Published: January 16, 2012
Pope Benedict XVI is to hold an audience with members of the Neocatechumenal Way on Jan. 20, reports the Catholic Culture website.
Sandro Magister of L'Espresso writes that the date could bring a final resolution of long-running conflicts between the lay movement and Vatican officials about the unusual liturgical practices of the Neocatechumate.
Founded in Spain in the 1960s, the Neocatechumal Way has spread quickly around the world, forming thousands of small groups and claiming the allegiance of up to one million Catholics. The group gained official recognition from the Holy See in 2008.
However, the unusual liturgical practices of the "Neocat" communities have drawn frequent criticism.
After years of dialogue with the Vatican, leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way are hoping that Pope Benedict will give final approval for their liturgical practices at the January 20 meeting, according to Catholic Culture