Monday, July 28, 2014

THE CANONICAL CASE FOR MONSIGNOR JAMES BENAVENTE, PASTOR.


Summary

  • The cathedral is both the episcopal seat of the diocese and a parish.
  • The Archbishop is the pastor of the diocese not the parish of Agana. 
  • Msgr. James was assigned to the cathedral as its rector.
  • Canon law does not allow a rector to be assigned to a parish.
  • Therefore, Msgr. James is not the Cathedral's rector but its de facto pastor. 
  • Msgr. James has all the canonical protections of a pastor. 
  • The Archbishop's dismissal of Msgr. James, pastor, was in violation of canon law. 
  • Msgr. James is still the de facto pastor of the Cathedral parish. 
The Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral is the central church of the archdiocese and the seat of the archbishop. And, according to the 2013 Directory of the Archdiocese of Agana (pg. 4) it is also a parish. 

The directory lists Archbishop Apuron as its pastor. However Archbishop Apuron is the pastor of the archdiocese of which the Cathedral is the central church. He is not the pastor of the Agana parish. That duty is assigned to the "rector".

However, according to canonist, Fr. Stuart MacDonald, JCL, it appears that Monsignor Benavente is NOT the rector but the pastor:
"Sometimes the priest who is given charge of the Cathedral is called a rector.  It seems to be an honourary title because he is the pastor of the Cathedral parish...The cathedral church, besides being the seat of the bishop, can also be a parish church...If the cathedral is also a parish, then, properly speaking, a pastor is appointed to it.  If the cathedral church is not a parish, then, properly speaking, a rector is appointed to it."
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral is "also a parish church". Thus it is supposed to have a pastor, not a rector. MacDonald quotes Canon 556 to clarify:
Rectors of churches are understood here as priests to whom is committed the care of some church which is neither parochial nor capitular nor connected to a house of a religious community or society of apostolic life which celebrates services in it.
The key words are "neither parochial". Parochial means "of or referring to a parish." The Agana Cathedral is not only listed as a parish in the archdiocesan directory, it also functions as a parish in every way.

Thus, Monsignor Benavente's position at the cathedral, despite the misnomer, cannot be that of a rector, but a pastor. And he, and NOT Archbishop Apuron, is the pastor of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral parish, just as Monsignor Kevin Kostelnik is the pastor of the Cathedral parish of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and not Archbishop Jose Gomez, and Monsignor John Talesfore is the pastor of the Cathedral parish of San Francisco and not Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone.

Also, Monsignor Benavente is the pastor not only because of this canonical technicality, but also by virtue of his performance of parochial functions in the Agana parish for the past twenty years, functions that are otherwise not permitted to a rector by Canon 558:
Without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 262, a rector is not permitted to perform the parochial functions mentioned in ⇒ can. 530, nn. 1-6 in the church entrusted to him unless the pastor consents or, if the matter warrants it, delegates.
Here is the list of parochial functions which Can. 558 prohibits a rector from performing, functions which Monsignor Benavente regularly performs, and performs them because his in fact the pastor NOT the rector:

1/ the administration of baptism;

2/ the administration of the sacrament of confirmation to those who are in danger of death, according to the norm of ⇒ can. 883, n. 3;

3/ the administration of Viaticum and of the anointing of the sick, without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 1003, §§2 and 3, and the imparting of the apostolic blessing;

4/ the assistance at marriages and the nuptial blessing;

5/ the performance of funeral rites;

6/ the blessing of the baptismal font at Easter time, the leading of processions outside the church, and solemn blessings outside the church.

There are other dioceses which seem to have made the same mistake as ours, assigning a rector instead of a pastor to their Cathedral parishes. But, it is a mistake nonetheless, a mistake which is clearly noted in the New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law:
"The church entrusted to a rector may not be a parish church. In the United States, the pastor of the cathedral is sometimes referred to as as the rector, but this is not a canonical term. In many countries the cathedral is not a parish and is entrusted to a rector in the sense of this canon. However, in the United States cathedrals are usually parish churches well as churches for the diocese. " (Beal, John P., Coriden, James A., Green, Thomas J., The Canon Law Society of America., [2000]. New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. New York: Paulist Press. Pg. 735.)
Note: The Archbishop may argue that the Archdiocese of Agana is not part of the U.S. conference. However, this doesn't matter, because it is his own directory that lists the Agana cathedral as a parish

As pastor, Monsignor James has all the rights accorded to a pastor under Canon Law, including a right to the required canonically required proceedings for the removal of pastors as prescribed in Cann. 1740 - 1752, the same canons that Archbishop Apuron was forced to comply with in his removal of Fr. Paul.

The Archbishop will argue that he never formally installed Monsignor James as pastor and only installed him as rector. But then that would mean that Archbishop Apuron has been negligent in permitting Monsignor James to perform parochial functions which, as a rector, he would be prohibited by Can. 558 from performing. 

The fact is, of course, is that the Archbishop is not conversant with Canon Law on this matter and it is not the fault of Monsignor James that he was given the wrong title. Formally installed or not, Monsignor James IS the de facto pastor of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral parish.

And I stress IS because he CANNOT be removed by a mere letter of dismissal since Archbishop Apuron is required to comply with the formal proceedings for the removal of a pastor under Cann. 1740 - 1752. 

Thus, both the dismissal of Monsignor Benavente from the Agana Cathedral and the appointment of Msgr. David C. Quitugua as his replacement are both invalid and canonically illegal acts. And, Monsignor James Benavente, though he was illegally removed and replaced, is still the de facto pastor of the Agana Cathedral parish.

In order for Archbishop Apuron to justify his actions, he will have to discredit the "de facto" character of Monsignor Benavente' pastorship. This will be difficult for him to do because in addition to the admission of ignorance and negligence already noted, the Archbishop, himself, is relying on a de facto designation in his case against Fr. Paul, charging that a Santa Barbara parish volunteer was a de facto employee even two years after Fr. Paul terminated the man's actual employment.

In short, Monsignor James Benavente has the same case as Fr. Paul. And he should challenge the Archbishop as Fr. Paul has done. We hope he does. Meanwhile, many of us are are finally fed up! We are sick of this Archbishop's lawlessness. We are sick of this cruelty and terrorizing of our priests. And we are sick of Archbishop Apuron's Neo-crat masters counting on Guam Catholics to shut up, sit down, and behave. WE ARE DONE!

If you are ready to do something about this then send your name to



76 comments:

  1. (With apologies to Frank Sinatra) And now your end is near.....................You did it your "WAY"!

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    1. If you are referring to JW...sorry for a picture paints a thousand words.....

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    2. A local shopkeeper said Fr. James got let go for doing a complete renovation on his mother's house with project money. Rumors like that are not helpful. Of course, he could do it for his mom...with his own money....people just like to talk, talk, talk. Secular Priests have money, folks. We also pay taxes, as you do on those funds. Not a free ride. Thanks for your help.

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    3. Over the years, Msgr. James Benavente, has had to deal with many people. And to stay true to his vows and his jobs, his many jobs, he has had, like all leaders, to make decisions that did not sit well with people. The bottom line is that none of us know what the accusations against Msgr. James were because Archbishop Apuron will not present those to Msgr. James in writing. He will not do this because Apuron knows that Msgr. James will easily prove them wrong. Apuron also knows that those accusations will sooner or later show up on this blog and he will once again make himself a laughing stock.

      Archbishop Apuron is NOT interested in resolving financial issues otherwise he would have sought to work with Msgr. Benavente to resolve them. How does outright getting rid of someone resolve the issues? It doesn't. If indeed Msgr. James is at fault, then working with the person who supposedly caused the problem is the first thing any decent manager would do. Getting rid of someone before the issues can even be addressed just complicates the problem for those who come after.

      So the truth is that there is no truth to the Archbishop's accusations, just like in the Fr. Paul case. Why should we expect Archbishop Apuron to tell us the truth about anything?

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  2. Still, let us pay in solidarity for Msgr. JAMES and the Main Catholic Church tomorrow. 4:45 p.m. Cathedral front steps. WE ALL NEED THIS!

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    1. I meant PRAY not pay, I have been so accustomed to giving my money blindly to Archbishop Anthony's appeals that even I automatically typed that I need to pay AGAIN... LET US PRAY!!!

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  3. He is the Archbishop and you don't respect his authority. Accept it, you play like your in authority.
    Can. 563 Without prejudice to the prescript of ⇒ can. 682, §2, the local ordinary, for a just cause and according to his own prudent judgment, can remove the rector of a church from office, even if he had been elected or presented by others.

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    1. You are right. I DON'T accept his authority. He has no authority over me other than when he teaches in union with the rest of the church in the matters of faith and morals. As regards his authority over the liturgy he has forfeited that by his commitment to the the neocat abuses. And the point is, Apuron erred when he appointed a rector to the Cathedral. A rector cannot be appointed to a church which is also a parish even if its the cathedral. Thus Benavente is NOT a rector but a pastor and cannot be removed as the canon you quote. Gosh you guys are thick.

      And for the record. Yes. I am my own authority. Thanks.

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    2. Even if Msgr James is not the pastor of the Cathedral he was removed without any due process. He was canned for no reason. Until this day, no word from the Archbishop regarding his removal. We know the Archbishop is on a witchhunt for non-neo priest . Who is next? I'll be there tomorrow for prayer. I hope the media takes pictures so the Archbishop is aware that we mean business. He better shape up because our voices will have an impact and could possibly be the end of his career.

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    3. @5:11, Sadly, you and the false god you beat witness to (Anthony Apuron) have quite successfully proven that your scope of intelligence is quite limited and your morals, ethics, and conscience are seriously lacking. Do not speak if you do not know what you are talking about because all you are doing is proving how unjust Apuron is and how blind and gullible his followers are. This blog is enlightening us and giving us the truth to bring down Apuron's tyranny.

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    4. AnonymousJuly 29, 2014 at 2:49 AM cus your feed on LIES on this blog. SLANDER and DISOBEDIENCE. It's easy to ride on it and separate yourself from the Church. Witness Rohr admit that HE is his own AUTHORITY Church. Sounds like Martin Luther in Germany, so what happen if one of you disagree with him? Do you form your own Church. Enjoy your afternoon VOMIT SPA with the JUNGLE. Go to this blog and know the other side :http://neocatechemunal.blogspot.com/

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    5. LOL, 8:20. Another fine example of the fruit of the Kiko church. Thanks for providing...and for pushing up those page views. People come here just to see for themselves such examples as you have here provided. Come back again. Oh, and by the way, people have gone to your blog to know the other side. That's why they all end up coming here. Enjoy your own vomit. Bye.

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    6. Will pray for you Tim....."Jesus Loves you".....

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    7. Ahhhhh. So nice. So warm and fuzzy and all that. You know you won't. So now you have just lied...again.

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    8. Tim, are you just a little teensy, weensy bit afraid you might be incorrect??

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    9. Nope. I am correct as follows:

      The cathedral is both the episcopal seat of the diocese and a parish.
      The Archbishop is the pastor of the diocese not the parish of Agana.
      Msgr. James was assigned to the cathedral as its rector.
      Canon law does not allow a rector to be assigned to a parish.
      Therefore, Msgr. James is not the Cathedral's rector but its de facto pastor.
      Msgr. James has all the canonical protections of a pastor.
      The Archbishop's dismissal of Msgr. James, pastor, was in violation of canon law.
      Msgr. James is still the de facto pastor of the Cathedral parish.

      Of course, facts don’t matter to your side. However, because there was not an actual appointment of Msgr. James as pastor, Msgr. James will probably not pursue a challenge based on the de facto status EVEN THOUGH THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT APURON IS DOING in the Fr. Paul case. Obviously, Msgr. James is much more intelligent than you and Apuron put together.

      Of course the appointment of a rector to the a Cathedral parish for twenty years when Canon Law requires a pastor, once again shows the COMPLETE INCOMPETENCE of Archbishop Apuron and his just as ignorant advisors…as if we needed any more reminders.

      By the way, people are demanding to know where that nice round $6600 a year shown on the AAA is going to. Shall you tell them or should I?

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    10. 8:20AM...Get your reading glasses on. Read the comments well. We are now under the dictatorship of the Archbishop. People have labeled him Hitler, Putin, ISIS, and you name it.

      My prediction is that with the removal of Msgr. James Benavente, the crack in the bridge just got wider and longer.

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  4. Without Rome's intervention perhaps with the Apostolic Nuncio, Apuron will continue to do as he pleases and doesn't care about the protest and objections that have been made. Doesn't he have a canon lawyer (Monsignor David C. Quitugua) to advise him? As long as he feels he has predominate support for his actions and his authority as Archbishop, he will continue to make whatever decisions he believes serve the interests of the church on Guam despite expressed sentiments to the contrary. So, nothing will happen until Rome makes the determination that Apuron has clearly violated canon law and abused his authority. It's been a year now since Fr. Paul's case has been sent to Rome & nothing has happened. Does Monsignor James have to go through the same ordeal? It's going to be exceedingly difficult to remove a sitting Bishop who has had held that position for over 30 years.

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    1. No it won't. but Pope Francis needs to be the one to do it.

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    2. I doubt Pope Francis even knows what's going on in Guam. It's going to take a lot more than what's taken place so far to get Rome's attention & a lot more egregious action by Apuron.

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    3. I'm glad you said this. It is time for us to being sending our complaints directly to the Vatican authorities which have direct purview over this diocese and this bishop.

      Prefect: Cardinal Marc Ouellet, P.S.S.
      Secretary: Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri
      Undersecretary: Monsignor Udo Breitbach
      Adjunct Undersecretary: Mons. Serge Poitras )
      Prefect, Congregation for Bishops
      Piazza Pio XII, 10
      00193 Vatican City, Italy, EuropePhone: (011) 39-6-6988-4217

      Fernando Filoni, Cardinal, Prefect (68.29)
      Official Web Site: http://www.evangelizatio.org/
      Mailing Address: Palazzo di Propaganda Fide, 00187 Roma, Piazza di Spagna, 48
      Telephone: 06.69.87.92.99
      Fax: 06.69.88.01.18; 06.69.88.01.37

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  5. Bishop Apuron you initiated many of the comments by St. JohnPaul II during the Oceania assembly. Dredge up your copy. And read (and recall) the following excerpt:

    SPECIAL ASSEMBLY FOR OCEANIA JESUS CHRIST AND THE PEOPLES OF OCEANIA:
    WALKING HIS WAY TELLING HIS TRUTH AND LIVING HIS LIFE
    INSTRUMENTUM LABORIS VATICAN CITY 1998
    © The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops and Libreria Editrice Vaticana.Groups within the Catholic Church

    31. Some groups mix their imagery and message. Through their use of Christian, indeed Catholic, symbols and expressions, these groups distort people's desire and need for salvation. The existence of such phenomena shows how much effort should go into proclaiming the truth of Jesus Christ in a sound and liberating way, in accordance with the Church's best traditions.

    A number of responses thought that "sects" in question 10 of theLineamenta meant exclusivist groups within the Catholic Church who display sect-like features and behaviour. There is a great amount of confusion about the use of terms and to whom they properly apply. The stated groups often organise to draw people away from their parishes to attend liturgies and other activities reserved to group initiates. They thus alienate people from their parishes by providing alternative structures and styles of religiosity. Adherents of such groups often fall under the spell of a leader who acts as spiritual guide in all matters. These groups are not approved by appropriate authority and usually proceed without the bishop's knowledge, very often against his express wishes, when he comes to know of their activities. They have the effect of seriously splitting and dividing the Catholic community. People join because of a sincere desire for prayer, devotion and spiritual growth.

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  6. To anonymous who sent the information about the priest removed from ministry in 1985. Thank you. I don't want to go there yet though. It's enough for now that the chancery knows that we know. Hang on. The time will come. Waiting until they publish their fake financial report. I know they're reading this and they know what I'm talking about.

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  7. I think This is what the arch will do next.....property manager out....then all tenants will be evicted!!!

    they've been planning this for awhile now!

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  8. What if we all just stopped giving money and contributions as a form of protest! These people entrusted with our Church funds will get the message that we make up our Church. Power to the People

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  9. Our Church should stand up to this abuse by stopping the flow of $$$ into the Neo coffers. It takes an island.

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  10. I heard the UM's, Lectors and choir members almost didn't perform their volunteer duties last Sunday, because of this injustice to Monsignor James! Imagine if they all didn't show up last Sunday??? That would have been something. It's good to know that they remained professional and kept the Church operating.

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  11. I never knew this Neo issue on Guam was a big deal! It is so unfortunate the History of our Church was built around regular Catholic priest. Now this new group comes in and converts our Archbishop because he is vulnerable and weak I guess, and years later all Hell Brakes Loose! I guess the Devil is always in the shadows trying to corrupt our minds and spirit. People of Guam wake up and speak up!

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    1. I am unaware of the Neo movement on Guam. Where s it? How does it manifest itself? Who are its leaders besides the arch?

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    2. Good question? I do know the 3 on the hill (archbishop, David Q and Adrian) are the main guys I guess. They had spies sitting in the congregation at all the masses Sunday I heard. I guess to feel out the crown on the breaking news of Monsignor James being fired!

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  12. Even if Monsignor James did not have canonical rights of due process, is it not just plain decency to have afforded him the opportunity to rebut the allegations? Is the archbishop that devoid of decency? The Nuncio was just here urging the clergy to find solutions amicably and to build bridges. Monsignor James just celebrated his 20th anniversary as a priest, and blessed with the presence of Cardinal Tagle with Archbishop Apuron presiding at the mass. . Shortly thereafter, Archbishop Apuron, with his two goose stepping goons(vicar general and chancellor), without notice and without due process, whacks Monsignor James over the head as the good Monsignor was kneeling and praying. That is downright vicious and downright EVIL.

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    1. I agree. The Archbishop didn't show any sense of decency when he didn't give the Monsignor time to rebut the allegations, and, completely disregarded our possible outrage. A Shepherd he is NOT.

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  13. Oh Diana( since I know you lurk here) I feel so sad for you. You are willing to follow Apuron and Kiko through the mud. When Rome comes back and makes the changes and Kiko decides to leave the church since he feels it is going the in wrong path what will do you? Have you ever asked yourself that question? As a long time priest (not a part of the archdiocese) I can speak from experience- it happens- people don't get their way, organization lose sight and focus then they break away. It will happen- it is the NCW destiny. Kiko is only a councillor and so are 25 other people- title is honorary- no real role- look it up. It doesn't make the NCW any more special. You know the saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer". I can only offer you this advice- the ongoing trials and uprising is a good thing that will cleanse the church and renew it. Lampas Lakas Lakas! To the people of Guam- LABAN!

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    1. Tama po kayo, Padre! Magkita-kita po sana tayo bukas.

      We all know the struggles you go through, along with the other Filipino priests under the current hierarchical regime. Thank you for your uplifting encouragement! We hope to see you tomorrow.

      Laban kung laban!

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    2. Another Pinoy Contract Priest who disobey, DEPORTATION in the near future and EXCOMMUNICATION because you dishonor your OATH. A disgrace to our Catholic Church.
      My message to you all.
      Tama na yan mga ipapanira ninyo mga Filipinong Pare. Taksil mga pinagagawa ninyo. Walang hiya kayo. Ang alam ninyo pang husgado ng Obispo dito sa Guam. Kung wala sa OBISPO Apuron, gutom kayo sa Pilipinas. Patawaring sana kayo ng Diyos. Mukha kayong pera! Yan alam ninyo bastosan! Wala kayo utang na loob. Mahiya kayo! Mga Gago!

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    3. Sobra na, tama na, palitan (This is too much. This must stop. Time to change the leadership.)

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    4. AnonymousJuly 28, 2014 at 11:58 PM who are you the POPE? You contradict yourself who judge and decide?

      Ang yabang mo, sobra ang pang lalait ninyo.

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    5. Your silence my dear Filipino Priests is nothing! You need to stand up and speak the truth. The truth is that no matter what you will still be sent back home without incardination. Why? The Archbishop is helping these seminarians become U.S. citizens so that they can officially be here to stay.

      Don't be fools and become the footstool of the Archbishop. You have been the "Marys" like in today's gospel, listening and doing more that your fair share to the Catholics of Guam. It is time for you to become the "Marthas" and speak out!

      Three being ordained in February. One will be assigned to your parish to learn the ropes and the back to Manila you go! Father Michael was planted at the Cathedral to be the Hitler"s eyes and ears. Quiet as man as he seems, he too is very devoted to the NCW so beware! Msgr. David will never make decisions of his own. He must ALWAYS get the approval of the Archbishop first. This man cannot stand on his own to feet.. BTW Msgr. David, do you remember the story of LL?

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    6. Lakas ng Bayan!!! People Power will remove Anthony, David and Adrian (they no longer have the respect of the people and so their titles mean nothing so we will call them by their names) People Power!

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    7. 1123 and 813...Are you 2 the same person?

      Stop googling your Tagalog translations! At least find a real speaker, and writer to transcribe your languages. Your ignorance is astounding! And your hate, never ending.

      Padre, pagpasensyahan nyo na lang po yang mga yan. Hay, talaga naman, mga taong yan.

      We Filipinos are not stupid to ignore the wrongdoings of the Archbishop! Stop passing off your "Tagalog," as you try to shame our people. The same people that Apuron profusely denied because in no way does he have Filipino blood in him, or so he claims. Gladly! We would be ashamed if he was even an ounce Filipino. But why would we expect love and concern from such a person when he attacks even his own people. ..Chamorro priests?

      "Bastosan" is spelled "bastusan" and "panglalait" is one word, as well as "Walanghiya" and every other word you spelled out was wrong. Your tenses are not right either. "Panghuhusga" means "to judge" and "husgado" means "court" itself. I give you this basic lesson because if you are going to write slanderous remarks towards a Filipino, even a priest (have mercy), the effects should be hurtful and not downright laughable!!!

      Mga loko, akala n'yo mabinilog n'yo kami. Tumigil na kayo, dahil alam ng May Kapal at ng sangkabuoan ang mga pagkakamali ng Arsobispo (hala ka, don't just call him bishop, he'll be so offended! Must call him Archbishop, kuha mo?) at ng lidretato ng Neo.

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    8. As per a friend in Manila this is part of the translation.. she didn't know how translate the ugly and nasty words and was shocked at the comment

      My msg to you all!

      Stop all the vandalism you filipino priest!You are all traitorious!You only know how to judge the Obispo here in Guam but you dont know without Obispo Apuron all of you Filipino will suffer from hunger!Hoping that our Lord will forgive you!You just want money.You are all rude!Thats what you know!Shame on you!
      Idiot!

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    9. With the sudden appearance of comments written in Tagalog, I recalled Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron’s assertion “I have no Filipino blood” per the 26 July JungleWatch post “Quote of the Year.” Clearly this statement contradicts the description regarding his Coat of Arms from http://www.aganaarch.org/archdiocese-of-agana/archbishop/ which explains the Coat of Arms as follows: “The lower right portion (sinister base) contains two silver mountains … One mountain stands for PATERNAL ANCESTORS OF THE ARCHBISHOP FROM THE ILLOCOS SUR REGION OF THE PHILIPPINES and the other for his maternal ancestors from the high islands of the Marianas …” (my emphasis)

      His Coat of Arms seems to prove that the Filipino paternal ancestry of Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron has been documented and is on display for all to see. So I have to wonder: Was his denial of Filipino ancestry merely an oversight? Or was it just another lie?

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  14. Many ministers wore black to commemorate the injustices that have ensued.

    For most, ministering for the Cathedral- Basilica, as with other Churches that are also currently in shambles, come from the heart and is driven by their real desire to serve God and its people, as well as to protect the Church that they have helped to foster into fruition all these years.

    The dedication and devotion presented by the ministers of the Cathedral-Basilica is a testament to the virtue of their service for God, of which has been set by Msgr. James, not by instruction nor decree, but by example. He even celebrated Mass, right after he was ousted! A lesser priest would have become so consumed by such treatment and maybe even neglected their duties for time. But, he would not want the ministers and volunteers to drop everything for his sake, because he still would want his ministers to serve the true purpose--the One, Holy, Catholic Church.

    For ordinary events and high Masses, the ministers and volunteers provide utmost care in dealing with Parishioners and visitors that come to our Mother Church.

    Tim, you have our names. We are ready!

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    1. I heard John Rivera was let go too. He and his wife Abi do the 7pm choir at Cathedral for many years. I can't believe what is happening.

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    2. So what is new? Eventually there will be a new order. New head of ministry services, new head of altar servers, new finance and parish council membersand all these will consists of NCW members. The control of the Cathedral Basilica has begun!

      It is sad that people who have served the church for so many years are now being ousted. The people being ousted are the strong supporters and donors of the Cathedral Basilica.

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  15. Janet B - MangilaoJuly 28, 2014 at 9:41 PM

    Isn't it amazing how convenient this latest "building of bridges" is for certain people?
    Take a look folks...
    The kikos are on the ropes and they know it. It is starting to appear to the committed kikos that our dear Archbishop is starting to lose control. So they put into motion a plan of succession. First order of business is to convince good ole Tony that he will be handsomely provided for after he steps down from his throne in Agana. No idea what that promise might be, but if he plays by "their rules" they will reward him...perhaps as rector of domus galileae, or a new missionary post in Las Vegas to convert those horrible gamblers. Regardless, an offer has been made.
    Next, insure that all good candidates for successor are destroyed. Fr Paul - check; Msgr James - check. Good start, but still lots of names on the remaining list and so little time, so expect the activity to increase. Likely targets, sad to say, are Fr Eric, Fr Mike Crisostomo, Fr Jeff, Fr Pat. Affable Monsignors Bibi and David IA Quitugua are not a threat because of their age. So who's left?
    Probably not Fr Efren, yet, because he needs to reestablish himself in the diocese. But let's make sure not to give him a high profile position where his talents will shine, like at the Cathedral. Relegate him to a school. (But he will shine no matter where he is, so he will be an increasing threat.) Lot's of good Caps, so expect the Archbishop to speak down about his "brothers" at every opportunity he has. Fr Luis Camacho - too young. That means two local boys left ...
    Fr Adrian Cristobal and Monsignor David C. Quitugua, the Vicar General. The Archbishop recognizes that Fr Adrian is too quirky and not even close to smart enough to carry on the kiko torch.
    By their twisted mentality, that leaves Monsignor David as the heir apparent. Just one more thing to do now. Get a fine Canon Lawyer like Monsignor David to find a way to dump Monsignor James, whom practically everybody loves, and viola!
    And based on Monsignor David's valuable advice to the Archbishop (who's looking desperately for a way out of this mess), guess who also gets the prestigious assignment as Cathedral Rector?
    My, what a coincidence...Monsignor David C Quitugua is now the Rector of the Agana Cathedral. This is on top of his current roles as Vicar General, Judicial Vicar, Moderator of the Curia, Dean of Studies at the Seminary, and Administrator of another parish, St Joseph in Inarajan.
    Pretty obvious who Archbishop Apuron wants to be his replacement when he leaves the country just like Fr Wadeson (whereabouts unknown).
    And now for the fabulous twist that one day we can laugh at and tell our great-grandchildren about. That brilliant advice Monsignor David rendered for his own self-benefit, is about as valuable as the advice that started this whole awakening of the masses, when Monsignor David "mastered" the steps to dump Fr Paul.
    Again, his lack of attention to details has caused the Archbishop to be the laughingstock of the Catholic world, and the embarrassment of the kiko world. If any one of them were smart we woud really be in trouble!
    Word of advice to all three idiots running for cover up on the hill. Follow the actions of Fr John, and leave this country immediately to parts unknown, and let the real Catholics develop a plan to rebuild the bridges you have so masterfully destroyed.

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    1. Janet, Janet, Janet. My goodness, you are really wound up. GOOD FOR YOU. THANKS FOR TAKING TIME TO LAY IT OUT CLEARLY. MY GOOD God.

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  16. Monsignor James needs to find a Canon Lawyer to contest his removal, and a Civil Lawyer to sue for damages.

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  17. Janet B,
    If hate comments were in the Olympics, you'll win a Gold Medal. Know both sides before you pass judgements.

    Robert Santos who Love the ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH and support the Archbishop

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    1. Robert,

      You support the Archbishop because....?

      A. You are a member of the NCW
      B. You are related to the Archbishop
      C. You are ignorant

      I find it hard to believe you would support him because you think he is doing a great job.

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    2. @11:09pm: If snide uninformed quipping were a Olympic Sport, you would be a gold medalist.

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    3. Robert "Santos"? Yea, relative. We are praying for your Uncle Tony.

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  18. Our family will attend the Prayer Service tomorrow. We will unite and take back our Church!

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  19. If your bishop isn’t doing his job, contact:
    Prefect: Cardinal Marc Ouellet, P.S.S.
    Secretary: Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri
    Undersecretary: Monsignor Udo Breitbach
    Adjunct Undersecretary: Mons. Serge Poitras )
    Prefect, Congregation for Bishops
    Piazza Pio XII, 10
    00193 Vatican City, Italy, EuropePhone: (011) 39-6-6988-4217

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  20. If Bishop Flores was still alive and in charge we would not be in this mess! It's a sad day to be Catholic on Guam. It's a shame it has to come down to these tactics for the Neo's to assume control of Cathedral and it's $$$. God help our Church

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    1. I would like to agree with you. But remember it was Bishop Flores who gave us Apuron in the first place.

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    2. Set of books were not even kept in Flores time. He was not Wall Street genius.

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    3. No book keeping huh! Guess...that's why he passed! Next!

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  21. Maybe the Neo's should just have their own Church in Yona and stay there. And whoever wants to donate and fund their cause will have every right!

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  22. People will start leaving the Cathedral. And move to other Churches or even become a Protestant! LoL how you doing!!!!

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    1. How am I doing? I QUIT! ATTENDED GENERAL BAPTIST CHURCH THIS PAST SUNDAY! LIKE MY MOTHER SAID IF YOU MINGLE WITH THOSE WHO ALWAYS FIGHT, CHANGE YOUR FIRENDS AND THIS I DID! I STILL BELIEVE BUT NOT IN THE CATHOLIC TEACHINGS ANYMORE. NCW YOU CAN HAVE THE CHURCH. IT IS ALL ALL YOURS NOW. TO MONSIGNOR JAMES, I ENJOYED YOUR HOMILY DURING SUNDAY SERVICES. NOW THAT THERE IS AN INVASION OF FOREIGNERS WHOSE TEACHINGS I DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE ONLY THING I CAN DO NOW IS MOVE ON.

      NO POINT IN GOING TO MASS WITH A NEO PRIEST CELEBRATING FOR MY EYES WILL ONLY SEE THE DESTRUCTION IN THEM.

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    2. Thank you for your comment. It gives me an opportunity to address an issue I have been wanting to address for awhile. The fighting you are witnessing is not fighting within the church. It is a fight that we who are in the church have waged since Christ founded it. It is a fight with those from without who would destroy it from within. The Enemy always dresses normal. He appears, at first, to be no different. In fact, he is often exemplary in every way. How much easier it is for the evil one to destroy souls once they obediently become his followers. I understand why you ran. But I and many others will stay and fight. There is only one church where we can eat his real body and drink his real blood, as He commanded. So we will fight for it. It's nothing new really.

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    3. The fight in the church on Guam is within . Arcbishop Apuron and his two minions have caused this fight. And we are joining forces to fight back because we believe in justice and truth.

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  23. In love with our Church - AgatJuly 29, 2014 at 12:29 AM

    Dear Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Martin Krebs:
    I hope you have seen enough, and now realize that allowing this carnage to continue could ruin the reputation of good priests, and deeply damage the Church we Catholics love.
    It is now perfectly apparent that the Archbishop of Guam is willing to do anything to protect everything Neo, even at the expense of innocent non-neo priests. Any suggestions you gave have not been heeded by Archbishop Apuron, Monsignor Quitugua, and Fr Adrian. They will not change.
    The only solution now is to change them. This is very hard for me to say as I love our Church, but I have lost all respect for these men, and so has a huge percent of Guam.
    It is unfortunate that you did not get to meet the many people who wanted to share with you their frustrations and their fears. I pray you will be able to return very soon and to meet with the laity so we can express our deep and profound confusion over the actions of our shepherd.
    And I pray you will also find it in your heart to speak to Tim Rohr. Even though many horrible things about the Church have been revealed, I do believe that the only way to change problems is to see the truth in the situation. Tim has done just that. He has spoken the truth, no matter how foul tasting it may be. And he has information to support all the truths he has revealed.
    Tim has been one of the Archbishop's biggest defenders, but the recent situation has caused him to take a different course, at risk to him and his family.
    Please help the people of Guam, and do what ever you feel in your heart is the right thing to do.
    God bless you.
    I remain in Love with our Church - Agat

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    1. Please send direct to Archbishop Krebs.

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  24. God bless you Janet for standing for truth and Justice.

    Father Matthew Blockley.

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  25. As a Catholic all my life, I've been watching this particular archbishop grow from a bishop, an auxiliary bishop and now an archbishop and his movements through decades of his leadership have been anything but exemplary. First, he was a singing archbishop who produced CD's of his wonderful voice. Meanwhile, enrollment in the Catholic schools started to go way down while non-Catholic schools started building up on enrollment and drawing many of our Catholic flock to their educational system. Even a convent has closed down for good. Did he do anything? Not that I know of. He then forbade all parishes from engaging in fundraising efforts dealing with raffle ticket sales and bingos and many of the churches are functioning in the red because he has his own agenda that needs funding sources that are coming from the congregations who are working so hard to maintain the running of the village churches. I can understand his stand on the gambling issue but how and where else can we bleed money from? Then, he builds a seminary and brings in potential seminarians from across the globe, that is okay but who is feeding them and housing them? Then, this wonderful thing called the Neo springs up and all of a sudden, it's become a community within a community and many people are disenfranchised from their parish church and are leaving to attend mass and church services elsewhere like the Capuchin-run parishes because some archdiocesan priests won't allow Saturday funerals and burials, baptisms have become a matter of who should and should not get baptized and other disappointing news continues to come forth. Then, he removes a priest from Dededo and now this pastor from the Cathedral. Then now, there's a call for a complete, full and honest financial disclosure that needs to be addressed with transparency and he remains quiet? Hmmm. What next? Nothing is surprising anymore and the island is fast becoming UNlargely Catholic, if not, already. But, I will forever remain a Catholic. Priests may come, priests may go and eventually archbishops will also go but the church will always be there.

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    1. Well stated 9.22am. The reason why you may like to attend the prayer service today.

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    2. I think you forgot about the Wadeson fiasco.

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  26. You forgot the Wadeson fiasco @9:22am

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  27. I wouldn't be surprised if the trio does everything they can to tarnish the name and reputation of Monsignor James. They need something to prove they are right...hmmm...perhaps findings from an audit that is "in audit able"?
    We support you Monsignor James!

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  28. Commenting on Anonymous July 28, 2014 11:23pm. Obviously as translated by July 29 3:53pm, you are commenting from Manila. You are saying that the priests assign here on Guam should just blindly obey the Archbishop. They should be grateful that they are here in Guam because back there, their lives will be miserable. You know, you should be proud if they stand against injustice even if they could be sent hope. You should be proud of them instead of saying those unkind words to them.

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  29. neo dennis leave our Filipino Priest alone put away your translator and come pray with us.

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  30. The Neocatechumenal Way has encountered resistance and criticism from both clergy and theologians. After the Neocatechumenate was introduced into the parish of St Germain-des-Prés in Paris, for example, the Archbishop of Paris, François Cardinal Marty, blocked any further expansion before his retirement in 1981,[45] and similar controversy in 1992 prompted the Bishop of Nancy to transfer the neocatechumens to a different church.[46]

    The orthodoxy of the Way's teachings and the validity of its liturgical practices has also drawn criticism. In 1995, the Italian Passionist priest and theologian Enrico Zoffoli published a critique of the Way that accused the movement of heresy: “Their doctrine is seriously compromised with errors against fundamental dogmatics of the Church, the Popes and the Councils. They negate the Redemption, the sacrificial character of the Eucharist, the transubstantiation, etc... they misunderstand the sin and the Grace concepts... their doctrinal statements are fundamentally wrong.” Zoffoli warned that "the building of Neocatechumenal seminaries, where candidates are prepared for the priesthood educated in accordance with the doctrinal errors of Kiko, could be one of the worst threats for the Church of tomorrow.".[47] The Way has not officially responded to the accusations of heresy, relying on declarations by the Holy See. They maintain that the Holy See's decisions to approve the Statutes and the Orientations for the Teams of Catechists speak for themselves, indicating that the Church approves not only of the Way's structure by also its teachings.

    There have been allegations that the Way could have a divisive impact on parishes into which it moves. The Neocatechumenal communities are made up of people from the parish, however they do not celebrate their Masses on Sunday with the community but separately on Saturday evening with a Vigil Mass, with their respective communities.[48] In 1994, the Diocese of Clifton undertook an extensive investigation of the communities, and concluded that the movement was "a form of spiritual enslavement" and that its presence in parishes was "completely divisive and destructive." Bishop Mervyn Alexander issued a decree the next year banning the Neocatechumenal Way from further activity in the diocese.

    In some places such as China and the Middle East, local Catholics have complained that missionaries of the Way have forced European songs, rituals and prayers on them. [49] Archbishop Peter Takeo Okada has described the Way's presence in Japan’s small Catholic community as "a serious problem" and "divisive and confrontational". Staff and students of the Takamatsu Redemptoris Mater seminary relocated to Rome in 2009[50] and in 2010, the Japanese episcopal conference asked the Way to suspend its activities in Japan for five years.[51] Local bishops suspended the Way's activities in the northern part of the Philippines in 2010, and in Nepal in 2011.[52][53]

    In February 2014, Pope Francis praised the zeal of the Neocatechumenal Way. He also told the movement it should not impose its distinctively Spanish-Italian model of Church on other cultures, or insist on following practices that are frowned upon by local bishops. “The freedom of the individual must not be forced, and you must respect even the eventual choice of those who should decide to look outside of the Way” the Pope said.[54]
    This is what Tony the Terrorist is going to impose on our church. He is going to change the way we say mass. Right now he is making the non neo pay for the neo ways. This is where all our donations are going to. This is why he only wants a neo seminarians.
    we need to stop him.

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  31. Most amazing part of this story is the fact that our Vicar General's name, David C. Quitugua, is inserted into many parts of the fiasco. The Archbishop's Canon Lawyer needs to be fired if Msgr. James' removal wasn't Canonically sound. Nope, the tall one doesn't deserve the title. Any of them.

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