Wednesday, September 17, 2014

HELP ME HELP THEM

It is extremely sad to read the last line of this letter, a plea to our archbishop: "Help me help them." The least Archbishop Apuron could have done is respond. However, I understand that he neither replied to this letter nor to the previous letter from Governor Calvo, which was sent in July. If this is incorrect, you are welcome to send evidence of the correct account.





PDF copy here

The Archbishop has the right of course to restrict the location of Holy Mass as per the norms provided for in church law (cc. 931-933). Mass is normally required to be held in a "sacred place" and on a "blessed altar", and this may be why he has disallowed the Catholic funeral Mass to be said at the Veterans chapel. 

However, the Archbishop regular permits the Neocatechumenal communities to celebrate their "eucharists" in a variety of locations, most of which do not comport with the norms of the above referenced canons. Since he has already demonstrated his willingness to disregard church law as regards the Neo celebrations, one would think he would at least allow a funeral Mass at the Veterans chapel. 

Veterans, don't give up. We aren't. 



70 comments:

  1. In a radio interview in which AAA was interviewed about the NCW, didn't AAA himself announce that anyone can have Holy Mass said in their homes as long as they can find a priest who is willing to do so? This was in response to a woman who called in and asked if she can have Mass said her home. AAA tried to tell her she had to be ill and unable to attend a regular Mass in order for her do this. Then the woman brought up the Mass celebration being done at the home of a perfectly healthy NeoCat. This woman--neither a NeoCat nor sickly--wanted to know if she can also be allowed to do likewise. In fact, the male person, who was interviewing AAA live, clarified AAA's approval by paraphrasing AAA's on-the-air response (to the female caller) and confirming it for those who were listening. If AAA can give HIS on-the-air "ok" for "anytime" in-the-home Masses to a caller during a radio show, it shouldn't be THAT difficult for him to give his "ok" for funeral Masses in the veterans chapel!!

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    1. Here is the transcript of what was said:

      CALLER: I would like to request to have a Mass at my house, I don’t need to go to the church just like what the Neo’s are doing, having the Mass, the celebration, at their house.

      AAA: If you are sick or homebound, every priest in the diocese may go and visit the sick, celebrate a Mass for the sick in the home during the week.

      CALLER: I am not sick, and the Neo-Catechumenate group are not sick.

      AAA: Can you find a priest who wants to say a Mass for you?

      (loses call)

      FATHER MIKE: I’m not trying to put words in the caller’s mouth, but one caller called earlier about how they celebrate the Mass at the homes even though they’re not sick people in their, in the homes...and the clarification is that the permission has been granted by you to have the celebrations at the home. For whatever reasons they don’t want to impose on the activities of the church. So this permission has been granted.

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    2. Double standard indeed! Why don't you reply to Gov. Calvo, Mr. Umpingco and the rest of us? Once again, your silence is deafening!!!!!!

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  2. The key is: "...cannot afford the fees charged for using the church". It's clear why NCs can celebrate Mass as they wish.

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  3. Are priests forbidden to do funeral masses in the cemetery? Couldn't some generous, kindhearted priests do the funeral masses for these veterans pro bono?

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    1. Yes, and they gladly would. It is the location of the Mass (the Veterans Cemetery Chapel) that the Archbishop has disallowed.

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    2. If the Naval Station chapel can host multi-denominational services (including Catholic masses), why can the Veteran's chapel be set up/established/consecrated in that same manner?

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    3. 9:37 It can not be done. Because the archbishop DOES NOT WANT TO DO IT.
      That's it plain and simple.
      It does not matter what is done anywhere else. The archbishop DOES WHAT HE WANT TO DO NOT WHAT ANYONE ELSE WANTS TO DO.

      SORRY! But that seems to be 'the way'.

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    4. It's my understanding that the Naval Station does not fall under the authority of the Archbishop of Agana. That being said, can the on base clergy receive permission to celebrate the funeral mass?

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    5. The Veteran's Cemetery is no longer under the Federal government's jurisdiction. It's now under the Government of Guam.

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    6. 4:23 I am aware that Guam's Veteran's Cemetery was under the Federal government jurisdiction, but was transferred to the local government. This fact was discussed by veterans at the Veterans conference earlier this year.

      The question that was on everyone's mind was and still remains. 'How can the archbishop of the Catholic Church be the supreme decision maker, over a designated Government of Guam property, that all denominations use equally, for military personnel and their spouses?

      What happened to the separation of church and state?

      I think the Governor now needs to take a stand that put archie in his rightful place. It is time for the Governor to write another letter to archie stating, "Listen up buddy, I am the king pin around here in the government, in case you hadn't noticed lately.

      Therefore the veterans cemetery is under my government jurisdiction. By the power vested in me, I am authorizing the immediate opening of Guam's Veteran's Cemetery Chapel. The chapel is to be used for the religious burial rites and ceremonial purposes of all denominations. To honor the spiritual needs of all Guam's departed veterans who are eligible and desire use of it". So be it, Amen.

      Jungle Watchers now is the time, here is the way, to get our priorities right. Let us show what real dignity and respect is. Take a stand to serve the people of Guam, who have served our island and our country and given us our freedom.

      Our veterans deserve no less, than a spiritual blessing and send off to the next life that is befitting of them. Their families deserve such comfort in time of loss and grief. After all it is what every church denomination recognizes that is called for during ones transition into the next world.

      What more to say.

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    7. Anon at 10:24 pm:

      All due respect, this is not about Church and State. In order for there to be a Mass, there has to be a priest, and the Archbishop is the only one who can give that permission. That's it.

      There seems to have been some confusion. The Archbishop has no authority in dictating what happens at the Veteran's Cemetery Chapel. He only has authority in permitting a priest to celebrate Mass there. He certainly is not, nor has it been suggested that he is, the "supreme decision maker" in this instance.



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    8. Jose M. at 1:44 Discussion at the Veterans Conference included how the Archbishop does NOT ALLOW the Veterans Chapel to be used for other denominations apart from Catholics. The question was how can one religion over power every other religion in a Veterans cemetery? A Government Property is not owned or run by the Catholic church? If you were a non catholic you could have a service there according to the Veteran Affairs person at the meeting because that catholic bishop does not allow it. Seems like church verses state to me.

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    9. Anon @ 9:14 am. Thank you for your reply. Are you saying that there are no non-Catholic services performed at the Veteran's Cemetery Chapel per the Archbishop's instructions? This indeed is curious because to my knowledge, that Chapel is not owned by the Archdiocese. If someone is taking instruction from the Archbishop on this, that in itself is the issue, not a Church versus State issue.

      There may be some confusion here, perhaps on my side. Please clarify.

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  4. I forgot to mention the following link:

    http://m.soundcloud.com/undecoverneo/tracks

    The interview can be heard if you click on "Archbishop Apron, KOLG, Neocatecumenal Way".

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  5. I can't believe that the seven mentioned in the letter were denied a funeral Mass. Were there really no parish church willing to assist these families that couldn't afford it? I am sure that there must have been one charitable parish willing to help. I understand that the churches have their rates to cover for the utilities used because sad to say, there are some people that will take advantage of the "pay what you can afford" rate. The families just need to sit down with the pastor and discuss it. Don't just talk to the office staff. Regarding the veteran's cemetery chapel. I don't know what the lay out is inside since I have never been in there. If it is supposed to be nondenominational chapel, then it should be able to accommodate a Catholic Mass. If Mass can be said at the Pigo Cemetery mausoleum where there isn't a chapel of any kind, then why can't it also be said at veteran's cemetery? Hmmm, maybe because the church owns the former and not the latter? Regarding AAA delay in responding. Don't hold your breath. Maybe he thinks that if he allows Mass in the veteran's chapel, more funeral Masses will be said there in the future instead of a parish church. This will result in lost church income to GovGuam. I am sure there are numerous reasons that I don't know about. So, we just have to wait and see what is the outcome of a sincere request. My personal opinion is that Mass shouldn't be denied to/for anyone.

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    1. As mentioned above in another reply, there is 1. the assumption that the deceased has a family (not always the case with veterans here on Guam), and 2. the family is willing and able to cover the costs. A family which is not able to cover the costs, will, out of shame, not want to let their situation be known, and will opt for the government paid services already permitted them due to the military service of the deceased. As mentioned, the family may be able to avoid some of this shame if they speak directly to the priest, but that is getting more and more difficult with the neo priests who have already displayed an enormous cultural insensitivity if not snobbery.

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    2. Check fees out for masses and services. Costs easily increase to $1000+ in no time. Santa Barbara decreased theirs fees by $500 around the same time Tim posted about the veterans last time and their fees are is still way high.

      The reality is deaths means money for the church. Solicitations are happening with sales calls being made. Barrigada calls families within the month of the funeral. They ask the family to book the church then and there for next years rosary services, which hike can up to several thousand over the week.

      The Veterans should be allowed to have mass at the cemetery period. Even the Pope is way more understanding, compassionate and loving than the idiot running things here. He has become a scarey joke world wide just Shameful.

      What I don't understand is how can the archbishop have so much authority on Guam. He even stops other religions from having services. Bizarre!!

      He is like a little kid with a toy. You can't have mine and I wont let anyone else have it either. In past years cat and nine tails could have be used on him.

      Please Please Please stop this man's feudal reign he is hurting this island.

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  6. As a veteran, this sickens me to no end. I ask the archbishop, "what about the military Chaplains in the Corps who gave some of my friends and comrades peace at the very ends of their lives in the field? Were they less worthy than the Neos because their lives were passing in some God forsaken jungle? Did they need to die at the Hilton with an inflatable nearby to satisfy the Archbishop?" Sorry, but if it were your words being spoken there, they would have been better off without you or your blessings and more readily rest in eternal peace.

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  7. Hafa Archbishop???????!!!!!!!!!!

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  8. I personally think the issue in Mr. Unpingco's letter will not hit the dot for AAA. This will give the rascals on the hill a way out to certainly respond that the issue raised in his letter will be addressed by waiving parish donation fees for veterans. Hence, the request for Masses to be held at the VA cemetery will not be honored but instead to be celebrated within the parish setting.

    Remember, a play on words is what they are good at. We all are aware that the words they use they soon forget.

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    1. Actually, it would not be addressed at all if the issue had not been posted on this blog. Prior to Mr. Unpingco's letter I personally followed up on the governor's original letter and there had been no reply from the Archbishop. I post the governor's letter last month and it appears the public criticism has reached the chancery, which is what may have prompted Mr. Unpingco's letter. I am told that while the Archbishop is not going to respond (no surprise) there is some movement towards making a statement by the chancery. The argument for the Neo's will be "we have permission". They won't be able to document it, but it won't matter. They have the archbishop and they can make up whatever they want.

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    2. Thank you again Tim for shining light on the TRUTH. Your efforts have certainly opened my eyes! I can't believe how long you have known about arch Tony's practices.

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  9. I do know of a very kind priest on Guam that I spoke with about this very concern. Soon after veterans were seriously discussing their concerns about this matter. They also questioned why was this happening? Because many veterans remembered attending masses at the cemetery up until the late 80's or early 90's.

    The priest I spoke to, was more than willing to say mass for veterans at the cemetery, because he felt it was the right thing to do. I do believe he did not say any masses, simply because the archbishop refused to allow him to do so.

    Amongst all the madness currently happening within Guam's Catholic church. This denial to say mass has truly got to be one of the absolute worst possible things to ever happen.

    Just what kind of a human being would refuse a poor disadvantage person and a veteran the honor of having a last mass. There is no excuse good enough. Not to mention the fact that masses are allowed to be said else where in hotels, homes, etc. I can't help but think how many WWII, Korean and Vietnam vets have suffered for many years without getting any benefits and support and paying medical expenses out of their own pocket, only to find out years later, often after they died that their illness was service connected.

    This has got to be one of the most shameful things the Catholic church could ever do to her members. I think that Washington D.C. needs to know, how the leader of Guam's Catholic church treats her veterans. I think a full scale media announcement needs to happen letting Fox News, CNN, NBC, etc. and all print media know the ruthlessness of this man. Perhaps then the Vatican will take notice and do something about our Guam's Veterans souls and all the other diabolical occurrences that continue to happen including the persecution of priests. Guam Catholics are living in the dark ages no less. Radical steps have go to be taken now.

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  10. To be fair, the fees being charged aren't for the priest's time or for the mass. They are facility use fees to cover the cost of utilities and clean-up. I don't recall those fees being overly burdensome and I don't think any priest would deny someone a mass of christian burial even if they couldn't pay. You'd probably just have to keep it small without all fancy trimmings.

    Where things get expensive is in the obituary and the catering.

    That said, we should not entertain the merits of this perceived double standard. We already argue that the neo mass is illicit. Are we in effect saying that what's good for the neo is good for us?

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    1. The neo-eucharist is illicit primarily because of its violation of the liturgical norms regarding the communion rite, not because of where it is held. The location of the celebration is also illicit (actually canonically illegal), but that does not necessarily make the Mass illicit.

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    2. I know for a fact that in the past, there were set fees for special masses at the Agana Cathedral.

      If I remember correctly, we paid $200+ for each priest and $60 for each alter server in addition to paying for the utility charges for the mass. This was in the 1990s.

      They may have been "donations" but they were required donations. Again, this was in addition to paying the utility fees.

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    3. !0:49 To be fair unless you are dealing with the veterans families you do not know what they experience. It is all very easy to make statements about what you think but if it were true it would not be happening.

      I am sorry but I find it offensive and insensitive. You just invalidated veterans experience and the shame, pain, anguish and suffering families experience.

      It reminds me of Guam's homeless situation. People like to say it is Oh it is all those Micronesians who are homeless. The fact is when you do the homeless count, the majority are not Micronesians they are Chamorros and no their families are not helping them.

      It is time to take you and the archbishop take your head out of the sand and all the other people who turn their backs on the Chamorro people in need on this island. Not everyone is blessed with a jobs and money and some are out there trying.

      Another reality is there are more Chamorro mental health clients on this island than others too. Just for a few minutes have some real compassion and put your self in place before you make statements you don't fully understand about people's welfare and choices.

      I don't mean to offend you personally I am sorry if I have. I just keep seeing how people's needs are not adequately met in so many ways. Then there are people who do not have the lived experience but easily make judgements that are not revelant.

      This archbishop could help in some areas but does not bother to even lift his hand. Shame on him.

      Christ taught love God above all else and love your neighbor as your self. What is so hard about that? Why can't this archbishop get that?

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    4. 8.40am. Stipend to a priest is never a fixed amount. History of a stipend associated with a mass was in order to maintain a priest for the day. Problem is stipend is seen as payment which it is not. So three meals a day is no more than $15. So a stipend for mass should be around $20. Today we need to do away with stipends as it makes no sense and pay a for,al salary to a priest. This would also stop some of the issues involving clergy and money. The system at times does not work. Sacraments have become to associated with money . Not a good sign. Apuron is $500 to have him say mass. Not creating right image.Apuron is already a millionaire just on stipends if you study the math. Think about it.

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    5. @8:40, I beg to disagree with your comments about the Cathedral charging $200.00 for the priest, $60.00 for the servers. I know & very knowledgable that fees are for utilities - power, air conditioner, water, restrooms supplies (toilet issues, hand tissues, cleaning solutions, etc). Priests who preside at those special masses are given $$$$ from the families if they are not assigned to the Cathedral if the families informed the Rector that they want a specific priest, altar servers are not compensated at all! If a priest from another parish was asked by the Rector to preside over a regular schedule mass, then the Cathedral will give a Stipend to those priest, please take note that $$$ amount is very small, it's not even enough to fill up their gas tank. If you have proof of document to show that Cathedral charges $200.00 for priest & $60.00 for servers during Special Masses, please show it out. Otherwise, your comments are inaccurate, and I know for a fact. Ask any altar servers of the Cathedral if they ever get a check, their response is No!

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    6. Fr: Anon@8:40
      To: Anon@12:28

      "If you have proof of document to show that Cathedral charges $200.00 for priest & $60.00 for servers during Special Masses, please show it out. Otherwise, your comments are inaccurate, and I know for a fact."

      Having contributed to paying the bill, I know otherwise. In advance of the mass, we were told what to pay in addition to the utility bill. It was as if our chenchule' was being spelled out for us.

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    7. The above will be the last comment permitted in the issue of charges for now.

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    8. To 10:49AM, I think maybe you misunderstood my comment. I indeed know something about veteran's issues. My wife and I buried her father at the Veteran's Cemetery just last year. He was not from Guam but chose her for his home. He suffered greatly from the trauma he experienced in Vietnam far before PTSD had a name. He did not have a large family and he spent most of his retirement as a recluse so there weren't a large number of people to share the burden. Yet by the grace of God we were able to manage to bury him with the dignity he deserved.

      But I don't believe that allowing for a funeral mass in a place that isn't consecrated, in an atmosphere that is non-denominational, without the Blessed Sacrament in its proper sanctuary is the right solution. Instead, why not ask the archbishop to have every parish provide dispensation of fees for veterans who request for it. And perhaps they can even request special donations from the rest of the parish to cover the costs. If even a few gave just the loose change in their pockets it could probably cover the fees for one funeral.

      The mass should be celebrated in a place befitting its sanctity. This has nothing to do with the neo. To argue otherwise would open up the door for other requests like weddings on the beach and next thing you know, we'll be no better off than the neos.

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    9. Archbishop Apuron has suggested to keep things more simple. Some people make it over the top; they just do. There are better ways to honor the dead.

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  11. Governor Calvo Archbishop Apuron has no respect for you or the Calvo administration. He wants you to go away and that is why he has not answered the letter of July 25th.

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  12. I think this letter from John Unpingo along with the Governors letter requesting this matter for Veterans be addressed. I would even venture to say they should be posted on everyone's face book. Perhaps then the people of Guam may wake, up to see just how callous and shameful a spiritual leader and archbishop the head of Guam's Catholic church really is.

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  13. what is the archbishop doing to prevent abortions in Guam? Abortions are increasing and I do not see archbishop working to support life.

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    1. The number of "reported" abortions has actually fallen a bit since the Esperansa Project began its campaign in 2008. For exact numbers visit www.esperansa.org. However, you are right, there is no energy from the top directed towards limiting abortions, not when you compare it to the type of energy whenever the word "gambling" comes up.

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    2. Just imagine if the gambling initiative was on the ballot this year. It will probably pass because people will vote the opposite of what AAA says. Thank goodness we don't have to deal with that scenario at this time.

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    3. I've had similar thoughts Anonymous 2.37 p.m. Before the archbishop hurt Fr. Paul his focus seemed to be largely to minister to people. I used to hear of many instances of the archbishop doing many kindnesses for people even if they weren't wealthy or had high status. This past year the Archbishop's emphasis seems to be to hurt and overpower people. I think the archbishop has forgotten that he is supposed to be like Jesus and minister to people. He has now lost his credibility.

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  14. Yes, I agree that the letter should be acknowledged by a response. Why should anyone have to beg for a reply from the archbishop. However, I am a little confused why the families will prefer to have a mass at the cemetery. I have attended funerals wherein the mass is celebrated at the parish church that the deceased frequented during his life, and then promptly after the mass, the families proceed to the Veteran Cemetery for the burial.

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    1. The main issue is the double standard: the Archbishop regularly allows the neocatechumenal eucharists to be held in neutral places (gyms, hotels, classrooms, parish halls, etc), but not in the Vets chapel.

      Certainly a family would prefer to have a funeral for the deceased at their parish church, but then this assumes 1. that the Catholic deceased has a family here, and 2. they are able and willing to pay for whatever the church may charge.

      While it would be nice for churches to permit lowered or no charge funerals for those not able to pay, the reality is that most people will not want to bear the shame of letting it be known that they can't pay.

      Since the deceased is a vet, he is entitled to the use of the chapel and a plot, from what I understand, at no charge. A poor family is naturally going to take this route. But again, that assumes the deceased has a family.

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    2. Wait a minute. Didn't u say that the Neos celebrate a Eucharist, not a Mass?

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    3. In normal Catholic terms, the Celebration of the Eucharist and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass are the same thing and we can use them interchangeably. Neos reject the term Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and also just the word "Mass". However, it is their claim that their "eucharist" is no different than our Mass. Based on that, we must hold their celebration of the "eucharist" to the same canonical standards as the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

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    4. Tim is all about the money, what is wrong going to your home parish to conduct the funeral mass? The reason want some folks who are VETS want it in the make shift chapel is to avoid paying the parish Church. My take to speak to the parish priest that you can't afford any donation.

      Again you keep picking on the NCW for everything. So if you Die Tim tomorrow where parish should you go since St.Fedilis is not valid parish Church but a monastery?

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    5. Sept 19, at 9:18 AM. YOU HAVE A SERIOUS DISCERNMENT PROBLEM. YOU SHOULD GET IT ASSESSED. John Unpingco, is a devout practicing catholic, veteran, attorney, recipient of numerous prestigious awards, a former District Court Judge appointed by the President of the United States, and a large grant recipient and administrator for Guam's Veterans cemetery renovation and repairs. I can assure you, he did not sit around twiddling his thumbs when 7 Veterans died and grieving families experiencing loss of a loved one could not access a holy burial mass for their departed ones soul.

      Out of his sincerest concern he unturned every stone and tried every angle, including meeting with the archbishop. Before he went to the Governor when nothing else worked. He was and is committed to meet the needs of veterans and in this case, getting them a burial mass. For Pete's sake don't you think Unpingco and families tried going to the local parish FIRST. Before the archbishop and Governor. What part don't you understand?

      Because of veterans war experience, data shows a high majority of Veterans suffer homelessness, many experience serious mental health concerns, and physical health concerns, which have not been adequately addressed by the military.

      Only recently the military has been focused on increasing concentrated efforts to address more Veterans concerns. For example, only in 2008 was a 24 hr suicide prevention hotline was established. Data show Veterans now commit suicide at the rate of 22 a day, or almost one an hour. I am not saying any of Guam's 7 committed suicide. I am simply showing how Vets are at higher risk for health concerns. They need and deserve real respect, compassion and support in life and in death.

      Tim posted the Governor's and Unpingco letters because there is clearly a serious need and disparity not being met that the church law has provisions to address.
      YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY WRONG in saying Tim is all ALL ABOUT MONEY. In this situation it was Unpingco who brought attention to the public and Veterans at the First Annual Veterans conference. Lack of money has been deemed the cause for Veterans not having a way to access a burial mass in a parish church, after all avenues were explored. He therefore requested mass in the veterans chapel as the solution.

      YOU ARE WRONG AGAIN TO SAY Tim is PICKING ON THE NCW here. He merely states the facts. NCW has mass in numerous places including homes. A true statement. Therefore, is it not common sense that 1. Catholic Vets need a burial mass. 2. Can have a burial mass. 3. Lack money for church fees. 4. Have a chapel provided for that very purpose. 5.Have equal rights to spiritual needs being met to NCW. 6. Oh! there is no 5. Because there are no equal rights to have mass said anywhere. Only NCW can do that. And that Sept 19, at 9:18 AM. is why NCW gets mentioned.

      Priests are willing, but their requests to do so is refused by the archbishop. That is blatant discrimination, a severe injustice and total dishonor and disrespect towards America's Hero's and all those men and women who fought for our freedom.

      If you can not see that. I pity your poor soul. Because you are poor in mind and in spirit. Thankfully God watches every breath of yours for which I am forever grateful.

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    6. @9:18 am not a monastery. A Friary.

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    7. Thank You Mary Lou at 1:48 for sharing that very clear church law. I think it needs to be sent to the Governor and John Unpingco. So they know the real truth about what the church law requires and allows.

      That pompous idiot on the hill probably never read it. He has become to accustom to making up his own rules with out anyone questioning him. It seems highly likely that the brave souls who did question him 1. were ignored and 2. were threatened. As we have seen him do both.

      It makes me appreciate the significance of the strength and intelligence from such a diverse group with in Jungle Watch, including theologian scholars, and non scholarly Catholics who demonstrate intelligence, discernment, justice and a real passion for all true Catholic things. We are truly very blessed to have this blog. Thank You Tim and all who contribute wisely and unwisely we learn from it all. May God Bless You.

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    8. Just love and appreciate your non rambling clear factual responses to non relevant and nonsence comments Tim

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  15. One of Jesus' Corporal Works of Mercy is to bury the dead (Catholic funeral) and part of burying the dead includes the Requiem Mass.

    Maybe Mr. Unpingco should seek the elder Msgr. David I.A. Quitugua's wisdom in this matter.

    In the absence of the neo archbishop's leadership, we should seek a non-neo leader and I believe that is Msgr. David I.A. Q. and/or Msgr. James. They are respected, wise, compassionate, humble and wise beyond their years.

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    1. To Anon at 9:27AM (Sep 18.) "In the absence of the neo archbishop's leadership, we should seek a non-neo leader like Msgr David I.A. Quitugua, Msgr James Benavente, and Fr Paul Gofigan". EXCELLENT IDEA! If more and more people choose not to heed, listen, or care about what he says or does, maybe (just maybe) the Archbishop might begin to realise that he is losing his grip (control). That is one thing that he is so much obsessed with - recognition and control. If people would only stop the practice of asking him to pontificate at important occasions (weddings, funerals, anniversaries, etc.), two things could happen. One: he might begin to get the idea that he is no longer being sought out, no longer "in demand", that he's losing his touch; and two, those huge stipends would stop coming his way. And that is going to make a huge dent on him. How about it, people? Show him that we don't care anymore for his leadership and glamour. Thanks for the thought, 9:27am.

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  16. Does one really need to have the mass of the resurrection said in order to be buried? Can't the priest just say the proper prayers, bless the crypt/ground and then bury the dead?

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    1. No. But they "should" have the Mass. The Mass is the highest form of prayer, and the Mass is being offered for the soul of the deceased. More on this later.

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    2. Maria Simma, the Catholic Mystic said this about Masses for the deceased:

      "Maria, can you now tell us what are the most effective means to help deliver the souls in Purgatory?"

      "The most efficient means is the Mass."
      "Why the Mass?"
      "Because it is Christ who offers himself out of love for us. It is the offering of Christ
      himself to God, the most beautiful offering. The priest is God’s representative, but it
      is God himself who offers himself and sacrifices himself for us. The efficacy of the
      Mass for the deceased is even greater for those who attached great value to the Mass during their lives. If they attended Mass and prayed with all their hearts, if they went to Mass on weekdays — according to their time available — they draw great profit from Masses celebrated for them. Here, too, one harvests what one has sown. A soul in Purgatory sees very clearly on the day of his funeral if we really pray for him or if we have simply made an act of presence to show we were there. The poor souls say that tears are no good to them, only prayer. Often they complain that people go to a funeral without addressing a single prayer to God, while shedding many tears; this is useless!"

      http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/786920.Maria_Simma

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  17. John Unpingco had tried hard to get something done for he veterans, before he went to the Governor out of esperation. At the First Annual Veterans conference in May or June this year he discussed at great length these Veterans need for a burial Mass and how his efforts have fallen on deaf ears. He is a Catholic, he knows who is at the Cathedral. He was the chief judge at the District Court of Guam from 1992-2004 appointed by President Bush. He is a highly intelligent thinking person. No of that matters to the archbishop who gives no mind to anyone he does not want to.

    At the Veterans conference this year another discussion on the same subject occurred by Veterans. They were asking the benefits officer from Tiyan how could the Catholic archbishop have supreme power over a Veterans cemetery? How can he stop anyone from having a church service there? Why does he stop Catholics from having a service there? Several veterans had attended mass there many years ago so why stop? The majority of veterans felt it was because of the money he could loose if he opened it up.

    I think Guam needs to get real about the archbishop. He does not respect the Veterans. He does not respect the Governor. Ignoring is not respecting. He does not respect his own priests. He does not respect the non neo community. He does not even respect the Pope. How can anyone expect to get anywhere or anything done with a self serving arrogant person like that.

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  18. Pope Francis talked about inculturation. If that has been the custom, that should be accommodated. Now, if the culture encourages the sacrifice of the babies, then that has to be changed. But this is definitely no where near that, so I don't know why the Archbishop couldn't allow it. If we put into the equation that he allows the NCW to do it, then, that makes the silence really quite irritating and frustrating. Which brings to mind. Has the archbishop actually talked with the priests who said that they were not consulted about the removal of Msgr. James. Fr. Adrian said that was the intent anyhow of the Archbishop. We know of course the answer to that. He didn't plan to. He doesn't plan to. He has no plan at all to. This is what we are dealing with. We don't matter to him. Pure and simple.

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  19. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2014 at 1:27 PM So you play the judge and the jury? Your pathetic.

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    1. This is what happens when the Archbishop does not lead, and further, when he acts clandestinely, punitively, and without justice. In the absence of justice, the people are left to their own.

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    2. What is pathetic, Sept 19 @8:58? The Archbishop not responding at all to the letter. Or the one where he didn't have any intent at all to talk to the priests. Truly these two are pathetic. Please clarify.

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    3. 12:04PM even if he response you'll pass judgement before he can response. Know facts before you cast your stones.

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    4. We are want to know the facts, but how can we when AAA doesn't respond.....this lack of response indicates that all the stones Pius,AAA,David,Adrien throw are lies,lies,lies.....

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    5. 12:32 facts? Even Archbishop lay out the facts you'll accuse him with many malign things. So what is the use? You've been poison with your fantasy through this blog. You feed yourself people with hate. So does it matter.No?

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    6. Diana, welcome. Haven't heard from you. Are you and the girls ok?

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    7. Anon @ 10:00 and 5:53pm. You are making excuses for the Archbishop, claiming " . . . does it matter" and " . . . what's the use?" in what he says. Are you saying that as a leader, he is ineffective?

      An interesting expression of honesty.

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    8. 5:53 I don't live in fantasy. Pius', AAA's, David's, and Adrien's actions speak for themselves.....those are the facts....their actions, letters, minutes from meetings are the fact....truth matters.....their poor character speaks volumes.

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    9. 10.07pm they have no values or character.

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    10. 5:53 PM...It is not hate to want justice done. It is not hate to want the removal of clerical leaders who are dictatorial, abusive, and bad. Jesus had no patience for those in the clergy who used their positions to malign, hurt, and take advantage of people. Don't you want the same?

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  20. The military usually has a Catholic chaplain. Would it be possible for the military Catholic chaplain priest(s) to hold a Catholic funeral mass for Catholic veterans whose families cannot afford them on base before those veterans are buried in the veterans' cemetery?

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  21. Military bases use the same chapel for mass and services for all denominations. I do not understand why AAA would not accommodate or even have the decency to respond. Veterans have sacrificed a lot and deserve to be treated as or better than the Neo seminarians.

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