Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Paula Katinas, OSV News

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — An arena typically filled with fans cheering on the Brooklyn Nets had a different kind of excitement in the air on July 7. The Barclays Center was the center of the Neocatechumenal Way universe for the day as nearly 20,000 faithful gathered for a Mass to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Catholic movement in the United States.

Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the U.S., was the main celebrant of Mass. Brooklyn Bishop Robert J. Brennan was among several bishops from around the country, and hundreds of priests joined him to mark the anniversary. Retired Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Auxiliary Bishop James Massa also represented the Diocese of Brooklyn. Brooklyn native Bishop Frank J. Caggiano of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was also present.

Pilgrims, young and old, came from as far away as the Pacific Islands to participate in this gathering.

The Diocese of Brooklyn was represented by hundreds of people from several churches who quickly fell in with the spirit of celebration by clapping, cheering, playing tambourines, and banging on bongo drums they had brought from home.

“This is very exciting,” said Gladys Fernando of Jamaica in Queens. “I came with my children, and I am happy I brought them.”

“This day is about families,” Fernando, a parishioner of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, told The Tablet.

The Neocatechumenal Way was founded in Spain in 1964 by two laypeople, Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández, and a priest, Father Mario Pezzi. They aimed to bring baptized Catholics who had strayed back to their faith while encouraging lifelong faith formation journeys. They began proclaiming the Gospel to destitute people in poverty-stricken areas.

In 1974, Argüello and Hernández visited New York City at then-Father James Donegan's invitation. The first Neocatechumenal Way community in New York was established at St. Columba Church in Manhattan.

Fifty years later, there are now 1,100 Neocatechumenal Way communities in the U.S., including several in Brooklyn and Queens, along with nine Redemptorist Mater seminaries.

Bishop Brennan noted the movement’s strong presence: “Welcome home!” he told attendees as cheers cascaded throughout the arena. “You belong here.”

The Neocatechumenal Way received official approval from Holy See in 2008 as a post-baptismal catechumenate aiding dioceses and parishes' evangelization efforts.

During his homily, Cardinal Pierre emphasized that "the Neocatechumenal Way is important because it lives out the church’s mission" by opening doors for people trapped in addiction or despair and leading them back to Jesus Christ.

“God can open a way where it seems impossible,” he added.

Maurilio Mora from New Jersey said that joining this movement changed his life for better: “I was a good faithful person before but now my wife and I put our faith at center family life; it has made all difference world,” said father seven children.

To rekindle faith among baptized individuals younger members prepared week-long pilgrimages spreading word God visiting shrines holy sites reading about saints’ lives ahead July Mass.

Near end Mass estimated thousand young men entering seminaries stood up receiving blessing Cardinal Pierre who also blessed fifteen hundred young women expressing desire enter convents missions.