Archbishop Soc reminds the priests of the liturgy of the Way

Believe it or not, this is how the Way does its first communion!

May 14, 2012

Feast of Saint Matthias, Apostle

Circular 2102-16
RE: Liturgy of the Neo Catechumenal Way


My dear brother priests:

With regard to the questions that our parish priests have raised about the practices of the Neo Catechumenal Way in the celebration of the Eucharist, I have sought the assistance of the Episcopal Commission on Liturgy of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Enclosed with this circular is the position of the said Episcopal Commission regarding the matter.  [Wow!  Fr. G!]

Please take note that the only permission granted to the Way is the transfer of the Rite of the Peace after the Prayer of the Faithful and the reception of Holy Communion under both species either kneeling down or standing up but not sitting down.


Other than these two permissions, the Masses celebrated for the members of the Neo Catechumenal Way must strictly observe the General Instruction of the Roman Missal and the other instructions of the Congregation for Divine Worship. In particular, the hosts and wine to be used for the Eucharist must be the same as those used in the dioceses of the Philippines. The lay faithful may be allowed to preach in the church or in oratory outside the Mass (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 161).  [Wow!!!  The first Filipino bishop I have heard who has quoted RS!  Woohoo!!!]

I entrust these clarifications to your kind information and faithful observance. Please be assured of my pastoral concern.


Sincerely yours,


+SOCRATES B. VILLEGAS
Archbishop of Lingayen Dagupan

Why, oh, why did Bl. JP2 did not pay much attention to the Way's questionable liturgical practices only makes me think of Cardinals Mahony and Schonborn.

Well...JP2 might be a Blessed and is in Heaven, but he sure did not do much about this group and those two!