Posted by Frenchie
For more than 3 decades the Neocatechumenal way, through its leaders, starting with Carmen and Kiko, soon to be coopted by the Genarrini brothers repeated ad nauseum that the Popes had endorsed their Sect within the Catholic Church.
Short of real endorsement they made claims over and over again that the Pope was supporting their gnostic movement despite evidence to the contrary. Many gullible people unfortunately fell for the con job and apparently continue to do so.
Here on this blog, and on many others who are aware of the Neos bait and switch tactics, people have laid bare the lies and the fake endorsements. This started with Pope John Paul II who in his zeal to endorse any movement related to the new evangelization, that was so dear to his heart, fell prey to their religious Ponzi scheme. Kiko and Carmen were relentless in getting photo ops and conferences where the Pope was present, in order to claim that his presence which they seeked at every turn, was in fact an endorsement.
It is also during John Paul II pontificate that the Neos, then in full expansion, were able to get permission to start their biggest bait and switch ever: the Redemptoris Seminaries. We on Guam were at the forefront of that money laundering system. While the efforts of several hundred faithful on our island led to the closing of said "seminary" and the uncovering of the many misdeeds of disgraced former Archbishop Apuron, despite the protection of Cardinal Filoni (aka the red Pope), the Neos never relented.
After Archbishop Hon discoveries, and his ultimate eye opening, we were granted a co Adjutor in the person of Archbishop Byrnes (who sadly left this world, after a long catastrophic illness, last week). It is to be noted that throughout his first years here, the Neos through their presbyters failed by design to recognize him as their Bishop, claiming Apuron was still their Boss despite the finding of the Vatican court and the ultimate confirmation of that Judgement by Pope Francis. Until finally Archbishop Byrnes was confirmed fully as Archbishop of Agana.
Following the decision by Archbishop Byrnes, which is still standing, to put the movement on strict restrictions in our Archdiocese, they went on acquiring a center in Asan, where they continue their separate services in total contradiction with the edict. Of course, this was allowed thanks to the lengthy illness of Archbishop Byrnes and the subsequent vacuum of power at the head of our Archdiocese, with the discreet approval of corrupt clergy members. But even as recently as this past Easter celebrations, the Chancery had given strict instructions to all Neo Presbyters to not celebrate the Easter Vigil Mass before 7.00pm. Guess what?... All parishes with Neo pastors celebrated the Easter Vigil as early as 5.00pm, in order to meet for their separate celebration of Easter at their own "center" in total and overt disobedience of Archbishop Jimenez decision.
It is obviously clear to all, but the blind and the stupid that the Way and its leaders on Island have absolutely no intention to follow the instructions of both Archbishop Byrnes, and Archbishop Jimenez.
While the Neos were checked by Pope Benedict after they tried to trick him to sign their so-called Statutes in 2012, (which they had claimed were authorized in 2008) during their yearly meeting with the Pope, in the audience hall of the Vatican, with thousands of Neos from around the world in attendance (one of these mega events they cherish, as a show of force). Unfortunately for Kiko and Carmen, Cardinal Arinze just prior to the Pope's signature uncovered the many irregularities, in the document prepared for approval, that were in contradiction with the 5 years of hard work his dicastery had done. The main effort was to try to reconcile the 13 volumes of the Catechism used by the Neocatechumenal Way, which needed numerous corrections and about 2000 references to parallel passages of the official Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Document was also supposed to give Special approval of the Neos most visible, controversial and distinctive ways of celebrating the Mass, which was not at all intended by the Vatican.
These four elements are very important if you wish to understand the heretical approach of the NCW.
- 1)Masses are celebrated in small groups corresponding to the different stages of advancement on the Catechetical journey. If in a parish for example there are 12 Neo communities, each at a different stage. There will be 12 Masses celebrated in separate places more or less at the same time, preferably on Saturday evening.
- 2) The surroundings and furnishings trace out the image of a banquet: a table with the participants seated around it. Even when the Neocatechumenals celebrate the Mass not in a parish hall, but in a church, they ignore the Altar. They put a table in the middle and seat around in a circle.
- 3) Each Biblical readings of the Mass are preceded by an extensive "monition" on the part of one or the other of the catechists who lead the community, and is followed especially after the Gospel, by "resonances" or personal reflections by a substantial number of those present. The priest's homily is added to the "resonances" without being distinguished from them.
- 4) Communion also takes place in a banquet form. The consecrated bred- a large unleavened loaf, 2/3 white flour and 1/3 whole wheat flour, prepared and baked according to detailed rules established by Kiko- is broken and distributed to those present, who remain in their places. After the distribution, it is eaten at the same time by all, including the presbyter. After that the priest goes from one person to the next with the Chalice of consecrated wine, which everyone drinks.
While there are many other peculiarities, these four are enough to understand how different in form and substance these "Masses" are from those celebrated according to the Catholic general liturgical rules.
This having been reestablished for the benefit of new readers, or simply those who have forgotten after 10 years of the Neos hiding in the shadows. Let's look at some of the latest events regarding the NCW on Guam, their strawmen and their strategy for a comeback.
Since the approved resignation of Archbishop Byrnes for health reasons, The NCW on Guam has had two approaches.
- Ignoring the restrictions imposed by Byrnes, regarding new communities and meetings, yet not flaunting it, to avoid obvious questions from the rest of the faithful. In a way: passive resistance and continued progression, but undercover.
- Engage in a campaign of reconstruction of their image for the general public, but also by wooing members of the clergy who for one reason or the other might feel overlooked or threatened by a possible new administration.
This pincer approach had several advantages. Strengthening their fragilized position, buying time to regroup, continue a discreet proselytization within the parishes. Put in place new figure heads that would appear more friendly and less threatening (a softer approach.) Gain new unsuspecting allies. Reassure the hardcore members that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
This was facilitated by the fact that the delegate to the NCW, deacon Martinez was feeling abandoned by his hierarchy and ended having health issues, which greatly curtailed his duties. This in turn allowed the NCW to take a lot of liberties at their new center in Asan, knowing full well there would be no reckoning, as well as creating a climate of arrogance and defiance on the part of the most vocal presbyters.
Upon the arrival of Archbishop Jimenez on August 15th, 2024, the local NCW and their handlers in New Jersey, had reasons to be optimistic. As the Bishop of Chalan Kanoa, Ryan Jimenez had a fairly amiable relation with the Neos on Saipan. While the Neos in the Northern Marianas are fairly active and have had a successful growth, without raising eyebrows, as they had originally done when they first landed in Guam in the 90s. Their history in Guam had revealed a very different and not so pleasant experience, and our new Archbishop found a very different and much more complex situation in his new Diocese. Scars were still very fresh, the damage done over 30 years of liturgical colonization by the hordes of Kiko and Carmen, under the leadership of the Putrid Pius could not be erased that easily.
Yet, true to their form, the Neos kept pushing forward for a new reset. One of their charmers, the very dangerous Fr Prieto, was able to charm his ways into the immediate surrounding of the Archbishop who was very unaware of the potential of Boboboy. In the past Harold had been extremely successful in getting close to some of our weakest, and/or compromised priests to carry favors or exert influence through compromission. Harold was also very successful in using his charms to sway the mind of some of our local social media mud rackers. In particular he somewhat won over the attention of Kandit News. He also was able to insert himself into the Right for life group in order to gain respectability.
None the less, the different personalities who had led the struggle against the NCW, took the time to share their concerns with our new leader. By the same token Dr Atienza and his spouse also got an opportunity to give their version of the situation. I think we can be reassured that the Archbishop is a lot less naive about the real situation of the Church in his Archdiocese and more realistic about the challenges facing him and our Church...
The NCW and their communication network.
Over the years, we have learned about the NCW communications, by trials and errors, not knowing how widespread and devious it could be
The communication is very well oiled and starts at the level of the communities. As soon as one decides to join an NCW community, this person will very slowly at first and then increasingly be exposed to one-on-one communication that follows extremely closely the so called NCW Catechism. People are paired with others in a loose but very intricate network of cohorts that follow to the letter their catechist, discuss themes and are encouraged at every step to reflect. Every outside situation is then explained through the prism of the NCW, through teaching and conversations. The role of the local responsible is extremely important in analyzing and identifying issues with the person and the group. Every outside situation is explained through that prism. People are given the why, the how and because.
This is all build around the community, the bond and dependency of the individual to the group is essential and ultimately gets very strong.
The next step is the communication with the outside. The projection of the image wanted to the outside world. There are several levels to this dimension. It is all related on how both Kiko and Carmen started their movement. Most of the wording, approach to the rationale is built around the image they decided to project.
One of the key pieces of that game on Guam is May Llanes aka Diana, who is the main actor of a local blog called "Neocatechumenal Way- An insider's view", which is picked up throughout the Neo blogosphere. Diana pushes forward the Neo narrative of the moment. Last month it was to rekindle the Apuron was a victim charade, meant to refurbish the image of the serial sexual abuser. Tim wrote extensively about that latest mental diarrhea, which was just the warming up of a 10-year-old tale.
But on the first week of June Diana was finally back flirting with her glory days, picking up one of the best Neo propaganda pieces of recent years, at least in Guam.
All local media from KUAM, the PDN, the Post, but also radio shows like the Ray Gibson Show, or Patti Arroyo (the niece of Msg Bibi) ran without checking with the story of newly minted Chamorro Priest in Rome, Fr Cody Merfalen, incardinated by the "1st American Pope"
Apparently, the story was leaked through some West Virginia paper, by the neo middlemen and picked up in unison by our local media, proud of the connection. Few of course understood that they were hoodwinked by the Neo Propaganda machine. The Vicar General on the Ray Gibson show, smelling a rat, was able to diplomatically skirt the issue and redirect the conversation. While the Archbishop on Patti Arroyo's show appeared lost for words. Later the chancery graced us with a general communique, but the Neos had their earned media hour, which was underlined by the Diana, Zenit News, and la Stampa all affiliated with Kiko and his ilk
.
This was a typical Neo operation. Take a somewhat mundane issue: the incardination of 10 new priest in the Diocese of Rome, by its newly minted new Bishop (Leo XIV), and press the story like a lemon to get the most coverage possible. Which is exactly what they did. Two weeks after the story of Apuron's victims dropping their civil suit, for the Neos it is like manna from the sky. And cherry on the cake to top it all, while the Pope celebrated all the communities falling under the "new evangelization" he granted an audience to Kiko, who was so elated he played his guitar for hours on end.
Diana could not be more pleased.
Of course the NCW will continue to publicize their mega meeting by region, or in Rome and Domus Galilae in Israel.
Life goes on. The Neos will stick to their rehearsed mantra:
The Pope loves us.
We were sent by the Pope
Who are you to doubt the Pope?
Meanwhile it is rumored that Fr Merfalen is planning to visit the communities in late August, early September. Msg David Quitagua (the tall) has been spotted at the Airport, apparently bringing good news to Atienza, Eusebio and Jackie Terlaje from the East Coast where he is sheltered right now. It also has been revealed that since Krystoff has left for school, the NCW is lacking meeting areas for their growing communities, and that they are actively looking for new locations for their nonprofit located in Hawaii, with their tried-and-true approach of leasing with an option to buy. The black bags have been circulating relentlessly, and they are eyeing for property on the cheap, maybe even church property. This is something we warned they would do back in 2020.
As the old adage reminds us, the devil never sleeps.
