Pope Leo XIV Celebrates Neocatechumenal Way's 60th Anniversary

Thousands gathered on May 30 in Madrid's Almudena Cathedral to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Neocatechumenal Way, an ecclesial movement that expanded to 138 countries. The crowd included many elderly witnesses to the movement's early days, which began in the mid-1960s with Kiko Argüello and Carmen Hernández.

During the event, leaders reflected on how the Neocatechumenal Way grew organically from the shantytowns of Madrid. Today, it boasts more than 20,350 communities worldwide, thanks to the tireless work of numerous missionaries, including laypeople and married couples.

The missionary commitment of the Way was highlighted in a message from Pope Leo XIV, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and read at the end of Mass. According to the Pope's message, “the evangelizing mission is a fundamental task of the whole Church.” He encouraged members to embrace this calling, reaffirming the need for unity among all believers in their pursuit of salvation.

Kiko Argüello recounted the early days of the movement during his introductory remarks at the Mass, reflecting on his decision in 1964 to abandon his career as a painter to live among the poor. Inspired by the example of Saint Charles de Foucauld, his mission began when he gathered a small community around him in Palomeras Altas.

Following the early gatherings of prayer, the then Archbishop of Madrid, Monsignor Casimiro Morcillo, intervened to prevent the demolition of their home when civil authorities threatened to demolish shacks in the area. This act of support from the Church marked a turning point, solidifying Argüello and Hernández's commitment to form a community.

The history of the Neocatechumenal Way—including the initiation of catechesis in parishes in 1966—demonstrates its deep roots within Catholicism, highlighted by its recognition as a gift of the Holy Spirit by successive Popes, starting with Saint Paul VI.

During the Mass, the significance of communion and the Word becoming flesh in people's lives was emphasized by Fr. Mario Pezzi and Ascensión Romero, respectively. They affirmed their experiences of encountering a merciful God and underscored their commitment to continue spreading the message inspired by the Neocatechumenal Way.

Cardinal Cobo Cano articulated the Church’s gratitude to the Neocatechumenal Way for its contribution to evangelization across the city over the past 60 years. He reiterated that the Church is fundamentally about communion and encouraged ongoing missionary efforts.