Monday, November 18, 2013

A Report for the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Agana


The confusion that was generated by the change from one Bishops Conference to another pales in comparison, however, to the widespread division that has arisen since the introduction of the Neocatechumenal Way 16 years ago. The Neocatechumenal Way was brought to Guam by Fr. Pius Sammut, a Carmelite priest (who was on “itinerancy” as the group calls their missionary endeavors) in 1994. He soon enjoyed the full support of Archbishop Apuron who, according to many priests and deacons, joined the group as well. Five years after their arrival, a Redemptoris Mater seminary was established in 1999. Those who are members of the Neocatechumenal Way feel that the Archbishop is very close to them while non-members feel that he treats them poorly, like second-class citizens. Not only has there been opposition to the Neocatechumenal Way by many clergy, but one priest spoke about a large (and embarrassing) public demonstration of lay people against their presence on the island. (It is interesting to note that in neighboring Japan, several bishops forced the closure of the Neocatechumenal Way’s seminary in Takamatsu in 2008. According to Catholic News Service, “Bishop Francis Osamu Mizobe of Takamatsu and the diocesan pastoral council wanted to shut down the seminary because of concerns that the activity of the Way's members was damaging the unity of Japan's small Catholic community.”) - pg. 45

READ THE FULL REPORT

10 comments:

  1. I found the comment about Cursillo very interesting.

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  2. Yes, not the first time he has bashed the Cursillo:

    "and...the Cursillos, it amazes me when they have the Cursillo, a weekend for example, how fired they are. But then immediately after that weekend they fizzle out in the community and you’re wondering...you know everybody wants to convert the world." - Archbishop Apuron, KOLG, January 2006.

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  3. Wow, where did you find that quote? I always figured that the Archbishop did not exactly favor the Cursillo movement, but it never occurred to me that he would directly say such. Amazing.

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  4. Jared, I believe that quote about the Cursillo came from The Missing Episode of a local KOLG show when the Archbishop made a surprise personal appearance to address concerns raised about the NCW and stated that only The Way offers the FULLNESS of the Eucharist!

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  5. One wonders how many "missing" episodes there are in the KOLG archives? Knowledge leads to truth, and truth is power. Does KOLG then possess the power to erase the truth? Hmm?

    BTW - I can think of quite a few cursillos who are priests and deacons, and many of them were inspired to follow the calling because of the strength of that weekend. It doesn't seem like it fizzled out in them. And a lot of the lay leaders in my parish and others are active Cursillos. It seems to not have fizzled out in them either.
    How many active NCW members are leaders in their parish? I don't know but it might be interesting for the Bishop to know so he can judge the fruits of the movements here on Guam. But if he did he might then feel compelled to fund other movements like he funds the NCW movement.
    Just thinking out loud...

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  6. The "missing episode" is not missing. It will soon be released. This is why the Archbishop has tried to silence me. It is not because of what I have posted, but what I have not YET posted.

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  7. The two phrases I know that exists within the neo is 1) do not question and 2) silence. They are a privilege group hiding under the wings of the archbishop. I support you in all you do. The truth shall prevail. God bless you Mr. Rohr. Go get 'em.

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  8. If the Neo is a true part of the Catholic Church then please answer these questions? Why do girls need to go to New Jersey to enter the Carmelite Order? What is wrong with the Carmelite Order on Guam? Not a Neo Community? Why can I not be a Sponsor for a child being Baptized or Confirmed whose parents are part of a Neo Community? Answer to this is, I am not Neo, so I was told. Oh well, guess I am not good enough, but when it comes to asking, my money is good enough. Now I know never to give to Catholic Charity Appeal.

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  9. They do not NEED to go to NJ, and there is nothing wrong with the Carmelite Order on our island. It has nothing to do with it not having communities, it just what is perceived to be the reason. And yes I am a "neo" and my God parents, both, baptismal and confirmation, are not part of the "neo". I mean really, does being part of the "neo" make me a bad person?

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  10. So why does Father Pius Summit choose the names for these girls upon taking their vows? Why doesn't, the archbishop step in and encourage these girls to enter any woman religious order here on Guam. Maybe he has no say!

    The archbishop needs to step in and take the helm. He is suppose to be the true shepherd on our island.

    The hierarchy of our church on Guam is Father Pius Summit the invisible archbishop. Father Adrian Cristobal the tattle tell and the true archbishop is only a puppet on a string.

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