In response to the practices of the Neocathecumenal Way in Las Cruces, NM
And the opening of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, affiliated with the NCW
SEEKING TRUTH AND CLARITY-May 8, 2026
Response to the recent letter from Bishop Baldacchino to the parishioners of San Albino
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With deep sorrow and concern, we write in response to the recent letter regarding Fr.
Christopher Williams and the ongoing investigations within our Diocese. As faithful Catholics who love the Church and desire unity in truth and charity, we believe it is important to respectfully clarify several serious inaccuracies and omissions in a recent correspondence from the diocese to the community, which have caused sadness, confusion, fear, and division among the faithful.
First, it is important to state clearly that the parishioners who raised concerns about diocesan finances and governance did not act out of malice, criminal intent, or hatred toward the Church. Their motivation was love for Christ, love for His Church, and concern for the future of our Diocese. They believed they were acting under protections commonly associated with whistleblower activity and sought to bring transparency to serious matters that many faithful had questioned for years.
The public implication that faithful parishioners and Fr. Christopher engaged in criminal
wrongdoing has deeply wounded many members of the Diocese. Those involved were not
attempting to harm the Church but to seek accountability for concerns that had repeatedly been ignored or left unanswered. Questions raised by parishioners included:
1. How the Redemptoris Mater Seminary is funded.
2. How United in Ministry funds are allocated.
3. Who is financing housing and support for missionary families brought into the Diocese.
4. Why financially struggling parishes were denied assistance for much-needed repairs and renovations.
5. Why extensive international travel by diocesan leadership continued while local parish
needs remained unmet.
6. Why individuals who questioned certain expenditures allegedly linked to the
Neocatechumenal Way faced retaliation or dismissal.
These are not unreasonable questions that remain unanswered by the diocese. Faithful
Catholics have both the right and the duty to respectfully ask how diocesan resources are
managed, especially when parish communities are struggling. It must also be clarified that the financial concerns and the activities of the “Voice of the Laity” are separate matters. Members of VOL were unaware of any financial investigation, except the
leader, who served as a facilitator for the investigators. VOL’s focus is on raising awareness of concerns about the influence and practices of the Neocatechumenal Way within our parishes and Diocese.
Furthermore, testimony from those directly involved indicates that Fr. Christopher Williams neither directed parishioners to download diocesan records nor recruited anyone to engage in wrongdoing. The claim that he orchestrated such actions is strongly disputed. In fact, the diocese knew who downloaded the documents but still chose to punish Father Christopher.
He is being unfairly punished for courageously defending orthodox Catholic teaching and for supporting diocesan priests, seminarians, and parishioners who expressed concerns about the Diocese's direction. It is our understanding that he and another brave priest raised their concerns with the Vatican through a documented dossier.
In response to concerns raised by priests and laity, Rome initiated a canonical investigation
that focused not on the lost financial documents, as we understood it. Vatican investigators came to examine and interview clerics and laity regarding the dossier sent by the priests to the Vatican.
The current public narrative presented by the diocese in its recent letter attempts to redirect attention away from these deeper issues.
that focused not on the lost financial documents, as we understood it. Vatican investigators came to examine and interview clerics and laity regarding the dossier sent by the priests to the Vatican. The current public narrative presented by the diocese in its recent letter attempts to redirect attention away from these deeper issues.s, without acknowledging their motives or concerns, has caused scandal and pain throughout the Diocese.
As Catholics, we remain committed to respect for ecclesiastical authority. However, authentic obedience within the Church is never blind to serious concerns. The saints themselves remind us that fidelity sometimes requires respectful but courageous truthfulness. Saint Thomas Aquinas taught that fraternal correction may at times be necessary, even toward prelates, when the faith or the good of the Church is at stake.
Saint Catherine of Siena, while remaining faithful to the Church, urged Church leaders to act with truth, humility, and courage during times of crisis.
We ask all faithful Catholics to continue praying for:
• Fr. Christopher Williams
• Our diocesan priests and seminarians
• Bishop Baldacchino
• The investigators from the Vatican seeking truth
• Healing and unity within our Diocese
This is not a time for hatred, retaliation, or division. It is a time for truth, justice, repentance,
where necessary, and authentic renewal within the Church we love.
We remain united in prayer, truth, and charity as faithful sons and daughters of the Catholic Church.
Peace Christ,
Voice of the Laity
BREAKING NEWS-FROM THE LEPANTO INSTITUTE
(PLEASE, CLICK THE PICTURE TO ACCESS THE ARTICLE)
The article offers a clear account of the current situation in the Diocese of Las Cruces, describing what it identifies as a growing influence of the Neocatechumenal Way (NCW) under Bishop Peter Baldacchino's leadership. It highlights key diocesan roles held by individuals connected to the movement, the establishment of a Redemptoris Mater Seminary, parishioners' yearning for greater transparency, and reports of retaliation against members of the lay community who have sought to raise their concerns.
The article ultimately calls for increased openness, accountability, and trust within the life of the diocese.
TESTIMONIO-RELIGION DIGITAL
(POR FAVOR HAGA CLICK EN LA FOTO PARA ACCEDER AL ARTICULO)
El artículo ofrece un testimonio real que muchos ex-miembros del Camino Neocatecumenal comparten y han manifestado a lo largo de los años.
“Truth is never defeated by error; it triumphs in time.”
St. John Paul II