the Catholic faith for their children is a source of pain. Perhaps for some traditionalist parishioners or deacons, it's better to have an atheist child? So, if families, fulfilling their right and duty to educate their children, provide a parental education in the faith, I see nothing wrong with that; on the contrary, I see a lot of value in it! The important thing is that a Catholic theology be always proposed, founded on the Creed, the Word of God, and the Sacraments. But also on Catholic morality on issues such as: the right to life (even Cain), love for enemy, welcoming strangers, helping poor's, rejecting war, and announcing the good news.
DeleteYou didn't answer the question.
DeleteDear Anonymous at 11:18. Can you let me know which Canon you believe I have not been faithful to? The comment I made was relevant to the posting by Tim which shows the NCW does NOT have authority to celebrate their own Easter Vigil. If that is wrong, then show us all where that authorization has been granted so we can all review it. If such a document exists, then produce it.
DeleteIf Rome allows the NCW to do separate Easter Vigils, I am not aware. But ultimately, any exclusions or modifications to that would be at the discretion of their ordinary.
My comment was specific for Guam. The Guam NCW was specifically told they were to celebrate their Easter Vigil with their parish and not separate. They were back then unable to provide any documentation granting an indult to the very clear GIRM. Our apostolic delete at the time had the same authority as the ordinary, and he was very clear…join your parish for the Easter Vigil. But the NCW refused to be obedient to that requirement. So how did I violate canon law by my comment?
One last comment…if you expect us to take you seriously I suggest you use your real name. Why are you hiding from us?
This is a good point. The local Neocats have always argued this and that about what their Statutes permit, and, of course, always with their own interpretation. But bottom line is that the NCW has no authority of its own other than what is granted to it by the bishop in whatever diocese they operate. If the bishop of this diocese says "no separate Easter Vigil," then that's it.
DeleteIt's quite clear that the Anonymous challenger is another typical Neocat given the usual disregard for any local authority.
And as regards Deacon Steve Martinez, we, in Guam (since it doesn't sound like you are from here), are forever grateful to him. He was the lone cleric who was willing to stand up publicly to the former Archbishop Apuron and call him out for the decades of sexual abuse of minors which he both participated in and oversaw. Deacon Steve's courage led to exposing the largest sex abuse scandal, per capita, in the whole Catholic world. Apuron slapped him with a censure, but he didn't care. Right is right. And hundreds, if not thousands of victims of clergy sex abuse finally had access to justice, thanks to the same Deacon you feel authorized to chastise behind "anonymous." Typical Neocat.
ReplyDeleteActually, on second thought, Anonymous, I believe you are from here. And you are also a long time reader of JW. That's easy to tell from your reference to Sandro Magister, who I haven't mentioned in years. Nice try though. Hafa Adai. P.S. Only a Neo would wish a "Happy" Lent. As the rest of us know, in case you don't, Lent is when we enter into the wilderness with Jesus and join in his pain. So, "Blessed Lent" would be more appropriate. Just a suggestion. But seems that you Neocats could use some of that "traditional" catechesis. :)
DeleteTo Anonymous at 8:40:
ReplyDeleteArchbishop Byrnes initiated the moratorium on the creation of new NCW communities after trying on several occasions to review and understand exactly what was being taught on your catechesis. His request was denied to review a copy of David Atienza’s Catechetical Directory. At that point he placed the moratorium on new communities until his request to review the materials was agreed to by David and the NCW. It was their decision to accept the moratorium instead of giving the Archbishop a copy. And that moratorium remains in place today. This is a choice the NCW has made.
However, in his wisdom and compassion, the Archbishop did allow for existing members (at the time the moratorium went into effect), to add their children to communities. David and Maruxa Atienza were certainly aware of this as they also brought it up in a meeting we had with the NCW. But the fact remains that the NCW has ignored the moratorium and has created new communities without regard to the moratorium.
I do agree with you…parents are to be the first teachers of the faith to their children. And if they need help from the Church, the clergy is ready and willing to fulfill our obligation. Are you implying that the clergy in your parish are unable to do this adequately?
And even the priests serving the NCW should be more than willing to carechise any one wishing that, without a person having to join the NCW should can we both agree to that?
Lastly, as I suggested to Anon at 11:18, use your real name and be proud of it.
God bless.
I agree with Tim regarding Deacon Steve.
ReplyDeleteTim. My apologies. I didn’t intend my comment at 3:20 or so to be anonymous. It was my comment regarding the NCW being responsible for the continuance of the moratorium. Abp Byrnes would have reconsidered right away if he was supplied with the information David and Maruxa refused to provide. I proudly affix my name to it.
ReplyDeleteDeacon Steve Martinez
1) My name is Lucio, I'm Italian (I live in Italy), I'm 52 years old, married, have a daughter, and am a blue-collar worker. I'm a former agnostic and have been attending the Neocatechumenal Way in my parish for 18 years. 2) The Neocatechumenal Way is at the service of the bishops; clearly, a bishop can decide to ban the Easter Vigil for small communities, of course. How certain is it that the Roman Pontiff has allowed and encouraged it for at least 52 years in his diocese? Does that mean something for everyone? 3) I don't know the dynamics of your island, I don't know what the catechists of the Neocatechumenal Way on your island have or haven't said. It's clear that there's a clear lack of charity, understanding, and acceptance. I don't understand what this vigil takes away from you, especially since I don't believe you're obligated to participate. 4) As for the deacon, I recognized his name because I'd read it in a comment on a page of American traditionalists, on X. He wrote that Kiko "sells" liturgical furnishings and other items, which isn't true. An ordained minister isn't someone who rants in a pub. 5⁸) This is my last comment. The only thing I can do is pray for the Church on this island, and I'd say for the entire American Church, at risk of hydrological deviations.
ReplyDeleteLOL "Lucio." Nice try. I think this is your "last comment," because you're getting the feeling we know who you are. We've been dealing with you guys for more than 10 years. You're getting too easy to spot. Blessed Lent. :)
DeleteDear Lucio:
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I know that famous Brazilians often go by one name, but I didn’t know that Italians do the same. Where in Italy are you from? And what is your last name?
FYI, I was in the NCW, and when Kiko was on Guam I had the chance to hear him talk about the initial idea of the creation of the NCW. He said the goal was to get people who were outside the Church to come into the Church. And once they have been catechized, then he wanted to return them into the Church/parish. Small community first, then back into the big (and parish) community.
That is a sound goal, and Rome agreed to allow the NCW to go in that direction. But that is not the way it is working on Guam. Here, most of the members of the NCW were Church members taken out of the parish, and sent to small and private communities.
So, you have been in the NCW for 18 years. That’s a long time, and you have gone through all your scrutiny steps. And many people, here and in Italy, ask when will you be integrated into the parish community where you belong? We have many members of the NCW on Guam that have been in community for up to 31 years when the NCW first came here. When will they integrate to the parish and Church as a whole? Will they ever be full members of the parish community? Or will they always be in a separated, small community?
I’m glad to hear the you acknowledge that “…clearly, a bishop can decide to ban the Easter Vigil for small communities, of course.” I’m curious as to your thoughts on why the NCW in Guam decided to completely ignore the Ordinary’s instructions. David and Maruxa Atienza have no regard for the idea of obedience to the local Bishop…and that seems to extend to the priests who serve those communities because the clergy in the NCW also chose to be disobedient to their Ordinary. And regardless of our personal desires, as members of the clergy, at some point we are called to follow our vow of obedience. Can you tell me why the NCW clergy choose to not follow their Bishop when it is inconvenient?
No one can show me where the NCW communities are allowed to celebrate the Easter Vigil in Rome separately. And I was my Bishop’s delegate to the NCW for many years. You say that Rome has a separated celebration for 52 years. For me, that is rather sad. Even if that is so, it is the Bishop’s prerogative. But the GIRM is specific in this area. The Easter Vigil is so significant that all people of a parish are called to show unity by celebrating only one Easter Vigil. Why does the NCW not want to participate in parish unity? Why do they choose to celebrate outside of the Church and away from their fellow Catholics on such a significant event? Are they separated brethren who do not want to associate with the rest of our parish community? Do they believe that their Mass is somehow better than the Mass in the Church? That’s what people on Guam are feeling…that some NCW members feel special. And we know what Jesus said about the humble, versus the exalted.
I always welcome the opportunity to talk about the divisive effects of the NCW on diocesan communities worldwide. Please private message me at deaconsteve56@gmail.com. I am hoping to visit Rome later in 2026 and would like to meet with you and talk about these issues face to face. It’s always hard to have meaningful communications via text, where thoughts cannot be adequately conveyed, and easily misinterpreted.
Have a blessed Easter, and I do hope you choose to be with your entire parish community on this beautiful day, to signal true brotherhood.
Deacon Steve Martinez