I WASN'T EXPECTING A REPLY

....and I didn't get one. But it's for the record. CC'd to Nuncio and Cardinal O'Brien. Not that it matters.

WHO IS DIANA?

On THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN, Anonymous thinks he/she has solved the mystery:

"Diana" is a good cover for you Jackie Terlaje. Gave yourself away by comparing the priesthood to law school and stating on your blog that someone "asked you to take a look at the letters" between Fr. Adrian and Aaron and also the fact that you are a so called "responsible". How dare you!

NOTE: Jackie Terlaje is welcome to refute the allegation.

P.S. Note to "Burro Kaka" and "Yawn": Can't stay away can you. (BIG GRIN!) Drive up them pageviews. Had an interview yesterday with the media. They were amazed at how much activity there was on this blog, not just in pageviews but in comments, which now number over 3000. So "Burro Kaka" and "Yawn", ya'll come back now, hear? And bring your friends (BIG GRIN!)

THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!

Can't think of anything more entertaining and valuable to our cause than to let these people demonstrate the "fruits" of the Neocatechumenal Way themselves. "Diana", here, does an overwhelmingly good job. Try not to choke on the "fruit". And remember, these are the people the Archbishop wants you to join.

THEY'RE "POPE FRANCIS' PROBLEM NOW!

For those who think that a few kind words from a pope actually mean something, this is a tale of woe NCW-phobes may want to first read before posting anymore examples of papal credits.

FOR THOSE WHO SAY "TLM" WITH A SNEER

One of the most amusing aspects of this "conversation" is the neo-panic for validation as evidenced by the re-posting of every possible photo-op with the pope and crowned by a pic of JPII celebrating Mass at their neo-Galilee headquarters back in the 90's, albeit certainly not with the unapproved anomalies they employ when the pope's not around. The most recent example of this was the gleeful scrambling to construct a canonization of the NCW because a recently appointed bishop had once attended one of their seminaries.  

POSTS WITH THE MOST VIEWS

To memorialize our passing the population of Guam in pageviews, we post here the list of the most viewed posts. To read them, see Popular Posts on the right side bar.

As a special feature, we repost the most viewed post here.

JUST PASSED

AS MY MEXICAN MOTHER WOULD SAY:

AI-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI! 

(See Urban Dictionary definition. And note, Pope Francis is now being called "Pope Kiko".

ONE OF THE SADDEST THINGS

One of the saddest things is the "glee" some take in the fact that Rome has not acted. It is sick, actually, this thinking that "getting away with it" is in fact exoneration. 

ANSWERING GUAMBOY

Guamboy writes:

Reading all these comments seems like some are blaming the Neos. For Aaron, its good he wants to become a priest for this Archdiocese but also there are challenges to overcome even when he becomes a priest. I understand that he is concerned about his college credits and I too would be. But the fact of the matter is that he wants his way only. People should understand that even though he wants to be a priest, he should learn the First thing of being a seminarian or priest, which is OBEDIENCE! If you can not follow what the Bishop says to be in his diocese then what? The Bishop mentioned that there is another seminary in the making in the coming year. The new seminary is for Diocesan Seminarians that want to be a priest for the Diocese but have to attend the Bl. Diego Institute. I understand why the Bishop doesn't want to sponsor him for the Mount Angel Seminary. Because he has a new seminary in malojlo and can take classes at the Bl. Diego which is on our Island. I hope we all understand that the institute is the school and not apart of the Neo way. It is just located in the RMS. I pray him and for everyone on this blog.
- NON Neo and NON Trady (TLM) (Sorry TLM but that is what my friend from the TLM calls your group).

FREE THE PEOPLE

For the record. This did not come from me:

Free The People gch671@gmail.com
to archbishop, dquitugua, acristobal, bcc: me

To whom it may concern:

We are a church divided and we need your help. A blog has been put together to track events that are driving our local church to the ground.

The Nuncio for our conference has fell silent. God help us. 

Archdiocese of Agana - Jungle Watch

--

Free the People

SOME FUN THINGS THIS MORNING

Actually not so fun. I just make it fun. It is rather difficult trying to wade through the disjointed, spelling and grammar challenged, comments I wake up to each morning. More difficult are the ones which miss the point altogether. So here, let's give a few a try today:

DEAR FR. ADRIAN

Though it's posted as from the usual "Anonymous", this sounds like it came from Fr. Adrian. And even if it didn't, my reply stays the same.

Anonymous February 24, 2014 at 1:12 PM

Mr. Rohr, it is painful to think you have tricked young Aaron into giving you the correspondence between him and the vocation director Fr. Cristobal to further your hopeless causes. Hopefully, you realize this will ruin any chance of Aaron following his vocation. Your lack of prudence is astounding.

THE ONLY PERCEPTION NECESSARY

To those who continue to tell us that we have only misperceptions of the Neocatechumenal Way and that we do not have open minds. Here is the only perception necessary:

Pope Benedict XVI, January 12, 2006, to the leaders of the Neocatechumenal Way:

"I am sure you will attentively observe these norms that reflect what is provided for in the liturgical books approved by the Church." -

Translation: "Please obey."

THAT'S HIM!

Anonymous says:
Never mind found a photo under Umatuna si Yu'us titled Rector from Pope's University Visits. On the right side towards the top, look for seminarian with glasses, dirty brown hair, and standing almost next to person with white hair. That's him! 

Not sure what Anonymous wants us to know about him, but you can tell us now. Just make sure it's evidenced-based.

I REGRET TO INFORM YOU

From: Aaron Quitugua 
Date: Wed, Sep 4, 2013 at 9:42 PM
Subject: Follow Up
To: acristobal@archagana.org

Dear Fr. Adrian,

Thank you for meeting with me today. It is a joy to see that a new Archdiocesan seminary is finally in the works. I believe that our meeting flushed out many concerns I have regarding this new seminary, which is to be at the Malojojo Retreat Center. I write this letter before speaking with my Spiritual Director to lay out the major concerns we discussed and the elements that you said you would provide me so that I can make an informed decision about entering this Archdiocesan seminary.

During our meeting, I mentioned that my major concerns were in regards to (1) the overall structure of this new seminary (2) the college credits I have already earned and (3) the formation I will undergo.

In regards to structure:

I made it clearly known to you that I am a very structured and organized person. I am meticulous when it comes to details because I firmly believe that before I can make decisions, especially important life decisions, I need to know exactly what I am getting myself into. I am not one to shoot into the dark. Seminary life is supposed to be structured so as to form the seminarian accordingly and build stability in his life, which are key elements to the discernment process.

You affirmed that being structured is important, but I cannot expect to see much structure in this new seminary right now because the details are still in the works and anything can change.

In regards to college credits:

You informed me that the seminarians of this new seminary would have to take classes at the Bl. Diego Institute. I made it known to you that I have already earned some college credits at the University of Guam and am currently enrolled at St. Joseph's College of Maine's (Catholic University) accredited online degree program.

You told me you would get back to me after consulting Msgr. David C. Quitugua, Bosco, and Dabid as they oversee the Bl. Diego Institute regarding the following so that I can make an informed decision:

1. Will the college credits I have already earned be transferable to the Bl. Diego Institute, especially since the Institute does not offer General Education courses and, as you said, operates the European way?

2. Will credits I earn at the Bl. Diego Institute be transferable to accredited universities should I discern that I am not called to be a priest after all?

3. Seminarians at the Bl. Diego Institute earn a Bachelor’s degree of Philosophy in two years after completing 62 credit hours. At most accredited universities/colleges, 62 credits only completes an Associate’s degree (some require up to 66 credits). How are 62 credits equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree here?

4. Seminarians at the Bl. Diego Institute earn another Bachelor's degree, this time in Sacred Theology in four years before eligibility for ordination. Does the Bl. Diego Institute offer the graduate degree program (Theologate) as outline in the Program for Priestly Formation under the Norms for Intellectual Formation?

5. You told me that tuition for the Bl. Diego Institute at the new seminary would be covered by the Archdiocese. If I were to enter the new seminary, would the Archdiocese assume the cost of my tuition, books and other fees from St. Joseph's and would the Archdiocese reimburse me for the money I have spent on a college education thus far.

6. If I were to continue my classes with St. Joseph's would I still be required to attend the Bl. Diego Institute?

In regards to formation:
1.  How long will it take for me to become a priest in this new seminary?

I believe that if the questions are answered adequately I will have enough information to make an informed decision guided by prayer and spiritual direction. Father, thank you again for meeting with me.

God Bless!

Aaron Quitugua

#####

(6 days later)

On Tue, Sep 10, 2013 at 4:59 PM, Cristobal, Fr. Adrian <acristobal@archagana.org> wrote:

Aaron:

Here is what Prof Bosco Corrales wrote in response to your questions:

1) We can only transfer credits of classes that coincide in content and number of class hours with the program of the Institute. General Ed. credits will be probably not transferred, but only philosophy and theology credits as much as they correspond with our program.

2) We are only accredited by the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, so the credits of the Institute could be transferred to any pontifical university in the world. In regards to other universities the transfer would depend on the board of that university.

3) Our students do not earn any philosophy degree, they earn a Baccalaureate Degree in Sacred Theology after completion of the six-year program (185 credits)

4) The Institute follows exactly all the guidelines of the Holy See (expressed over all in Sapientia Christiana and the Decree of the Sacred Congregation of Education of Jan 2011)

Our program of studies lasts 6 years. It could be less after transferring some of the credits the student has already earned.

Hope this is helpful,

Fr. Adrian 

#####

(6 days later)

On Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 10:51 AM, Aaron Quitugua  wrote:

Good morning, Fr. Adrian,

Thank you for getting back to me with these responses. Please thank Prof. Corrales for me as well.

I will use the information provided to me thus far, along with prayer and spiritual direction, to guide me in this major decision, which you have allowed me some time to make.

Based on these responses, I am glad the Bachelor's degree program was cleared up for me in regards to what exactly seminarians at the Bl. Diego Institute earn. Although, I still have some concerns, especially in regard to the transfer of credits into and out of the Bl. Diego Institute. This is not to say though that I have ruled out the possibility of me attending this new seminary. I just need some time to make my decision.

Again, I trust in the Holy Spirit to guide me in making this decision, which will come about through prayer and spiritual direction. I ask that you continue to pray for me.  I will be in touch. Thank you again.

Si Yu'us Ma'ase,

Aaron

#####

(the same day)

From: Cristobal, Fr. Adrian <acristobal@archagana.org>
Date: Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 2:01 PM
Subject: Re: Institute
To: Aaron Quitugua 

Aaron:

Pray to Our Blessed Lady who said "I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done unto me according to your word."

Peace,

Fr. Adrian

#####

(7 weeks later)

On Thu, Nov 7, 2013 at 3:54 PM, Aaron Quitugua wrote:

Good afternoon, Fr. Adrian,

Thank you for meeting with me again yesterday and for understanding my decision not to enter the new seminary yet so that I may earn an accredited undergraduate degree under a general education program since the Bl. Diego Institute is not currently equipped with the resources to offer me this.

I just want to recap our discussion from yesterday to ensure that we both understand each other and to ensure that I understand the position of the Archdiocese in regards to the seminary. Please bare with me as this letter is lengthy.

We discussed the following important issues all in the understanding that this new seminary for regular diocesans and the Bl. Diego Institute are still in initial stages and are developing:

One was that I still desire to become a priest and I stressed how important it is to me to earn my undergraduate degree from an accredited institution that offers a general education program that introduces students to a wide variety of subject areas (Math, science, history...) and then allows the student to specialize in a specific field. I then used Mount Angel Seminary as an example as their college meets seminary requirements, is accredited by a secular organization(Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities(NWCCU) and the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS)), and offers a general education program. You mentioned that the Bl. Diego Institute isn't quite ready to offer an undergraduate program and accreditation may occur somewhere down the line. We discussed that although the Bl. Diego Institute is affiliated to the Lateran University in Rome, an affiliation is not the same as an accreditation.

Also, in a previous email you sent me on September 10, 2013, you wrote that Prof. Corrales affirmed that the Bl. Diego Institute is not able to accept my college credits and credits will only transfer out to Pontifical universities. The transfer of my credits is important because it ensures that I don't waste what college education I have already received as well as the money spent to receive it. It also ensures that should I discern while in the seminary that I am not called to the priesthood after all, I would not have to start my college education from scratch as if I were a college freshman coming straight out of high school. 

Further, I made it known to you that I desire to earn a graduate degree, even go as far as a doctorate. Universities that offer graduate degree programs not only look to see if you've earned an undergraduate degree, but specifically look for accredited undergraduate degrees.

Another concern we discussed was the issue of formation. A seminarian attending this new seminary shared with me his daily routine, which is usually to wake up, pray the Divine Office, attend Mass, go to class, come back to do school work, eat and sleep. My concern is what other formation aside from praying the Divine Office and Mass would I be undergoing. You mentioned to me that the formation of seminarians is under the direct supervision of the bishop of the diocese the seminary is in and that the new seminary for regular diocesans is still developing its formation program.

I also mentioned to you that I was able to speak to the Rector of the new seminary, Fr. Romy. Fr. Romy shared with me essentially what you shared with me; that the new seminary is in its initial stages and is developing. Fr. Romy also mentioned that a plan to build a permanent structure for the new seminary is being conceived. You affirmed this, but said it would take time to accomplish this.  

Father, upon reflection of the above issues we discussed, an idea came to my mind. The first time we met on Sept 04, 2013, you informed me that our Archdiocese no longer has the financial resources to send seminarians to study abroad, which is the purpose this new seminary is being started.

The idea that came to mind is this: Since the reason for not allowing local seminarians from Guam to have an education abroad is due to lack of financial resources, would the Archdiocese sponsor me to study at Mount Angel Seminary if I were to consume the cost of my education and formation there since I seek a fully accredited seminary? It would not cost our Archdiocese any money to send me there. As we discussed, Mount Angel is an accredited institution with a general education program. They would accept the college credits I have already earned and should I discern that I am not called to priesthood after all, credits will transfer out of them to accredited secular institutions, such as UOG, which ensures that I would still be on track to earning an undergraduate degree.

Father, it is my hope that this email is not interpreted as being disrespectful, but rather as one that strongly feels the call to the priesthood.  Despite the many challenges in my discernment, I have stayed the course over the last few years and continue to pray to God that the Archdiocese will help me find a way to serve the people of Guam.

If anything I have stated here is incorrect or misinterpreted on my part, please feel free to inform me. Thank you for taking the time to work with me regarding these things and I look forward to your reply.

God Bless you always,

Aaron

#####

(5 days later)

From: Cristobal, Fr. Adrian <acristobal@archagana.org>
Date: Tue, Nov 12, 2013 at 8:36 PM
Subject: Re: Recap
To: Aaron Quitugua 

Aaron:

Thank you for your letter.  I hope to give you some answers in the next week.  I ask you to be patient.

God Bless,

Fr. Adrian   

#####

(7 weeks later)

On Fri, Dec 27, 2013 at 8:28 AM, Aaron Quitugua wrote:

Good morning, Fr. Adrian,

Merry Christmas! I hope all is well considering how busy the Church calendar has been as of late.

I just want to follow up on your Nov 12, 2013 response to my November 07, 2013 letter that I sent you regarding my decision not to enter the new local seminary and my question of whether the Archdiocese would sponsor me to study at Mount Angel Seminary if I were to cover all costs of my education and formation there, meaning to say that it would not cost the Archdiocese any money to send me to Mount Angel.

In that Nov. 12 response you said that you hoped to have answers for me within that next week. Perhaps you have overlooked it considering your hectic schedule, but I still have yet to receive those said answers a month and a half after your initial response. Please know that it is very important for me to know the Archdiocese's position regarding this issue, so that I can make the necessary provisions and plan ahead for myself.

Also, in your Nov 12 response you asked me to be patient. Father, I'm sure you would agree that I have been more than patient, given that I have patiently waited, with prayerful patience mind you, for over a month. I only ask that the Archdiocese relay to me clearly their position so that I may plan accordingly in pursuing my priestly vocation.

Thank you for taking the time to assist me in what I consider to be an important matter. Should you need a copy of my Nov 07, 2013 letter and your Nov 12, 2013 response, please do not hesitate to ask me.

God bless,

Aaron

#####

(the same day)

From: Cristobal, Fr. Adrian <acristobal@archagana.org>
Date: Fri, Dec 27, 2013 at 10:43 AM
Subject: Re: Follow Up on Reply
To: Aaron Quitugua 

Dear Aaron:

A Blessed and Holy Christmas!  

I appreciate your patience in this regard.  I also apologize for the delay in responding.  It is true these days have been extremely busy.  

I regret to inform you that your request to have the Archdiocese sponsor you at Mt. Angel Seminary is denied.  

In the event that you do have a change of direction in this matter and decide to follow the course of action that we require, please fell free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Fr. Adrian Cristobal

YOU ARE BLOWING HOT SMOKE FROM YOUR REAR. LOT'S HOT SMOKE.

Another Anonymous Neo has a "news flash" for the rest of us (and of course more great witnessing to the what the Neocatechumenal Way does for people.) Get ready:

MAN, YOU ARE REALLY STUPID....IDIOT!

More love from Anonymous Neos. In response to TOO MUCH INFORMATION, Anonymous Neo replies with more evidence of why we should all be Neos:

Man....you are really stupid. I said, "Money is collected and used for both the Way's retreat and the Parish, and these collections are USUALLY done after the Liturgy of the word. ."...and you're mouthing off "weekly" collection?? DUH!!! How is it that you interpret the word "usually" to weekly?? Do we have a retreat every week???? DUH!!! No, we have a retreat every five to six weeks, idiot.  

DEAR GUAM KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Anonymous here has a request for information:

"....Ive been approached on numerous occasions to join the KofC, but I refuse because maybe its a local thing but I see no purpose in the KofC other than dressing up. If you have any real reason as to why someone should think about joining the KofC, please share."

Find the original comment here. Since he didn't have the courage to put his name to his request, feel free to answer as a comment on this post.

AGAIN, TOO MUCH INFORMATION. BUT WE'LL TAKE IT. THANKS.

Had we not continued to get taunts like this one, the issue of the Neocatechumenal Way would have gone away along time ago on this blog. But before we get into this particular taunt, let's review.

The issue of the NCW first arose not here, but on the radio, when a local talk show host speculated that the firing of Fr. Paul was related to his resistance to the NCW. In truth, Fr. Paul had NOT said "No" to the NCW in his parish, he had simply required that if the NCW was to come to the parish that 1) all Masses be in the church (as required by Canon Law except for rare exceptions), and 2) to provide evidence that the particular NCW manner of distributing communion was permitted (i.e. "show me the document"). 

SOMEBODY IS GETTING SERIOUS

Note: contact name redacted for purposes of posting

Coalition for Concerned Catholics of Guam
name witheld
address withed

February 22, 2014

Camacho, John P. (Director)
Dept. of Revenue & Taxation
Taxpayer Services Division
P.O. Box 23607
GMF, Guam 96921

VIA FAX AND EMAIL

Dear Mr. Camacho:

It has come to our attention that there is and has been a significant amount of money collected from members of an apparent unincorporated group for which there appears to be no accounting.

STATS UPDATE

Here's the all time top viewed posts:

Here's the audience sources for the last 30 days:

CATHOLIC PISSING MATCH

Anonymous Coward challenges Chuck White, "Maria", and myself to a Catholic pissing match:

MIAMI

I'm allowing all the comments about the new bishop of Miami so everyone can see the spasms. In case you haven't learned - as both conservatives and liberals are now learning - Francis is not one to be put in a box and counted on one side or the other.

CONCERNED GUAM CATHOLIC NAILS IT

Original comment here.

I disagree with what you envision. This is not a win-win situation; in fact we, non-neos, were duped and deceived! The deception was planned, delivered and carried out by our archbishop who publicly claimed that here was a land and property acquisition which would be used as a seminary for the formation of priestly vocations for the Catholic Diocese of Guam. We were LED TO BELIEVE that this local seminary would not only boost vocations, but encourage local sons to the priestly vocation -- NOT SO! So far it has BENEFITTED FOREIGN NEO CANDIDATES and TURNED AWAY LOCAL SONS, informing our local sons that: this seminary is open ONLY TO THOSE WHO AGREE TO BE FORMED IN THE NEO WAY!