Anthony S. Apuron lost his position in the wake of sexual abuse claims.

Apuron left Guam in 2016 after accusations that he sexually assaulted four altar boys when he was a priest.

His nephew, Mark Apuron, later accused him of raping him in a chancery bathroom nearly three decades ago, when the boy was still a teenager.

At the Rome function Apuron dressed in his bishop's robes.

He joined cardinals and bishops as they heard a speech by Pope Francis.

The Pope spoke at the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Neocatechumenal Way (NCW) in Tor Vergata.

The Vatican stripped Apuron of his title title following a canonical trial in March.

It found him guilty of unspecified allegations.

The Vatican had imposed the penalties of privation of office upon him and prohibition of residence in the Archdiocese of Agana.

Apuron is appealing the case.

If successful, he could have his title reinstated.

Apuron has maintained his innocence.

Neocatechumenal Way links

Guam blogger, Tim Rohr, says he believes Apuron's attendance at the NCW event shows that the former archbishop made a deal to "take care of him."

The church in Guam stopped the formation of new NCW communities last year.

It is reviewing the way the NCW celebrates the Eucharist.

Apuron had secretly deeded a seminary property to NCW leaders.

He had refused to comply with the Holy See's instructions to rescind and annul the deed.

The property, later returned, is to be sold to help the archdiocese raise money for the settlement of more than 150 child sexual abuse lawsuits.

Source:

• Guam Daily Post
• La Croix International
• Image: La Croix International

This was the question posed by Archbishop of Hagåtña (Guam), Michael Byrnes, at a press conference on Tuesday.

He was speaking after an Apostolic Tribunal of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith announced that it has found the former archbishop of Hagåtña, Anthony Apuron, guilty of sexually abusing minors.

Byrnes offering apologies on behalf of the Archdiocese to those who had been harmed.

"It has been a long and painful period for our Church and our island in general," he said.

"However, few have known pain quite as agonising and extensive as the persons who first came forward nearly two years ago telling their stories of being abused by Father Tony Apuron, who later became the Archbishop of Hagåtña."

He said prayers continue to be offered for those harmed by Apuron and all victims of abuse "here and worldwide".

Byrnes also asked the people to "assist Bishop Apuron in prayer and penance, that he may find grace in repentance and mercy for his soul."

The Archbishop said, "I do not have all the answers. However, we all know what God requires of each us today and always".

He said the archdiocese will continue to work toward healing and restoration of all who have been victimised and described the policies and procedures that had been put in place.

Dave Sablan, whose group Concerned Catholics of Guam was formed around the time allegations began to surface, said the verdict was the first bit of justice but the church still had a lot of work to do.

"We can't really depend on our clergymen to take care of accusing their own brothers so we have to come in and, you know, stand our ground so to speak and make sure that things are done right and correct and, if they're not, we take them to task."

Source

• umatuna.org
• RNZ
• Image: kvue.com

Last Tuesday Roy Quintanilla publicly accused Apuron of molesting him about 40 years ago, when he was a 12-year-old altar boy.

This allegation is the latest in a series of complaints about various things taking place in the Diocese of Agana.

Read media release made 13 May, from the Archdiocese, in which the allegations are listed and responded to.

Three video statements released

A video message from archbishop Apron was recorded last Tuesday, in which Apuron unequivocally denied the accusations made against him.

"To be absolutely clear and to avoid any misinterpretations of my statement I deny all allegations of sexual abuse," he said.

Apuron described the "false accusation of sexual abuse" as part of "a series of attacks against himself and the church."

Deacon Francisco Tenor recorded a video-recorded message, released Thursday night, in which he said "When (Apuron) spoke very directly denying any involvement in this alleged offence, I accept that this is the truth," of Archbishop Apuron's statement.

"I know this to be the truth since I too was assigned to the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Agat between (1973) and (1977)."

The alleged incident happened during these years when Apuron was a priest at Mt. Carmel.

Roy Quintanilla also releases a video statement responding to Tenorio.

Quintanilla said he respected Tenorio but his comments in the video were offensive.

Quintanilla said the deacon should've waited for results from an investigation before coming out and disputing Quintanilla's allegations.

Church begins coordinating response, following guidelines

The archdiocese says that it has begun to initiate the steps contained in its sexual abuse policy.

"In the spirit of commitment set by Pope Francis, the Archdiocese of Agana affirms its commitment to upholding its Sexual Misconduct and Harassment Policy," the archdiocese said.

It assured the Catholics "that proper steps have been initiated, as outlined and guided by our policy."

"Deacon Larry Claros is the archdiocese's Sexual Abuse Response Coordinator (SARC)."

The archdiocese said Deacon Claros has been informed and is coordinating a response, which includes convening the archdiocesan review board and contacting the complainant as outlined in the sexual misconduct and harassment policy.

Three members of the sexual abuse review board withdraw

Three members of the archdiocesan review board have said they cannot take part in a review of this accusation.

This means the five-member board may need to appoint more members.

Mariles Benavente said she will recuse herself because she is walking in the Neocatechumenal Way, a group within the Catholic Church whose members meet in small community settings to worship.

The Archbishop is also part of the Way.

His ties to the Way have angered a number of Guam Catholics.

Vincent Pereda resigned after saying the archdiocese's sexual misconduct policy is flawed.

In an email to Claros Pereda said because the archbishop is identified as an alleged offender, the policy can't involve him in any way.

Pereda also wrote that he believed, based on Quintanilla's statements, that "credible, reasonable cause does exists … that the archbishop engaged in sexual misconduct."

Juan Rapadas began work at the Superior Court of Guam 2015.

This is the first case to come before the board since that time.

Rapadas said he's required to step down from any group that may pose a conflict of interest in his line of work.

"When this came out and there was some talk about the archbishop filing a case or anyone else filing a case, I had to get out," Rapadas said.

George Kallingal is a fourth member of the board.

He said he will remain on the board.

The fifth review board member wasn't available for comment.

Source

• abc.net.au
• guampdn.com
• Image: gannett-cdn.com

The protesters were from the Concerned Catholics of Guam (CCOG) and the Laity Forward Movement (LFM).

This is the latest episode in a long running conflict which has divided Catholics in Guam.

It has been alleged that the Neocatechumenal Way has an undue influence on the Catholic church in Guam.

Gennarini has been accused of manipulating Archbishop Anthony Apuron into giving away the Redemptoris Mater Seminary, to the Neocatechumenal Way.

The Seminary is located in a building that had previously been an hotel.

Apuron claims that a deed of restriction, filed secretly with the Department of Land Management, in November 2011, did not transfer ownership and control of the seminary property.

"I think that Chamorros are very welcoming people but I think we're also tired of being walked all over and being abused by this archbishop and this diocese," says Vangie Lujan, a member of the Concerned Catholics of Guam.

A representative of the of the Neocatechumenal Way, Fr. Edivaldo da Silva Olivera claimed that the protesters represented less than one percent of the Catholics on Guam.

"They do not represent the Catholics, the ones who are here, very few, of course, few people make noise but we are not disturbed by it," he said.

Edivaldo, who comes from Brazil, is Pastor of Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje [Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey] Catholic Church in Chalan Pago.

He is also a Professor of Theology at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Yoña.

Source

• postguam.com
• pacificnewscenter
• Image: postguam.com

On Wednesday a prayer vigil took place in Hagåtña.

Gregory D. Perez, president of the Concerned Catholics of Guam, said the vigil was held to unite the island's Catholic community, which he feels is divided.

The gathering took place on the front steps of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña.

About 50 people attended the prayer rally.

Everyone, including Archbishop Anthony Apuron and people from other faiths, had been invited.

One of the more recent controversies in the local Catholic church involves the recent arrest of a priest, Father Luis Camacho, who was accused of "custodial interference" over a 17-year-old girl.

Camacho has resigned from being pastor of the Malesso and San Dionisio parishes.

The Guam Police Department said Camacho was booked and charged with custodial interference for being with a female minor who was not in school at the time they were found parked at the beach.

Camacho was released from police custody the same day.

The archdiocese has issued a statement regarding Camacho's arrest:
"The Archdiocese of Agana was made aware that Father Luis was booked and released yesterday, March 17, 2015. The alleged offense is custodial interference, according to information provided by the Guam Police Department. The archdiocese has initiated a canonical investigation and is cooperating fully with civil authorities. In the meantime, Father Luis' faculties have been restricted."

The statement was issued by Vice Chancellor Rev. Jose Alberto Rodriguez.

The Sexual Abuse Response Coordinator (SARC) Deacon Larry Claros said he would not be involved in this case.

On Wednesday, Carlina Charfauros, public information officer for the Attorney General's Office, said other than the initial police report, no other reports were forwarded to their office.

However KUAM News had reported that one day after his arrest a report was filed by Deacon Stephen Martinez with Archbishop Anthony Apuron and Child Protective Services alleging that Fr. Luis had "sexual contact" with the minor.

In response to the report, Claros told KUAM News that, "a canonical investigation is underway and I have done my part as the SARC in coordinating the investigation. It now lies with the Attorney General's office."

Martinez has expressed concern about Camacho' connection to the NCW.

He claims Camacho used his position of authority in the NCW community to take advantage of girl.

"This is a grave abuse of trust and a tendency which a proper psychological examination may have disclosed."

"Unfortunately this is not the only incident which raises alarm bells about problems within the RMS formation and screening process."

"I certainly hope the victim's participation in the NCW, and that of her parents, was not exploited to convince them not to press charges against Fr. Luis."

Martinez also alleged other disturbing actions by members of the clergy.

Source

• guampdn.com
• mvariety.com
• kuam.com
• kuam.com
• Image: guampdn.com

An allegation has been made by a third party, that about 30 years ago Apuron molested a former high school seminarian.

Apuron says that the allegation is "a horrible calumny."

He said because of the allegation, he is "obliged to defend not my person but the Church."

"Any damages that I receive I will not keep for myself, but will be given to the charitable causes of our Church."

According to the press release, Apuron has been advised by his attorney not to answer any questions regarding the allegation.

"I trust that the members of our Guam Catholic family who have observed my actions and leadership for the last thirty years will know in their hearts and spirit that these allegations are false."

John Toves, a Guamanian who lives in San Francisco has alleged that the archbishop, who was rector at the time, sexually molested his relative when they were in seminary.

Toves did not speak with his relative about the allegations but rather he heard about it while they were in seminary.

His relative has not yet come forward.

Toves sent one letter to officials at the Vatican and the Vatican's delegate to the Pacific islands, Archbishop Martin Krebs.

"I come forward now as I realised that no one else has, and I believe the Archbishop must be held accountable for his actions," Toves wrote.

Deacon Larry Claros, the recently appointed sexual abuse response coordinator for the Archdiocese of Agana, says he believes Archbishop Anthony Apuron is innocent.

"I think if anyone is to go ahead and give allegations, that the responsible person needs to surface and make those accusations (him) or herself versus a third party," the deacon said.

On Tuesday Toves went to the Hagatna Precinct, seeking the Guam Police Department's advice on whether he would be arrested if he were to go the chancery to try to seek yet another audience with the archbishop.

Last week the vicar general monsignor David Quitugua had warned Toves that no meeting would occur and that any demands for an appointment or attempts to confront the archbishop on chancery grounds or elsewhere would be responded to appropriately and in accordance with law.

On Nov. 21 Apuron met privately with Pope Francis at the Vatican when, he say, they spoke about the Catholic Church's role on Guam and in the Pacific.

Toves' letter was sent to Vatican officials and Archbishop Martin Krebs the same day.

In his press release Apuron said, "I met with his Holiness Pope Francis in a private audience, which he granted, at my request."

"I wanted to speak with the Holy Father about the situation of the Church in Guam, and the critical role we play in the evangelization of the Pacific."

Apuron said the Pope was happy to hear that Guam has two seminaries and he appreciated the strategic contribution these institutions offered to the New Evangelization of Oceania.

Source

• guampdn.com
• umatuna.org
• kuam.com
• mvguam.com
• Image: guampdn.com

Last week, while on a visit to to Guam, the apostolic delegate archbishop Martin Krebs said he had come help build bridges and help those who want to build bridges.

Krebs met with people from Neocatechumenal Way, local religious, clergy and archbishop Anthony Apuron.

A group calling itself Concerned Catholics of Guam recently published a notice in the Pacific Daily News, calling on the Archdiocese of Hagåtña to publish audited financial statements annually on the Internet.

Guam Catholic Tim Rohr, whose blog Jungle Watch discusses controversial issues, said the archdiocese's leadership has yet to publicly answer questions about one of the local church's biggest assets — the former Accion Hotel which is now being used as a seminary.

There's growing concern among local parishioners, Rohr said, because of an alleged attempt to transfer title of the property from the archdiocese to a group that's in part controlled by New Jersey-based U.S. representatives of Neocatechumenal Way.

Krebs said his visit was intended to encourage bridges to be built, not torn down.

"There are many discussions going on in the archdiocese in Guam and of course I want to see the reality of the archdiocese," he said.

"I see these discussions and I met with the priests and religious and the people of the Neocatechumenal Way in order to see what I can do in these discussions."

"As an Apostolic Delegate I'm not called to solve the problems but to be helpful in order to encourage and empower the people who are here … and so that's what I have been doing in my talks and the talks were very fruitful, putting on the table which are the problems and then trying to build bridges."

Although a local blog reported the meeting was heated, according to the chancellor for the archdiocese of Hagåtña, Father Adrian Cristobal, overall it was a very positive visit.

He says that Apuron will be addressing the needs of the priests over a period of time and that Archbishop Krebs has instructed them to build bridges with open dialogue and reconciliation.

According to Rohr, the property could be worth $35 million in today's market,.

He said the archdiocese bought the former hotel for $2 million in 2002 after the $57 million hotel project failed.

Source

• Kuam News
• Guampdn.com
• Kuam News
• umatuna.org
• Image: umatuna.org

Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron, was the presider and homilist for the Mass. Concelebrants included Monsigñor Brigido Arroyo and Palé Mike Crisostomo, officers of the clergy association.

Other clergy and members of the various religious orders and communities working on Guam joined in the Eucharistic celebration.

The Association of Diocesan Clergy of the Archdiocese of Agaña, (ADCAA), held the Mass as a way to show gratitude to Our Lord and to express thanks to individuals who have devoted themselves to being servants of Christ in consecrated life.

"Its focus is on showing appreciation for the men and women who are serving the Church and Christ in this way," said Palé Mike, President of ADCAA.

Pope Francis has declared that 2015 will be designated the Year of Consecrated Life. The recent Mass of Thanksgiving was a continuation of sorts of recent events in our Church honoring consecrated men and women on Guam.

Source

• umatuna.org
• Image: umatuna.org

The new seminary will be called the "Saint John Paul II Archdiocesan Seminary" and will be initially hosted on the grounds of the Carmel on the Hill Retreat Center in Malojloj. There are plans on the drawing board to construct the seminary.

The new Saint John Paul II Archdiocesan Seminary will complement the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary in Yona, which opened in 1999.

Both seminaries are diocesan seminaries owned by the Archdiocese of Agana; however one will underscore the local mission in the archdiocese while the other will have the added element of availability for the world wide mission.

Source

• U Matuna Si Yu'os