July 30, 2014
Dear Mr Rohr,
My attention was recently piqued by separate verifiable sources about the Archbishop's public allegation of an improper relationship between Fr Matthew Blockley and I while I was in Manila these past months. It is true I separated from the US Air Force due to my mother's condition. I wanted to spend time with her, and Archbishop Apuron granted the leave. During this time I was commuting between Naga City and Manila, and Fr Blockley was gracious enough to offer lodging while in Manila. Upon hearing this allegation, I was bemused, befuddled and flummoxed by the questionable comedic intent and resolved to ignore it despite some urging from others to demand an apology from the perpetrator.
Archbishop Apuron knew of my friendship with Fr Blockley since 1991 when Seminarian Blockley first set foot on the island. As a young priest then I have come to treasure this friendship as warm camaraderie with a brother about to get ordained himself. He has seen me as a mentor, and had asked me to vest him at his diaconate in Rome and his priesthood in Chalan Kanoa. There was nothing improper at all, and our families are very close as a result of this friendship. Talk about a bridge that spanned the Pacific and Europe! Now both families are distressed by a careless remark.
I do not expect an apology forthcoming, nor must I demand any apology. Genuine remorse for besmirching a person's treasured reputation comes in due time after parties have had ample time to reflect on one's actions, intentional or not. I believe that the truth always finds its rightful place - front and center - whether human comprehension comes to terms with it or not. We want sooner rather than later, but life does not always work that way. By the same token, one cannot demand respect, one earns it.
This allegation is unnecesary distraction from real matters affecting the Archdiocese of Agana. I come back to this my home Archdiocese still full of hope that all the pains, hurts, insults, allegations and damages will be transformed into a stronger Church, especially when change is empowered from the grassroots level. Please be assured that the majority of my brother priests, deacons and religious sisters are fervently staying within our lane to bring about a satisfactory resolution. We are also hurting, and desire passionately like you to bring about a solution that maintains respect for the dignity of every individual. Yet our hands are tied when our efforts are not reciprocated. In the end, it is our dignity that we all will present to the Almighty Father. Devoid of basic decency we remain naked and ugly, unfazed and unmoved by the gracious offer of mercy that a loving God offers.
I am with you in prayer despite uncharitable remarks like this. This allegation is merely a muted whisper to me, compared to my deployment experiences in Iraq and Kuwait as a chaplain. There I have held the hands of our boys who have turned into men overnight. In the silence of o'dark thirty hours I have listened to their pain in words so vulnerable my heart broke multiple times. They shared from the marrow of their bones that which they are unable to express in the bravado of the morning light and in the company of their comrades. I have often arrived in my tent office converted into a morgue full of body bags and told, "Sorry, Father, but we have no more place to put our fallen patriots." We have repatriated these heroes in countless solemnly moving ceremonies. I have prayed with commanders for the strength to lead in spite of their personal struggles. I have sat with medics too sleepy after 36 hours tending to the wounded yet have to sit through staff reporting. I have been ask to check for external injuries, tagged and collected personal belongings and washed blood off the floors in the emergency rooms. I have fielded calls from widows and mothers, asking if their husband or son received the viaticum before expiring. I have shared coffee with security forces patrolling the wire perimeter fence at night. I have comforted a troop fresh out of tech school whose hands and both feet were amputated due to an RPG, and prayed with transcom whose whole convoy was ambushed transporting jet fuel. I can go on and on.
No, Tim, this allegation has no bearing on me at all. These brave men and women have tranformed me into a real man who does not hide behind the fluff of his own press. Their strength and bravery have become my staff and guide, along with the constant cross of Christ in my heart. Boys that hide beneath the comfort of their desks, the embroidery of their dresses and the height of their hats or the glitter of their rings, or the initials after their names do not faze me at all. I can honestly say that the real friends who surround me are ready to defend me to my dying breath. My friends are not opportunists who will scatter like roaches when light is shone on them. My friends do not look out for number one, or ask themselves, "what's in it for me." I say to those who will stain my reputation, bring it on...just refrain from quoting Canon Law simply as a feeble attempt to "widen your phylacteries." On our last class in seminary Canon Law, my professor who is now bishop of San Jose, Ca. said, "After all is said and done, what really matters is the law of the heart." I have taken that most important lesson to heart even now. There is a saying in Spanish, "Da me con quien andas y te dire' quien eres". Tell me who you your friends are, and I will tell you who you are. Tell me also what you have done for the least of our brothers and sisters, and we can at least be on a level playing field. Until then, don't even...
Fr Efren Adversario
In Arduis Fideli
Do not be swayed by these dirty remarks. For even the Archbishop said that gossiping is evil, wishfully, he would pay attention and take what he had said into his own heart. He is screaming and throwing slanderous remarks to discredit you and all that speak because he does not want all of us to know the skeletons in his closet, most especially the ones that Fr. Blockley know and can tell. Funny enough, we do not hear those true stories because he has already done so much to his Non-Neo flock, that we already know where his heart and soul lies.
ReplyDeleteFr. Efren, you already are a hero. Please do not give up on our people, for we are not a reflection of our leader. Sadly, you left a literal war, cared for your mother, then came back to Guam, only to step into yet another one. Only this one is less obvious, but still is a great battle--the spiritual battle that we the people of Guam, outside of the Neocatecumenal Way, are now forced to fight.
We are the Catholics that need not turn to other groups, sects or cult-like organizations inside and outside the Catholic Church to feel closer to God. Though we are sinners, we already feel God's love. We are whole, especially on the inside, not needing platitudes and such to brainwash us.
We are behind you and with all the other oppressed priests in our island: Fr. Paul Gofigan, Msgr. James L.G. Benavente.
Well said Fr. Efren...I remember you very well during your term as pastor of St. Joseph parish in Inarajan. Pls. know that you are in my prayers!...My family extends our LOVE and SUPPORT to you and ALL within our Archdiocese who are suffering persecution from our very own leaders!...May GOD be your strength and your consolation. the MENO/MANTANONA FAMILY LOVE YOU FR. EFREN! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Fmr. Bro. Joe Meno, The south loves you! Shame on Apuron!
ReplyDeleteIf only the Archbishop displayed half the humility of Fr. Efren!
ReplyDeleteGod bless you Father.
Archbishop forgot that he was a capuchin
ReplyDeleteFr. Efren, as a US Marine veteran I can only say that you understand what true bravery, courage, and strength are and that they are a human trait that comes only with character, and are not derived from a cloak, a station in life, or a cathedral (hat that is). God bless you Fr. Efren.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteFather Efren's letter is a moving testament of how to live the example of Christ. Listen up, Archbishop Apuron!
Eileen Benavente-Blas
From our Pope!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.churchmilitant.tv/daily/?today=2014-07-30
prepared for Archbishop of Agana by Church Militant...or seems so.
DeleteTwenty six years ago Fr Efren (a deacon then) baptized my eldest son Jordan. We were honored to be invited to his ordination and always remember his humility, kindness and Godliness. We are so proud of you Fr Efren on your bravery and awesome achievement on your journey as a servant of God. You are right, this little bump should not faze you now after what you have been through. We are here to support you and we believe in your pure heart and Christlike example of love for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Stay steadfast. The truth and God's goodness will always prevail. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng pagsisilbi sa ating Mahal na Panginoon at sa kanyang mga anak! Mabuhay ka Fr Efren. God bless you and your future ministries in God. - Edna L. Hardy
ReplyDeleteFilipino community watch out archbishop.
ReplyDelete" Jessica, Krystyna, Bernadette, I gave you a chance to grow beyond your unintelligible bullshit. It is up to you if you take this chance or not. You need maturity in faith to be able to take it. I will pray for you that your mind may be released from bondage."
ReplyDeleteThe above comment was written by Zoltan and I surely resent the remark "unintelligible bullshit"
made to my daughter.
My negativity towards the NCW goes back 20 years with a remark Father Pius said in front of my face to my mother. A remark no one wants to hear especially from a priest, so I will not say it here. Give me the opportunity to face Father Pius and I most certainly will confront him.
Little remarks made by members can surely tick a person off. Remarks such as "Are you having exorcism" just because Father Joel and his Divine Mercy Group were coming to pray in my home? I was asked by a member of the group if they could come, If I wanted exorcism done in my home, the closest place and person I would write to is Father Jose Francisco Syquia, the director of the office of exorcism in the Archdiocese of Manila. This remark was not only an insult to me, but I took it as an insult to Father Joel and his Divine Mercy group.
Let me say that little remarks or actions can make a big impact in a person's life.
Because of your remark Zoltan, my horns just got longer and sharper.
I need not say anymore!
Kathleen M. Ilagan
The return of Zoltan. Not very helpful or uplifting. Zoltan, POOF! disappear.
Deletefr. paul... fr. james...and who will be then next then?
ReplyDeleteI think he is thinking a little longer this time before announcing the next one. He wants to make sure Msgr Quitugua, the younger, can still handle extra assignments.
ReplyDeleteIndividuals who are critical of aaa in PDN have been identified by the Neo community for extermination.
ReplyDeleteHe's gone just about too far already. Never get away with it. Some priests better wake up and support their brothers. Also not too early for Neo-Non Neo priests to start to integrate they'll be here after Arch Tony goes wherever he's a going. Not a well thought out plan.
DeleteIt seems that Archbishop Apuron questions who pays for the residence of Father Matthew Blockley . One thing for sure it is not Archbishop Apuron. Stay tuned.
ReplyDeleteThought Blockley is Saipan priest. Why is he around stirring up dust?? Like we don't have enough problems?
DeleteDoes Father Blockley function as a priest?
DeleteGuam - Saipan, it's all connected. As you will soon see when I finish his story. Remember, it was Fr. Pius and Apuron who went to Saipan to establish the NCW. Blockely opposed them...and then...the rest of the story. Here's part 1 if you missed it: http://www.junglewatch.info/2014/07/who-is-blockley.html
DeleteThe dynamic duo of Pius and Brother Tony has caused so much harm. They lovingly sharing in the persecution. Dudes, you're not being persecuted. You are experiencing the consequences of your own cult and your wholehearted participation therein. Persecution ???? Today persecution is spelled Mosul, Iraq, not San Ramon Hill, Guam. How dare you say you are being persecuted?
DeleteDoes Blockley have anything to do with Tagle letter fiasco?
ReplyDeleteKiko, come to Guam and protect your followers. Don't you realize they are being persecuted.
ReplyDeleteright, now we see the problem.
DeleteAnonymousAugust 1, 2014 at 1:45 PM You and your cronies follow kiko. The rest of us follow Christ!
Anonymous August 1, 2014 at 1:04 PM asking why Fr. Blockley is "stirring dust" is a dead giveaway for what you truly are, Neocancer. We say, the more dust the better. Please Fr. Blockley bring them on.
ReplyDeletearch adrian and david can build a fake beach at RMS by the end of this whole fiasco! A Fake beach, for Fake people!
Fr. Efren, you are eloquent and pleasant, keep serving the people and you will be taken care of...
Fr. Efren...as well as our current LOCAL Diocesan priests, have legitimate college education and so it shows on his eloquence in writing...and on their homilies.......I can only wonder how well the RMS SEMINARIANS/PRIESTS match up in same arena.....maybe not......okay...i'll be nice....THEY CAN try beating THE kids from ARE YOU SMARTER THAN THE 5TH GRADER! HAHAHA!
ReplyDelete@anon 7:17pm
ReplyDeleteKids will get scared coz - ''THEY WILL SUCK THE JUICE RIGHT OUT OF THEM!' -
I can't forget this quote from who again????? Oh yeah....!
When the caravan of gypsies leave Guam, don't forget to take Edevaldo with you. Don't leave him behind.
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my followers! Wonderful blog and superb design.