Wednesday, June 15, 2016

POPE FRANCIS: "ZERO TOLERANCE"

For the most part, the Catholic faithful of Guam are anxious to show the new Apostolic Administrator welcome and cooperation. It's just that, many of those same people are just as anxious for the new Apostolic Administrator to give them a sign. 

The demonstration this past Sunday in front of the Cathedral could certainly serve as a metaphor for this anxiousness. The demonstrators were quick to stop their picketing and assemble at the foot of the steps of the Cathedral when Archbishop Hon, the new Administrator, came out to greet them. 

However, after the brief greeting, Hon disappeared into the church and the demonstrators went back to picketing. Apparently there was no sign. In fact, many of the same demonstrators showed up a few hours later to continue picketing in front of the hotel where Hon joined members of the Neocatechumenal Way for their annual seminary gala. 





It has already been noted that a tremendous opportunity for Hon to offer us a sign was tragically lost. Whether it was intentional or not, the image of Walter Denton reaching towards Hon, asking the priest next to Hon to meet him, and Hon turning away from Denton and disappearing into the church serves as a mega-metaphor for a church leadership which has turned its back on victims for decades. 



Yesterday, Archbishop Hon issued a "Message," calling for patience. He has also said, when acknowledging the accusations against Apuron that a solution to these accusations must be found in a "climate of serenity": "...that's why we come to pray, so that a better solution can be found. A better decision can be made in a climate of serenity."

The challenge that we have is that Hon's approach does not comport with the message of the man who sent him here, Pope Francis.

In February 2015, Pope Francis released a letter to all the world's bishops directing them to "back 'zero tolerance' on sex abuse." He said that: “Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children," and "They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home."

But from the man Pope Francis sent to Guam amidst some of the most horrid accounts of sexual molestation against a sitting prelate (Apuron), we do not feel the same sense of urgency Pope Francis appears to want his bishops to have. Indeed, Francis goes on to say: "Consequently, priority must not be given to any other kind of concern."

This is our problem. Not only does Archbishop Hon not appear to be doing what Pope Francis has instructed - making this problem a "priority," he even appears to be doing exactly what Apuron did (calling the victims liars), albeit more softly, by publicly calling in to question the veracity of the accusations. 

At the prayer vigil for unity called for by Hon last Saturday night at the Cathedral, one attendee personally reported:
"A Hon's homily was difficult to follow, he spoke of cases he was involved with where bishops were accused. One case a bishop was accused by a woman of having relations. The woman recanted after sometime (said she was jealous) this made the neo priest and Sr. Marian react like 'oh my there is hope'".
Even if there are false accusations, and there certainly are, sharing this account in the midst of the greatest scandal ever to rock this diocese - if not the whole island, calls into question Hon's ability to be faithful to what Pope Francis has publicly and insistently called for: ZERO TOLERANCE. 

At the same event, KUAM also reported: "Archbishop Hon acknowledged there may be those suffering as a result of the accusations and asks the church to approach the issues in a climate of serenity and pray for unity."

THERE MAY BE THOSE SUFFERING?

Zero Tolerance means that Church leadership is REQUIRED to take action to protect and help the victims (even the alleged victims) FIRST, and ask questions later. The best Hon can come up with is that there "may be those suffering." Watching Doris Concepcion place her son's ashes in a crypt yesterday is not a "may be." Watching a grown man like Walter Denton break down time after time as he recounts what Apuron did to him 40 years ago is not a "may be." Watching Roy Quintanilla quietly tremble as he shared a similar account is not a "may be." 

While we can certain allow for a legal determination as to whether or not the accusations are in fact true, there is no question that there are people SUFFERING. There is no "may be" here. 

We do not want to have to question Archbishop Hon. But he makes it very difficult for us when his public statements - some of which like the above call into question the integrity of the victims - are in stark contrast to Pope Francis' direct instruction to his bishops when regarding allegations of sex abuse against clergy: "...priority must not be given to any other kind of concern."

We know for a fact that if Apuron had been a mere priest and not a bishop, he would have been immediately removed, and if it had been a non-neo priest, he wouldn't have been sent off to Qatar (like Luis Camacho). He, like Fr. Paul and Msgr. James before him, would have been drug out into the street and publicly and repeatedly flogged. 

But then Apuron is a neo, and as far as we can tell, is being hidden and protected, just like Luis Camacho before him. 

There will be a public hearing soon on the bill to lift the statute of limitations on past sex crimes. If the Vatican and Archbishop Hon will NOT address this matter, WE WILL. 

18 comments:

  1. maybe hon has ESL issues

    Consequently, priority must not be given to any other kind of concern
    TRANSLATION
    因此,必须优先不给予任何其它种类的关注
    Yīncǐ, bìxū yōuxiān bù jǐyǔ rènhé qítā zhǒnglèi de guānzhù

    priority must not be given to any other kind of concern
    TRANSLATION
    优先权不得给任何其他种类的关注
    Yōuxiān quán bùdé gěi rènhé qítā zhǒnglèi de guānzhù

    https://translate.google.com
    or
    type word/phrase/sentence then the word translate in (whatever Language)

    examples: Apostolic Administrator translate in
    chinese: 宗座署理 Zōng zuò shǔlǐ
    italian: amministratore Apostolico
    german: apostolischer Administrator
    russian: апостольским администратором apostol'skim administratorom

    ReplyDelete
  2. To the Good Catholics of Guam, we have always had the power to affect change. Do not be fooled yet again. This bone thrown to us is to pacify us and they are hoping we will take the bait and settle down. We are called to be vigilant and fight for the truth. The zero tolerance that the Pope has conveyed is just that ZERO TOLERANCE. the "church" needs to step up, assist the victims and in the case of Mr. Quinata, his mother. I don't see that happening. I agree with what Tim has conveyed.....priority must be given to the victims.

    ReplyDelete
  3. - How many more ways can the True Katolikos express their frustrations with the ways that the problems that we are against are being handled so far? What else will it take for the Archbishop to start addressing the problems? Oh Wait - Is tomorrow two (2) weeks? Come on Guam - Put into Law the bill to lift the statute of limitations on past sex crimes. This is Your Last Chance! Stop Child Abuse Every Where and Especially in our Catholic Churches!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Just so sad that Archbishop Hon attended this neo gala which reflects his support. I thought he did not have time for Media Interview but got a lot of time for this gala. He got time for the 1% so call neo Catholic but no time for the 99% TRUE CATHOLIC of GUAM. This is a slap on our face by Archbishop Hon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wake Up Principal' of every Catholic School on Guam: When the students return to school from their summer break will the "zero tolerance' on sex abuse" be a priority, and how will the student' of all ages be protected from Archbishop Anthony Apuron the accused, free to walk on school grounds yet pending "innocent until proven guilty."

    ReplyDelete
  6. Archbishop Hon attended the Gala so he could receive his share of the contents in the black trash bag.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since I do not live on Guam, one day, after all these important and immediate problems are taken care of, I would like to know the story about the "Black Trash Bags" that the NEOs use for church offerings! I am thinking that baskets would have been good enough but I am guessing that "Black Trash Bags" hold more money - sorry - donations!

      Delete
    2. The black trash bag is used as a prop in an anology where the NEOs tell you that the money you have is evil. So to dispose of it, it would free you from the evil. They just don't tell you that they will be taking your evil money and use it for their evil ways.

      Delete
    3. Well I doubt the black trash bags were passed around a gala, I would assume you had to donate to get your seat at the Gala, but the black trash bags are the NCW equivalent of our baskets to collect donations at our Mass. The NCW uses black trash bags because you are suppose to dispose of all your worldly possessions like you would trash. The bags are used at their celebrations (AKA Mass to us) and convivences. The money and worldly goods collected do not go through a parish finance member to be counted and often in the states published in the weekly bulletin. Instead the money stays with the NCW and often the bishop often receives one third of the collection. Many places the NCW is located have opened separate bank accounts to deposit this money and use as they see fit.

      There may be a better explanation that someone can offer, but that is my quick explanation.

      Delete
    4. Thank You All for the explanations. So, as a NEO, when I go to the services, or whatever the NEOs call their gatherings, I will have to give all that "Evil Money" that I have in my purse or pockets, etc., that I have just earned doing an honest day at work so that my family can live, to my NEO whatever because, once I dispose of it into this "black trash bag prop", I will be cleansed of all "Evil"! What A Concept! Can you imagine how much "Evil Money" you can rake in on one gathering and how "Un-Evil" you have just become by getting rid of all the "Evil Money"! But, my common sense is kicking in, how much Evil is in Me that I have to keep contributing at each gathering this way! WoW! I am glad I am a True Katoliko!

      Delete
    5. I guess what they are saying that once you give up all your hard earned money you are free of all sins and maybe a SAINT.

      Delete
    6. Another thing that just became clear to me is that, according to the NEOs, you can do all the evil you want during the week because, every time you attend their celebrations or convivences, the black trash bag prop is brought out so you can put in all your hard earned "Evil Money" in the bag, and POOF - You Are Cleansed of All Evil! Why do Confessions when you can just put money in a bag and all your sins are forgiven! What A Racket!

      Delete
  7. Wondering if Archbishop here on our expense again. Is his visit scheduled to be here purposely for the "Gala" as their special guest and Party for Fr BB Arroyo.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Don't know if this is the right post but - Other thing is We should start looking into Adrian's life at San Vicente/Roke church, I've heard stories of altar boys staying over night.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, they are only there helping him which he learned from aaa as well. Don't forget he got something that he is holding back about aaa.

      Delete
  9. Using Black Trash Bags so we do not see all the money inside. They should all use Black Trash Bags as their attire.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, and escort them over to Layon landfill where our island's trash is disposed.

      Delete
  10. what about if we gather around one of the neo gatherings or mass celebrations and hold signs? tell them to leave the church alone and for them to find another place?

    ReplyDelete