Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Update on Pope Francis Regarding the Way


PHOTO: Pope FrancisAccording to ABC News: 

Benedict was mostly concerned about alleged liturgical abuses in the movement and had instructed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith to study whether its Masses violated church regulations, according to a 2012 report in L'Espresso magazine.  Francis has reportedly called off the study ordered by Benedict, and he made no mention in his remarks Saturday about liturgical problems.   

It was Pope Francis who called off the study.  The Pope did not give any reason as to why he called off the study, so anyone can speculate what those reasons might be.  At any rate, the Neocatechumenal Way is estimated to consist of approximately 1 million members and growing. If this is truly not part of God's plan in the Catholic Church, I'm sure that the Neocatechumenal Way would fall apart.  But if it is part of God's plan, it will remain part of the Catholic Church and continue to grow.  As the Bible says:  

Acts 5:39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men, you will only find yourselves fighting against God." 

As many know from news reports, the Way has been met with much criticism. Bishops in Japan, Nepal, Philippines and elsewhere in Asia and Europe have tried to limit the Way's activities by shutting down their seminaries.  The Bishop in Japan wanted to suspend the Way's activities for five years, and the Archbishop in the Philippines went so far as to forbid the community from seeking new recruits and revoked existing members' right to teach catechism lessons.  Accusations are thrown and answers are being demanded while the majority of the members of the Way remained silent.   

In light of all these persecutions, Pope Francis encouraged the members of the Way to be patient and merciful to all that they encounter.   

Source:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/pope-tells-missionary-group-respect-culture-22327060 

   


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