The Pope met with 200 families from the Neocatechumenal Way who left their countries of origin to work as missionaries in areas where Christians are a minority.
During an audience at Saint Peter's Basilica, Neocatechumenal leader Kiko Argüeyo met a few of them, and explained that in addition to families, parish communities will also be heading out.
Kiko Argüeyo
Initiator, Neocatechumenal WayThis is the first time that the communities have finished the path of preparation and rediscovery of baptism, they are offering to go to the most difficult areas for the Church.Some will be transferred to the outlying neighborhoods of major cities like Rome or Madrid to evangelize in them.
Benedict XVIThe Pope, bishop of Rome, thanks you for the generous service you give to the evangelization of this city, and for the dedication with which you carry the Christian world in every environment. Thanks to all of you.
Benedict XVI approved the statutes of the Neocatechumenal Way last year, and thanked their closeness but asked that they increase their cooperation with local bishops.
Benedict XVI Your path is one of docile adherence to the directives of the pastors, and of communion with the rest of the people of God.Kiko Argüello founded the Neocatechumenal Way in Madrid during the 1960s, although he prefers to say he only started it. There are currently more than 20,000 Neocatechumenal groups in 900 cities worldwide, and thousands of priests and religious have come from their ranks.
