The Cialdinis In Japan

Although some Bishops in Japan disapprove of the Neocatechumenal Way, they are still thriving and doing well.  They are still doing missionary work, and there are mission families in Japan.  They still study and read the Bible.  They still do morning prayers in the home. The following article is about the Cialdinis family who left everything behind to become mission families in Tokyo, Japan. Notice how faith is transmitted in the Neocatechumenal Way.  It is transmitted by the parents.  In the Way, the father is the spiritual head, and he transmit the Catholic faith to his children.  The story is found here.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few weeks back, I was invited to a party where I met a young mum named Veronica. She introduced herself as a mum to seven kids. “Seven?” I asked.

“Yes, I have seven children, and that’s my husband,” replies the soft spoken Veronica with a sheepish grin pointing to Gaetano.

Raising seven children in Tokyo is no mean feat. When I met her, I can’t help but put on my Sherlock Holmes cap and bombard her with too many questions, mostly about what it takes to hold everything together. So immediately, I jumped at the chance to arrange an interview with her family which she willingly accepted.

The day of the interview arrived. It was a sunny Sunday morning and even made sunnier by the warm welcome I got as I arrived at the doorstep of their 3LDK apartment. I must admit – a neat, well-kept home was far from what I had expected from a large family like theirs. I finally had a chance to meet the good-looking Cialdini kids: 5 girls and 2 boys (ages 15, 13, 11, 8, 6, 4 and 1.5).

Sunday lunch is communication time for the Cialdinis.

Being devoted catholics, the Cialdinis have a Sunday morning routine. They hold a bible study at home with Gaetano as preacher. Veronica and the children sit around the table to listen to their dad’s topic of the day. When he’s done, he quizzes the children to know how well they understood the preaching.

The Cialdinis are one of the 500 families despatched abroad by Neocatechumenal Way (NCW), an organisation within the Catholic church that runs seminaries and assigns families to many cities around the world on a religious mission.

Both born and raised in Rome, the Italian couple first met in 1998 when Veronica went back to homebase after completion of her missionary assignment in Israel. Gaetano was working for an IT company in Italy at that time. A year later, the couple got married and three lovely daughters were born.

Ten years later, he quit his job to join the catholic organisation that assigned his family to Ehime prefecture where two of their children were born. Eventually, after the move to Tokyo, five  became seven.

How would you compare raising seven kids in Japan to Italy?

Gaetano: I would say 90% of things here are a lot better than Italy. The Japanese government scholarship system works, there are family restaurants, parks almost everywhere, etc. Shopping for kids’ clothes here is way cheaper than Italy, thanks to H&M, Forever 21, etc. Children’s clothes in Italy are expensive.

Veronica: The sense of community here is amazing. The locals often tell me how they respect me for bringing up a large family. I’m also satisfied with the birthing experience here.

What are the things you don’t like about living here?

Gaetano: Everywhere, there are crimes against children. But compared to Italy, crimes here involve much younger children (kidnapping, etc). Additionally, parking fees and transportation are expensive compared to Ehime.

The Cialdini children attend a Japanese school and speak both Japanese and Italian. They each have different ambitions.

Maria Israel, the eldest of the Cialdini children who doubles as a babysitter when her mum is not available, is presently in Junior High. Her secret desire is to become a flight attendant someday.

Rebecca, 13, the most reserved of the brood says, “I have a special liking for horses. I’m just enjoying school now but I still do not know what job I would like to do after I finish my studies.”

Pasquale, 11, the eldest of the boys in sixth grade, says he’s good at math and wants to become a scientist by all means. While he admits to occasionally being bullied at school, “the teachers are kind to me and that alone makes me feel welcome,” adds Pasquale.

2nd grader Megumi (8) , the only one with a Japanese name in the family, has a penchant for flowers and would like to be a florist in Italy when she graduates in college.

Pilar who just started school this year appears to be the most sociable among the Cialdini children. She took out her homework from her school bag and eagerly talked about the sort of homework she gets on a typical school day.

Despite spending only a couple of hours with the Cialdinis, it actually takes very little time to see that their family dynamics are powered by love, cooperation, and religious values. Veronica and Gaetano are quite a good team , nurturing yet disciplinarians. That attitude spills over to their children.

Do you plan to have more kids?

Veronica: I was able to have this much kids because I started in my early 20s.  Now, I’m older. I had more caesarian birth than normal delivery. But I leave it all to God.

Collage - Carmen Hernandez

In memory of Carmen Hernandez, co-founder of the Neocatechumenal Way. Rest in peace.

Make Your Choice

According to Tim Rohr: 

Don't be misled with his "the pope sent me" stuff. This is the same crap the kiko's tell us. "The pope sent us. "  

We all know from news report that Pope Francis has sent Archbishop Hon after the sexual allegations against Archbishop Apuron surfaced.  It is all over the news.  In fact, Archbishop Hon himself said that he was appointed by Pope Francis as Apostolic Administrator "sede plena" to Guam.  So, who should you believe.......the jungle or Archbishop Hon who was sent by the Pope in his stead?  Make your choice.  

Tim Rohr also stated: 

If Rome really wanted to mend the division in Guam and restore unity, they would have sent us someone with some experience as a pastor

If the jungle really wanted to mend the division in Guam and restore unity, they would ACCEPT the person the Vatican sent and not make any attempts to push him into getting things they wanted their way according to their time frame. As Catholics, we should accept who the Vatican gives us as our Apostolic Administrator.  So, who should you follow......the jungle or the Vatican who sent Archbishop Hon? Make your choice.  

Tim Rohr also mentions the RM Seminary:

He will find a way to preserve RMS because those are his orders. 

The truth is....Archbishop Hon's orders is to restore unity between Catholics. The ownership of RM seminary was one of the controversy dividing Catholics, and Archbishop Hon resolve that controversy by stating that the seminary belongs to the Archdiocese of Agana, no doubt about it.   

Tim Rohr further states (the bold is mine): 

Even if he is presented with hard evidence that the seminary property was stolen by Apuron, and even if he is somehow forced to see to its return, there is nothing keeping Hon from keeping the seminary going. The return of the property will not shut down the seminary. In fact, he will use the "return of the property" as a foil to mask his plan to preserve RMS.

What I placed in bold is confusing.  Why?  Because it now appears that it does not matter to Tim if the seminary is returned.  It appears that he wants the seminary shut down.  Below is a photo of Pope Francis with two priests he ordained from the Redemptoris Mater Seminary.  You can find the story here.  Father David Tisato is a thirty-one year old seminarian from the Redemptoris Mater of Rome and is originally from Chievo in northern Italy.  Before joining the RM Seminary, he was a promising professional soccer player.  The other priest is Father Elias.  Both are seen here with Pope Francis joining him in prayer and to bless the crowd.    

The fact that Pope Francis approves of the RM seminary in Rome and even ordained priests from that seminary shows that the Holy See would be against the shutting down of the Redemptoris Mater seminary or any Catholic seminary for that matter.  So, who should you follow.......the jungle or the Holy See? Make your choice.    

A Comparison

Chuck White continues to criticize Catholic teaching.  Yes, I say Catholic teaching because the NCW is Catholic and upholds Catholic teaching.  The Thoughtful Catholic once again criticized Kiko's words out of context.  Chuck White calls Kiko Arguello a prophet in a sarcastic way only because he has heard some NCW members say he is a prophet.  The jungle proclaimed Jesus as the last prophet, and anyone who calls others prophets are not Catholic.  They cite the Muslims and the Mormons as examples.  Muslims call Mohammed the last prophet and Joseph Smith was called a prophet by the Mormons.  Both these groups are non-Christians.  So, let us compare the words of the Popes and Catholic Apologetics to Kiko Arguello.  

1. Kiko Arguello is called a prophet.  

Pope Francis said, "All of us who are baptized are prophets."  

Speech of Pope Francis 

According to the speech of Pope Francis, calling Kiko Arguello a prophet is in line with what he said.  Pope Francis stated, "All of us who are baptized are prophets."  Therefore, the NCW is not going against what the Pope said.  In fact, we are aligned to what he stated.   

2.  Kiko Arguello stated, "We Christians have no altar, because the only holy stone is Christ, the Cornerstone.  So we can celebrate the Eucharist on a table; and we can celebrate in a square, in the country and where ever we like.  We do not have a place in which you exclusively need to worship." 

Pope John Paul II stated, "I have been able to celebrate Holy Mass in chapels built along mountain paths, on lakeshores and seacoasts.  I have celebrated it on altars built in stadiums and in city squares...This varied scenario of celebrations of the Eucharist has given me a powerful experience of its universal and, so to speak cosmic character." 

Pope John Paul II Encyclical  

Chuck White highlighted only part of Kiko's words (See above).  Now, look at what Mr. White did NOT highlight.  The most important thing he chose not to highlight was the REASON why Christians have no altars.  Now, why do you think Mr. White failed to highlight that part?  

What is Christianity?  Is Christianity about altars?  No  Even Pope John Paul II celebrated the Eucharist in stadiums and city squares.  Pope Francis celebrated the Eucharist on a beach in Brazil.  Is Christianity about priests?  No.  The Japanese Catholics survived without priests for many centuries.  They survived on the Sacrament of Baptism alone.  Is Christianity about the temple?  No.  The churches in the Middle East are being destroyed by terrorists, but Christianity still exists even with the destruction of the temples.  

So, what is Christianity?  Christianity is about Jesus Christ and has always been about Jesus Christ.  As Kiko Arguello stated, "We Christians have no altars BECAUSE the only holy stone is Christ, the Cornerstone."  All a Christian needs is Jesus Christ.  The Christian altar, priest, and temple have always been Jesus Christ Himself.  A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ.  He is not a follower of altars, priests, or temples.....but only Jesus Christ.  

3.  Kiko Arguello:  "Thus we find that a whole series of ideas of natural religions entered into the liturgy: to offer things to God to appease him;....  

Catholic Apologetics:  "Natural religion is simply the religion a man would be obliged to practice, even if he never received a revelation from God. Man could know by reason alone that there is a God and that He must be acknowledged by a worship dictated by reason as to its form, and by obedience to the natural moral law as manifested by conscience. But this natural religion is not sufficient in the present condition of the human race. God has given to mankind a supernatural destiny higher than any merely natural destiny, and this requires the revelation of a knowledge higher than that which could be attained by the merely natural reason."

Catholic Apologetics Online

It would serve Mr. White more if he reads the Popes' encyclicals and Catholic Apologetics so he can understand his own Catholic faith better rather than criticize someone who already knows the Catholic faith.   

St. Longinus

I was just reading Bob Klitzkie's post in the jungle and I found it amusing.  He was telling a story and in it was a Father Barry. In his story, Father Barry goes to the docks and tries to rally the men to stand up against Johnny Friendly and the mob. According to the story found in the jungle Father Barry cried out to the people (the bold is mine): 

Some people think the Crucifixion only took place on Calvary. They better wise up! Taking Joey Doyle's life to stop him from testifying is a crucifixion. And dropping a sling on Kayo Dugan because he was ready to spill his guts tomorrow, that's a crucifixion. And every time the Mob puts the pressure on a good man, tries to stop him from doing his duty as a citizen, it's a crucifixion. And anybody who sits around and letsit happen, keeps silent about something he knows that happened, shares the guilt of it just as much as the Roman soldier who pierced the flesh of our Lord to see if he was dead."

In the first place, we know that this story is a metaphor in which Mr. Klitzkie tries to encourage the priests of Guam to rally together the Catholic faithful to stand up against Archbishop Hon.  It is the wrong movie to choose for a metaphor.  The Archbishop is not the Mafia. 

Secondly, Mr. Klitzkie puts this Roman soldier in an unfavorable light compared to those who were willing to stand up for human justice. But in truth, we are all guilty of nailing Christ to the cross and killing him. We all share in the guilt because Christ carried all our sins on His shoulders.    

Finally, I guess Mr. Klitize did not know that the Roman soldier who pierced the flesh of Jesus became a holy saint.  His name was St. Longinus.  After piercing the heart of Christ, he was covered in the blood and water of Christ.  It was at that moment that he declared the divinity of Christ, repented from his sins and later became a deacon. According to the Catholic Herald:

Sister Anne Catherine in her visions recorded this event, adding that when the soldier pierced the heart of our Lord, blood and water covered his face and body. She wrote, "Grace and salvation at once entered his soul. He leaped from his horse, threw himself upon his knees, struck his breast, and confessed loudly before all his firm belief in the divinity of Jesus." Moreover, he was miraculously cured of failing eyesight. According to the visions, Mary, St. John, the holy women, and the soldier gathered up the blood and water in flasks, and soaked-up the remainder with linen cloths.

Sister Anne Catherine identified the Roman soldier as "Cassius." She noted, "Cassius was baptized by the name Longinus; and was ordained deacon, and preached the faith.

A statue of this Roman soldier who pierced the heart of Christ is found in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.  The jungle who claims to be the defender of the Catholic faith did not even know that the Roman soldier whom they placed in an unfavorable light became a holy saint.  

Sacred Scripture

According to Chuck White: 

While we Catholics worship the Blessed Sacrament reserved in a  tabernacle, we do NOT worship a bible, and while Jesus is “truly, really, and substantially” present under the appearances of bread and wine, [CCC 1374 and following], He is NOT present “under the appearances of paper and ink” of a Gospel book.   Instead,  as we have said, He is present in the proclamation of the Gospel.

The official teaching of the Church is that the presence of Christ in the Eucharist is unique, and Kiko’s blurring of the distinction between Christ’s modes of presence, if not heretical, is deeply problematic for this reason:  his followers, under the influence of the powerful image of these tabernacles, might well come to believe that the presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle is as symbolic as His presence in the Gospel book placed above it.

Chuck White accused the NCW of not believing in Christ's unique presence in the Eucharist simply because the NCW has the Holy Bible in the tabernacle. His accusation is false.  The NCW teaches that the bread and wine turns into the actual Body and Blood of Jesus Christ after the priest consecrates it. The NCW ALSO teaches that the Holy Bible is the word of God and deserves veneration.   

The NCW do not worship the Holy Bible, but they do venerate it because it is the word of God, and we follow the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (the bold is mine): 

CCC 134  All Sacred Scripture is but one book, and this one book is Christ, "because all divine Scripture speaks of Christ, and all divine Scripture is fulfilled in Christ" (Hugh of St. Victor, De arca Noe 2,8:PL 176,642:cf. ibid. 2,9: PL 176,642-643). 

CCC 135  "The Sacred Scriptures contain the Word of God and, because they are inspired, they are truly the Word of God" (DV 24). 

CCC 141  "The Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (DV 21): both nourish and govern the whole Christian life. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps 119:105; cf. Is 50:4).

The Church has always venerated the Holy Bible as she venerates the Body of the Lord.  The Holy Bible is to be respected because it is truly God's written words.  God is the author of the Holy Bible.  

In the Old Testament, three things were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant: the manna, Aaron's rod, and the stone tablets containing God's words (Hebrews 9:4).  The manna represented the Bread which is the Body of Christ in the New Testament.  Aaron's rod represented the priesthood, which pointed to Christ as the true high priest who takes away the sins of the world.  The stone tables represented God's word, and Christ as the Word of God made flesh.  In the Old Testament, the Ark of the covenant was the dwelling place of the Lord God, and the Israelites worshiped God when they bowed before the Ark of the Covenant. Nowhere in the Bible did it say that they worshiped the bowl of manna, a rod, and stone tablets.  In the same way, the NCW worship God in the tabernacle.    

In the New Testament, the new Ark of Covenant was the Blessed Virgin Mary. She carried in her womb the true bread of life, the true high priest who takes away the sins of the world, and the Word of God made flesh.   Therefore, it is fitting that the Holy Bible be placed in the tabernacle simply because the word of God belongs together with His Body as proven in the Old and New Testament. His word was never separated from His body.  In fact, one can even see that in the Mass.      

While it is true that Christ is uniquely present in the Eucharist, this does not mean that we are to show no respect for God's written word.  Yes, God's WRITTEN word.  The Bible is not man's written words.  It came from God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and therefore deserves veneration. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 

CCC 105  God is the author of Sacred Scripture. "The divinely revealed realities, which are contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit." 

"For Holy Mother Church, relying on the faith of the apostolic age, accepts as sacred and canonical the books of the Old and the New Testaments, whole and entire, with all their parts, on the grounds that, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they have God as their author, and have been handed on as such to the Church herself." 

In both the Old and New Testament, both the word and body had always been together in the Ark of the Covenant, which is the dwelling place of the Lord. Therefore, the NCW did not invent anything new because the Church recognized that both the word and body were always together. 

Did not Chuck White understand that even in the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word is never separated from the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Body)?  Where in the ENTIRE Mass did Chuck White ever see the Liturgy of the word and the Eucharist separated and not celebrated together? Holy Mother Church had always recognized that it is both word and body that nourished and strengthen the Church.  The word of God is the lamp at our feet that lights our path to Christ (Psalm 119:105) while His Body gives us eternal life (John 6:51).

Chuck White can argue that God never gave us a book.  This is simply false teaching.  In fact, the very first book He gave were the Ten Commandments, which was written by His own hands with fire on stone tablets.  As the Catechism says (CCC 105) God was the author of Sacred Scripture, and He handed this book (Holy Bible) to His Church.  

Bill 326-33

An anonymous person wrote the following comment, which can be found here:

AnonymousAugust 11, 2016 at 6:54 AM

OK I was wrong. I heard people say that if you don't support Bill No. 326-33 (COR) you support child sexual abuse.
I thought we knew Brother Tony is innocent.
I thought we are against child sexual abuse.
I found out that our Zoltan was the only one who testified against Bill 326-33.
Now people are saying the Neocatechumenal Way is for child sexual abuse.
I'm not for child sexual abuse.
Does Zoltan's testimony mean that Brother Tony abused those boys?
I'm very sad.

The jungle claimed that those who do not support this bill support child sexual abuse.  The NCW does not support child sexual abuse at all, but we also support our democratic principles, which is a man is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.   

The reason why rape and sexual crimes have a statutes of limitations is to ensure that the witnesses are still around to testify and that there is some evidence to substantiate the allegation.  It emphasizes to the victims the importance of reporting the crime in a timely manner. However, Bill 326-33 simply allow alleged victims to file a lawsuit of alleged crimes that occurred 40, 50, or 60 years ago when witnesses are most likely dead and there are no clear evidence.  The bill also has a hidden agenda.  Its true intention is to persecute Archbishop Apuron and ONLY Archbishop Apuron.  Its intention is to remove him at whatever cost.  

The first sexual ad that Tim Rohr publshed was NOT in May, 2016.  It was actually back in November 8, 2015.  He published it in his blog and gave it to SNAP to publish it in their website.  This FIRST sexual abuse ad published by Rohr targeted ONLY one person - Archbishop Apuron.  See the screen shot below: 

Junglewatch on Bishop Accountability

Most people forgot that Tim Rohr and SNAP published this ad back in November 8, 2015. Tim Rohr was not after sex abusers in general.  He was mainly after one person as usual.  The November, 2015 ad stated (the bold is mine):

 "Our inquiry is not limited to these dates and locations, but they are our primary areas of inquiry."  

What I placed in bold was removed from the May, 2016 ad published in the newspapers because Rohr did not want anyone to implicate that he was mainly after the Archbishop.  After all, it would look suspicious that he mainly targeted the Archbishop.  See the screenshot below: 

Ownership Of RMS Property

Archbishop Hon has announced through KUAM news that the RMS property belongs to the Archdiocese of Agana.  This has been one of the most controversial issues on Guam.  Archbishop Apuron had been saying all along that the RMS property belongs to the Archdiocese of Agana.  It was never given away, but people called him a "liar".  Now that Archbishop Hon has come out and announced the same thing, there are some people in the jungle also calling him a "liar."  According to KUAM news:

It's a multimillion dollar question: who owns the Redemptoris Mater Seminary? According to the Vatican-appointed apostolic administrator, the Yona property is owned by the Archdiocese of Agana. "The archdiocese owns that property. No doubt of it.

Archbishop Hon uses the media effectively despite the criticisms from the jungle.  He uses the media to reach out to all the people especially the Catholics and he has made himself available to the public by scheduling visitations in his busy schedule; yet, he is called a liar.  He has been communicating consistently with the public through the Umatuna and the media, but he is still called a liar. Archbishop Apuron, on the other hand, does not use the media as much as Archbishop Hon. Nevertheless, he was also called a liar.  

Both Archbishops are ridiculed and called "liars" by the jungle who would like to see Archbishop Hon act more quickly in implementing the things they want. This alone should reveal more about the character of the jungle.  

Archbishop Hon stated that if the RM Seminary does not belong to the Archdiocese, he would not be able to do anything with it.  In fact, he would not be able to conduct a visitation and would have to ask permission.  The fact that he is able to conduct a visitation on the seminary without obtaining permission from anyone shows that the seminary is indeed the property of the Archdiocese. Furthermore, Archbishop Hon explained that the Deed Restriction is not a deed but restricts the use of the property.  Jesse Lujan was incorrect in calling the deed restriction a conveyance.  A deed and a deed restriction are two different things.  

Archbishop Apuron stated that the RM Seminary belongs to the Archdiocese of Agana.  Reports from the law office in Denver, the American Pacific Title, and the Pontifical Council stated that the property belongs to the Archdiocese of Agana. Giuseppe Gennarini also stated on record in the media that the property belongs to the Archdiocese of Agana.  Land Management issued official Certificate of Titles, stating that the property belongs to Archbishop Apuron, a corporation sole of the Archdiocese of Agana.  Archbishop Hon has now stated through the media that the property belongs to the Archdiocese of Agana.

The matter has already been settled.  If CCOG, LFM, and the jungle continue in their disbelief, they have the option of taking the matter to court.  If I recall correctly, Tim Rohr stated that CCOG has collected close to $100,000 and that was a while back.  Also, CCOG has not yet publicized their financial report.  

To those who still want to debate on the Eucharistic liturgy of the Way....I will say again that this subject is closed.  This debate will simply go around in circles.  You can either write to the Vatican or schedule an appointment with Archbishop Hon.  

More WYD photos

The World Youth Day pilgrimage always brings positive results to our youth.  We evangelized in small towns and cities.  We spoke of our experience.  We visited churches and were even entertained by a group of singing Carmelite nuns.  Our youth were excited to see and hear the Pope.  This pilgrimage was a first time for some of them, and it will be a memorable one.  

Pope Francis' Interview On Plane

Pope Francis was interviewed on the papal plane coming back from Poland.  In his press conference, he mentioned the sex abuse accusation against Cardinal Pell.  According to Pope Francis:

Thank you.  The first information that arrived was confusing. It was news from 40 years back that not even the police made a case about at first. It was a confusing thing. Then, all the rest of the accusations were sent to justice. Right now, they are in the hands of justice. And one mustn't judge before justice judges, eh. If I were to say a judgement in favor of or against Cardinal Pell, it wouldn't be good because I (would) judge before. It's true that there there is doubt and there's that clear principal of the law: in dubio pro reo (Editor’s note: the phrase is a Latin expression meaning in favor of the alleged guilty party), no? But, we must wait for justice and not make a first judgement ourselves, a media trial, or...because this doesn't help.  The judgement of gossip and then, one can...we don't know what the result will be but be attentive to what justice decides. Once justice speaks, I will speak. Thank you.

You can read the entire interview here.