It would seem that Neocats, like many other creatures, are predisposed to marking out what they consider to be their territory.
Time and time again our pastors have insisted that St Vincent’s is not a Neocatechumenal Church. Last week a large sign was fixed to the Redfern Street facade of the old church, emblazoned with Kiko’s Madonna, the unmistakable sign of the Way [see Icons of the Neocatechumenal Way].
The community had not been consulted.
Sensitive Signage
Back in April 2004, a carpet [{rdlc id=349}] appeared beneath and behind the altar, without consultation and to the consternation of the community. A very similar carpet is to be found in the Good Shepherd Parish in Kelmscott {rdlc id=15} Western Australia.
Earlier this month (February, 2005) Fr Eric Skruzny officiated at a 10:00am Sunday mass at St Vincent’s. After mass he was asked about the significance, if any, of these carpets and their design to the Way. Fr Eric adopted the familiar Neocat ploy of speaking without answering the question, even managing to slip in a criticism.
We have been uncharitable, he chastised, in our criticism of our pastors, but would not be drawn on the issue of their uncharitable behaviour towards the community, especially the Aboriginals in the area who feel they are treated as lepers by the Neocats.
He also declined to talk to us about the Neocatechumenal Way; his parting words were – "I am not a spokesperson for the Neocatechumenates".
Fr Eric Skruzny is the inaugural rector of the Pagewood, Sydney Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary; he was previously vice rector and dean of studies for Perth’s Redemptoris Mater Seminary, the first in Australia, when it opened in 1994.