The reported amount collected weekly from tourists averages somewhere between one hundred and two hundred dollars. I suspect that the actual amount is much more. Another deceptive practice by the Archdeceiver and company.
It's no joke! Can you imagine how much they would reap in when the museum is open! Might as well charge a dollar per head when people attend mass on a daily basis.
The Cathedral Basilica is charging an entrance fee to all tourists. How low can this archbishop go to make a buck? This man has gone CRAZY for the love of money'!
i saw that yesterday as well! in all my travels and all the temples and churches i have ever visited, i don't believe i have ever paid an "entrance fee." i brought some visiting guests to the cathedral and although they did not mind paying the fee, willing to see it as a donation to the church, i was embarrassed that it has come to that, charging people to see our sacred spaces. it was my first time in a long while to go to the cathedral, and for me, it has become a very unwelcoming space. it was unbearably hot and stuffy, side doors were all locked, not conducive for people wanting to come inside to pray or meditate. i grew up going to the cathedral--it would get hot, sure, with the a/c off, but to me, it never felt like the air was thick or heavy, the way it felt yesterday.
I'm not neo and I do not support their cult. but I will say that many churches in Italy do charge a fee to go in. Many prohibit photos by tourists but have gift shops selling postcards and printed photos for more revenue. It is sad that they charge. But if Apuron is going to charge then there should be flyers for the tourists to learn about our faith. The a/c should be on or doors and windows open so it is not so stuffy. And please- no photos of Apuron in his fires of hell/silly ass smirk on display. It would ruin the tourists experience.
Because tony refuses to tackle the corruption he's created in the archdiocese of agana, people haven't been donating. So the neos have concocted the idea to charge the visitors in order to gain entrance to a holy church. Maybe the neos and tony think they can buy their way into heaven. Even Jesus never charged anyone to attend his sermons or used his name for financial support through birthday celebrations.
I wonder how tony plans to collect the $1 entrance fee? By having a neo stand at every entrance with a cash box? Lol
What's ironic is that the neos want to celebrate and have another party in December but this time hoping to make it bigger. It just goes to show that the cathedral is just an asset and the neos are hoping to prey on people feeling sorry. Then using the money to party.
Rome ain't listening but people on Guam are. Which is why there's less donations. Maybe the neos should donate their ENTIRE pay checks for Tony's and kiko's cause. All I can say is DUMB GREEDY ASS NEOS!!!
The sign's been there quite a while. In Europe, at famous cathedrals, donation boxes are strategically located and tourists can donate or not. The Cathedral sign should say "a donation of $1 is appreciated." The sign as it is sounds rude and unwelcoming. Eileen Benavente-Blas
"$1 USD will be assessed per tourist." donation-shmonation. definitely a fee.
there was a discussion on this blog some months ago about the restroom situation at the cathedral, and how it's fair to ask for a donation for upkeep of the facilities.
There are huge American and European Cathedrals and Museums that place a donation box at entrances or exits, but most are an optional donation. In applying this practice here in our island, however, our local Church leader and his followers out rightly shun and go against our island culture of hospitality and warm welcome! But then again, the sad reality is that this Catholic leader and this local hierarchy, today, are sadly only known for their inhospitable styles, their unwelcoming demeanor and their attitude of exclusivity. Look at the hostile sign at the entrance of the Chancery! Look at how this “shepherd” abandoned his flock! It’s no surprise that our tourists, visitors and guests also receive a cold, unwelcoming gesture upon entering our only Catholic Cathedral and Basilica.
What’s next? In their typical ncw greed and desperation for $ $ $ $, will they now begin selling "Cathedral Jubilee indulgences"? Why aren’t there “trash bags” instead of that box at the Cathedral entrance next to their “solicitation sign”? I wonder … is there a “NO SOLICITING” sign at the entrance of C/B bookstore as tourists leave the Cathedral (after dropping their “solicited donation”) and enter the bookstore? Typical ncw hypocrisy which our Church leader and local hierarchy mindlessly follow!
assessment, donation call it whatever, it does not matter its still a ploy in truth they are dusting the bills searching for ISIS members sent here assist Miss Eileen, tony doesn't want it known that a "girl" got to him before the boys have had their chance......
It says right there on the bottom that anyone can enter freely to pray, tourist or not. I'm an avid follower of Jungle Watch but really? We're trying to make something out of nothing with this. It's a common practice in Europe to charge tourists a fee, at some Cathedrals a donation even. This isn't new.
Correct. It's not new. And if Msgr James had put up the same sign there wouldn't have been anyone who gave it a second thought. The sign is not the issue.
Correct, Tim, the sign assessing tourists the $1 charge to enter the cathedral was put up under Msgr. Benavente's watch, if not with his permission. Initially I was very troubled by the sign but I shared it with my spiritual director in Nepal and he was okay with it, especially since it said all Catholics, tourist or not, are free to enter to bask in the presence of God.
Yes. And it was not a problem. I posted this because I want people to think about why it is now a problem.
The archdiocese is 20 million in debt. The VG Is shaking down the insurers. Apuron just hit up "let the babies die Lou" for nearly another million bucks. and while the cathedral begs for dollars he hands over a mega million dollar asset and wings off to Colombia for some fun and frolic with his boytoys.
Apuron would rather hit up banks and people to pay for the twenty meeellion debt instead of selling off the RMS albatross around his neck. He's a proud and stubborn man who continues to be arrogant, oppositional, and oppressive. Let him go down with the Neo Titanic. NA PARA I SALAPE!! STOP THE MONEY!!
Why is this a problem now? Yes, during Msgr James's administration, this sign was posted. Why are some people questioning it now after he left cathedral. I know this is true because even as a volunteer at the gift shop while Tim was store manager, the restroom was also $1 to use for tourist. The workers then at the cathedral gift shop did not charge their friends anything whenever ther had a hangout session.
@ 6:54 -- yes, since that time it's been up. Obviously the CB in need of money. So, how come the ArchBishop can take all these trips? And he never goes alone, either...
LOL. Stupid. The sign is in the cathedral, not the gift shop - or at least that's where it was when I was still there over 2 years ago. And my job was only to manage purchases. The cathedral had a policy which charged tourists $1 to use the bathroom, and even that was a policy I opposed. LOL. Thanks for that. Shows me your side has NOTHING. But then we know that. LOL
@9:39am, FYI, the donation box for the tourist was a recommendation from tourist guides to Msgr. Benavente. Majority of the tourist guides are from Japan, Hongkong, Korea, China, Taiwan recommended and supported since they have seen or worked in these countries. Tourist are assessed a fee when they entered the Temples. I visited the Church of San Loreto in San Fe, New Mexico, when I entered the church a box is situated at the entrance before going into the main church with a sign that reads entrance for visitors $3.00. Inside this church is the famous "Staircase".
Tourist donation box weekly collections during Msgr. James time is between $700 to $1,000 per week. The lowest amount per day was approximately $150.00. If in doubt, look up the Cathedral Basilica Sunday Bulletin before Msgr. James was unjustly removed. This is FACTS not IMAGINATION OR GUESSING! Of course, no one wants to go there anymore even the tourist!
The busloads of tourists visiting the Hagatna area has been steady if not increased. This is why I suspect that they are deliberately reporting a much lesser amount. Somebody is pocketing at least $500 each week.
I'm not neo and I do not support their cult. but I will say that many churches in Italy do charge a fee to go in. Many prohibit photos by tourists but have gift shops selling postcards and printed photos for more revenue.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad that they charge. But if Apuron is going to charge then there should be flyers for the tourists to learn about our faith. The a/c should be on or doors and windows open so it is not so stuffy.
And please- no photos of Apuron in his fires of hell/silly ass smirk on display. It would ruin the tourists experience.
Because tony refuses to tackle the corruption he's created in the archdiocese of agana, people haven't been donating. So the neos have concocted the idea to charge the visitors in order to gain entrance to a holy church. Maybe the neos and tony think they can buy their way into heaven. Even Jesus never charged anyone to attend his sermons or used his name for financial support through birthday celebrations.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how tony plans to collect the $1 entrance fee? By having a neo stand at every entrance with a cash box? Lol
What's ironic is that the neos want to celebrate and have another party in December but this time hoping to make it bigger. It just goes to show that the cathedral is just an asset and the neos are hoping to prey on people feeling sorry. Then using the money to party.
Rome ain't listening but people on Guam are. Which is why there's less donations. Maybe the neos should donate their ENTIRE pay checks for Tony's and kiko's cause. All I can say is DUMB GREEDY ASS NEOS!!!
Every temple and church i have visited had a box for donations. It's pretty standard. But its not a fee but a request for a donation.
ReplyDeleteThe sign's been there quite a while. In Europe, at famous cathedrals, donation boxes are strategically located and tourists can donate or not. The Cathedral sign should say "a donation of $1 is appreciated."
ReplyDeleteThe sign as it is sounds rude and unwelcoming.
Eileen Benavente-Blas
Yah. This is not a donation. It's an assessment.
ReplyDelete"$1 USD will be assessed per tourist." donation-shmonation. definitely a fee.
ReplyDeletethere was a discussion on this blog some months ago about the restroom situation at the cathedral, and how it's fair to ask for a donation for upkeep of the facilities.
There are huge American and European Cathedrals and Museums that place a donation box at entrances or exits, but most are an optional donation. In applying this practice here in our island, however, our local Church leader and his followers out rightly shun and go against our island culture of hospitality and warm welcome! But then again, the sad reality is that this Catholic leader and this local hierarchy, today, are sadly only known for their inhospitable styles, their unwelcoming demeanor and their attitude of exclusivity. Look at the hostile sign at the entrance of the Chancery! Look at how this “shepherd” abandoned his flock! It’s no surprise that our tourists, visitors and guests also receive a cold, unwelcoming gesture upon entering our only Catholic Cathedral and Basilica.
ReplyDeleteWhat’s next? In their typical ncw greed and desperation for $ $ $ $, will they now begin selling "Cathedral Jubilee indulgences"? Why aren’t there “trash bags” instead of that box at the Cathedral entrance next to their “solicitation sign”? I wonder … is there a “NO SOLICITING” sign at the entrance of C/B bookstore as tourists leave the Cathedral (after dropping their “solicited donation”) and enter the bookstore? Typical ncw hypocrisy which our Church leader and local hierarchy mindlessly follow!
assessment, donation call it whatever, it does not matter its still a ploy
ReplyDeletein truth they are dusting the bills searching for ISIS members sent here assist Miss Eileen, tony doesn't want it known that a "girl" got to him before the boys have had their chance......
It says right there on the bottom that anyone can enter freely to pray, tourist or not. I'm an avid follower of Jungle Watch but really? We're trying to make something out of nothing with this. It's a common practice in Europe to charge tourists a fee, at some Cathedrals a donation even. This isn't new.
ReplyDeleteCorrect. It's not new. And if Msgr James had put up the same sign there wouldn't have been anyone who gave it a second thought. The sign is not the issue.
DeleteCorrect, Tim, the sign assessing tourists the $1 charge to enter the cathedral was put up under Msgr. Benavente's watch, if not with his permission. Initially I was very troubled by the sign but I shared it with my spiritual director in Nepal and he was okay with it, especially since it said all Catholics, tourist or not, are free to enter to bask in the presence of God.
ReplyDeleteYes. And it was not a problem. I posted this because I want people to think about why it is now a problem.
ReplyDeleteThe archdiocese is 20 million in debt. The VG Is shaking down the insurers. Apuron just hit up "let the babies die Lou" for nearly another million bucks. and while the cathedral begs for dollars he hands over a mega million dollar asset and wings off to Colombia for some fun and frolic with his boytoys.
Apuron would rather hit up banks and people to pay for the twenty meeellion debt instead of selling off the RMS albatross around his neck. He's a proud and stubborn man who continues to be arrogant, oppositional, and oppressive. Let him go down with the Neo Titanic. NA PARA I SALAPE!! STOP THE MONEY!!
DeleteTransparency is all we ask and we still can't get Hyatt from the archdiocese.
ReplyDeleteWhy is this a problem now?
ReplyDeleteYes, during Msgr James's administration, this sign was posted. Why are some people questioning it now after he left cathedral. I know this is true because even as a volunteer at the gift shop while Tim was store manager, the restroom was also $1 to use for tourist. The workers then at the cathedral gift shop did not charge their friends anything whenever ther had a hangout session.
LOL. Obviously you don't get it.
Delete@ 6:54 -- yes, since that time it's been up. Obviously the CB in need of money. So, how come the ArchBishop can take all these trips? And he never goes alone, either...
DeleteWas the donation box your idea in the first place Mr. Rohr? One that maybe you pitched to Msgr. Benavente?
ReplyDeleteLOL. Stupid. The sign is in the cathedral, not the gift shop - or at least that's where it was when I was still there over 2 years ago. And my job was only to manage purchases. The cathedral had a policy which charged tourists $1 to use the bathroom, and even that was a policy I opposed. LOL. Thanks for that. Shows me your side has NOTHING. But then we know that. LOL
Delete@9:39am, FYI, the donation box for the tourist was a recommendation from tourist guides to Msgr. Benavente. Majority of the tourist guides are from Japan, Hongkong, Korea, China, Taiwan recommended and supported since they have seen or worked in these countries. Tourist are assessed a fee when they entered the Temples. I visited the Church of San Loreto in San Fe, New Mexico, when I entered the church a box is situated at the entrance before going into the main church with a sign that reads entrance for visitors $3.00. Inside this church is the famous "Staircase".
DeleteTourist donation box weekly collections during Msgr. James time is between $700 to $1,000 per week. The lowest amount per day was approximately $150.00. If in doubt, look up the Cathedral Basilica Sunday Bulletin before Msgr. James was unjustly removed. This is FACTS not IMAGINATION OR GUESSING! Of course, no one wants to go there anymore even the tourist!
The busloads of tourists visiting the Hagatna area has been steady if not increased. This is why I suspect that they are deliberately reporting a much lesser amount. Somebody is pocketing at least $500 each week.
DeleteTrying to create a problem with the donation box when there is none.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. The donation box is not the problem. Do I have to explain everything to you people? DUH!
Delete