Neocatechumens
Neocatechumens are followers of the Neocatechumenal Way, a Roman Catholic movement dedicated to adult faith formation, established following the Second Vatican Council. Neocatechumens derive their name from the early Christian catechumens who were willing to enter the Orthodox Catholic Church, and in order to do so spent a period of time - typically about three years if converting from a pagan background - in which they prayed behind the faithful in many services, learned the rhythm of the liturgical year, and were formally catechised (instructed in the faith) and prepared for the initiation rite of baptism.
The Neocatechumens are also known in other ways throughout the World. Some examples include the popular abbreviation "Neocats" in Australia and "Los Kikos" in Spain, the latter deriving from the name of the initiator of the Neocatechumenal Way, Kiko Argüello.
Neocatechumens number more than a million people. Such estimates are drawn from the number of communities worldwide, which surpass 40,000 in around 109 countries and also from attendances at World Youth Day events. In Loreto in 2007 there were one hundred thousand youths from the Neocatechumenal Way in Europe alone. Most Neocatechumens originate in Europe and in Latin America.
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