While Argüello couldn’t be physically present at the Mass, he made sure to join the celebration via video call from Madrid, Spain.
Reflecting on the beginnings, in 1974, Argüello recounted his visits to numerous parish priests in New York, as suggested by Cardinal Terence Cooke.
It was only after several attempts that the last priest he visited agreed to start a community of the Neocatechumenal Way.
“At this significant milestone for the Neocatechumenal Way in the United States, I convey Pope Francis’s warm greetings and reaffirm his unwavering support for your evangelistic efforts,” began Pierre in his homily.
Pope Francis’s Encouragement
Recalling the Pope’s words to the apostolate members in Italy in 2018, Pierre emphasized, “Your charism is a tremendous gift from God for the Church today.
Let us thank the Lord for these 50 years of dedication.”
Embracing the Lost Sheep
Highlighting the importance of outreach to those who are spiritually lost, the nuncio reiterated Pope Francis’s call to open doors for people in moral distress.
“The Church must pave a path of return—whether from addiction, violence, or despair—where God’s grace can work wonders,” Pierre passionately affirmed.