CATHOLICS PICKET FOR 30TH WEEK

Guam Daily Post, February 13, 2017
Chris Wong
https://www.postguam.com/news/local/catholics-picket-for-th-week/article_e8f31936-f0e6-11e6-8c93-73beec910105.html

FROM THE LFM

Hafa adai, everyone,

Okay, see you guys tomorrow , Sunday,  February 12, 2017. We start picketing 9:00 AM sharp in front of Cathedral Basilica. Bring your family, friends and neighbors.

God bless you all,

Lou Klitzkie, LFM

A DECISION FOR ARCHBISHOP BYRNES

Posted by Tim

Quite a few people have noted that Pius the Slimeball is back and in full gear, orchestrating new "Invitations to Joy," and saying regularly scheduled Sunday masses, at least at the Agat parish.

Pius the Slimeball is not incardinated in this diocese, so in order for him to say Mass he has to be granted special faculties. Per the "Handbook of Faculties, Archdiocese of Agana, pg. 3:

No doubt, Apuron gave the Slimeball "faculties for a period of time," and no doubt Pius still thinks he has them. He may be right. The removal of Apuron's episcopal authority by the pope in June of last year does not automatically cancel past actions and decisions prior to the removal of that authority.

While we know that Hon officially removed The Slimeball as rector of the seminary, we do not know if he also removed his faculties in this diocese. Such an act would require an Aviso (so we all would know), and no Aviso was published.

Thus it is up to Archbishop Byrnes, who now has that authority, to either REVOKE those faculties or continue to extend them. In either case, for the protection of the faithful and the avoidance of scandal, an Aviso is required.

By the way, it is curious that while Pius left the island about the same time as Hon did, he returned in full force with Byrnes arrival. Methinks I can hear Cardinal Felony-Filoni telling Pius: "No worries. I'll take care of Byrnes."

TODAY'S PRESS CONFERENCE AND TWO POINTS

Posted by Tim

Today at 1:30, Archbishop Byrnes held a press conference to provide an update on his response to the sex abuse scandal in our diocese. You can watch the video of the conference here. 

I would just like to make two points. I found it odd that Archbishop Byrnes chose to begin and end the opening prayer WITHOUT the Sign of the Cross. So just a note to the Archbishop: We Catholics in Guam are not shy about making the Sign of the Cross in public. Feel free to do it.

My next point is taken from the PDN reporters question: What happens if it is the bishop himself who is accused? 

The USCCB'S CHARTER FOR THE PROTECTION OF YOUNG PEOPLE makes one small provision for this at the end (which we will examine). However, as you can see by the samples of the language from the Charter below, the Charter assumes that the offending cleric is a priest or deacon, while the bishop is consistently mentioned only in his governance role:

PDN: SNAP SAYS NO TRANSPARENCY NO JUSTICE

Survivors network not confident Vatican probe will lead to justice

The world’s largest network of clergy sex abuse survivors said the Vatican’s ongoing investigation into sexual abuse allegations against Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron will not lead to justice for former altar boys, citing a lack of transparency in the canonical trial process and the absence of punishment for church officials who helped cover up the abuses. CONTINUED

REDEMPTIONIS SACRAMENTUM

Posted by Tim

In light of the renewed discussion about the liturgical aberrations of the Neocatechumenal Way, we are moving this post back to the top and recommending a re-read of this post: THE NCW EUCHARIST IS ILLICIT, AND HERE'S WHY...AGAIN.

[4]..."It is not possible to be silent about the abuses, even quite grave ones, against the nature of the Liturgy and the Sacraments as well as the tradition and the authority of the Church, which in our day not infrequently plague liturgical celebrations in one ecclesial environment or another. In some places the perpetration of liturgical abuses has become almost habitual, a fact which obviously cannot be allowed and must cease."

So begins the Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum, an instruction issued by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments on 25 March 2004. The document's subtitle makes its purpose crystal clear: "Instruction on Certain Matters to Be Observed or to Be Avoided Regarding the Most Holy Eucharist."

NEWS. SEX ABUSE IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF AGANA. FEBRUARY 8-9, 2017

GUAM DAILY POST
Apuron not required at Vatican trial

Suspended Archbishop Anthony Apuron will never be present in his canonical trial in Rome for sex-abuse allegations, according to canon law expert, Patrick J. Wall. CONTINUED


PACIFIC DAILY NEWS
16th priest abuse lawsuit filed in US court
A 16th former altar boy filed a $5 million clergy sex abuse lawsuit in federal court Wednesday. He alleges that former island priest Louis Brouillard sexually abused him in the early 1970s. CONTINUED

PACIFIC DAILY NEWS
Canon lawyer: Apuron trial outcome will likely stay secret
A canonical trial, such as the ongoing trial of Archbishop Anthony Apuron, is a highly secretive process with many possible outcomes, according to canon lawyer Patrick J. Wall, who said Apuron will not be at the Vatican for any of the proceedings. CONTINUED

PACIFIC NEWS CENTER
16th lawsuit filed against archdiocese in federal court
Guam - A 16th lawsuit has now been filed against the Archdiocese of Agana, making the total amount of damages being sought against them for civil claims of sexual about now $80 million. CONTINUED

KUAM
16th person alleges sexual abuse by church member
According to the federal complaint, 58-year-old Felix Manglona alleges he was sexually molested by Father Louis Brouillard while Brouillard was a priest at San Isidro Catholic Church in Malolojo. CONTINUED

GUAM DAILY POST: ATTORNEY DEMANDS ANSWERS

A canon law expert from Rome who also works at Boston College has directly contacted three victims of sexual abuse to seek their depositions. The attorney who represents the victims has called for answers, threatening to file an ethical complaint if communication with his clients continues without his consent.

In a letter to Rev. James J. Conn, attorney David Lujan questioned why the religious professor contacted three of his clients – Roland P.L. Sondia, Roy T. Quintanilla and Walter G. Denton – to discuss their cases for a matter “not related to the lawsuits on Guam.” CONTINUED

ON MUD THROWING

Posted by Chuck White

If you happen to find yourself in one of several Neocatechumenal "catechetical" sessions starting up on the island now, you'll soon be taught a very peculiar interpretation of the story of the healing of the blind man in the ninth chapter of the Gospel of John.  The twisting of this scripture should serve as a warning to you...Read more.

THE 800 LB GORILLA IN THE ROOM

Posted by Frenchie

This past weekend, a very public "call to Joy" at the Cathedral Basilica has been a very rude awakening for many, to the fact that despite the spiriting away of Apuron and some highly publicized cosmetic changes, which includes the appointment of a Co-Adjutor in the person of Archbishop Byrnes, very little has changed in the day to day reality of our Archdiocese.

This is the 800 Lb Gorilla in the room, that almost everyone has failed to recognize since this past November.

DEFROCK, LAICIZE, OUT NOW!

posted by Jose M.

CCOG President David Sablan said it best, 

"We want a complete de-Apuron-nization."

Whether you believe the picket line has made a real impact or not, you cannot deny that the efforts of those walking the front sidewalk of the cathedral with signs in hand have not gone unnoticed.

The more we are visible, the more we are vocal, the more we are consistent with our message, the more it makes it difficult to ignore us.

Thank you and God bless for all who bring it every Sunday morning.

CALL ARCHBISHOP BYRNES

There is a tremendous amount of unnecessary confusion in our diocese right now. And there is only one man who can straighten it out: Archbishop Byrnes. Rather than firing away on the blog on what things look like, call the chancery and ask to speak with Archbishop Byrnes. It's time to STOP depending on the CCOG, the LFM, JungleWatch, etc. to do the work for you. Call the Chancery and get an answer. And if you don't get an answer, then KEEP CALLING. Tel: 671-472-6116 

NCW "INVITATION TO JOY" AT THE AGANA CATHEDRAL

Posted by Tim

This past Sunday at the Agana Cathedral there was another "Invitation to Joy" by the Neocatechumenal Way.

These "invitations" typically are testimonials given by lay persons followed by an invitation to attend a catechesis, and occur in place of or attached to the homily or immediatley before the dismissal and final blessing. 

At this point, I am simply gathering information. Here is what has been reported so far. Please feel free to add what you saw in the comments if you went to Mass at the Cathedral this weekend.

• The "Invitation" was given at each Mass except for one: the 9:30am Mass at which Archbishop Byrnes as the celebrant.
• Members of the Agana Cathedral NCW communities sat together to the right of the altar (from the perspective of one facing the altar).
• Most of the members of the NCW communities did not receive communion.
• At one of the Masses, the "Invitation" was given during the time reserved for the homily with the other "Invitations" given immediately before the Dismissal.
• Fr. Jucutan, at at least one of the Masses, sat with the NCW members as part of the congregation.

SABLAN: "WE WANT A COMPLETE DE-APURONIZATION"

While the Archdiocese of Agana faces lawsuits filed on behalf of child sex-abuse victims, some of the vocal members of the island’s Catholic community continue to press for suspended Archbishop Anthony Apuron to be removed of his title permanently.

Apuron currently holds no administrative powers or duties in the archdiocese, and was recently found living in Fairfield, California while he’s facing a confidential trial in the Vatican on allegations of child sexual abuse. The Vatican canonical trial is separate from the dozen cases filed against the Archdiocese of Agana in the federal court, and other cases filed in the local courts in Guam. CONTINUED

PDN: TRIALS COULD OPEN SECRET ARCHIVES (if they still exist!)

Canon lawyers: Guam clergy abuse trials could rip open secret archives

Guam clergy sexual abuse trials could rip open secret archives that every bishop or archbishop is required to keep under canon law, U.S.-based experts on laws governing the Catholic Church said.

The church secret archives contain sensitive records that could pertain to priest misconduct such as their sexual abuse of children, substance abuse and alcoholism, as well as mental health challenges, lawyers said. CONTINUED

DIANA CONVENES A COURT OF KANGAROOS

posted by Jose M.

You just can't make this up. It is the lead (and only) post for Saturday over at Pius' anonymous blogger's site, "An Insider's View."

The title of the post "Could It Be?,"   "Diana" states that  a comment is made here on Jungle Watch by it's author, Tim. A few days later what he posted on Jungle Watch is repeated as an anonymous comment to "her" site   . . .

Yeah.  Me too.  I don't know the answer, let alone the point, to "Could it be?" either.


Someone did try to save "Diana" from further embarrassment, but they ("Diana") decided to double down:

So instead of  waiting for a punchline, it's time to make "Diana," the Herald of Pius, the punchline, yet again.

OF THE EVILS DONE IN OUR NAMES.

(posted by Frenchie)

OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, WE HAVE SLOWLY PEELED BACK, SEVERAL LAYERS OF DECEPTION AND EVIL DEEDS, IN OUR DIOCESE, WHICH WERE PERPETRATED BY PEOPLE IN POWER IN OUR CHURCH.

MANY, IF NOT MOST OF US LIKE TO SEE THE FIGHT OF GOOD AGAINST EVIL, AS A PURELY BLACK AND WHITE ISSUE.

FROM THE LFM

                                                                Buenas everyone,

                                                             
We had a good turnout at the picket last Sunday. Let's make it better by bringing two or three others with you this Sunday, February 5, 2017. Although Apuron was sighted in Fairfield, California January 11, we must continue to picket for his removal for as long as it takes. See you in front of Cathedral Basilica.

God's blessings,

Lou Klitzkie, LFM

                                        
                                           

BYRNES: "THAT'S NEWS TO ME!"

KUAM: Archbishop Byrnes: "I stepped into a pretty hot mess"

http://www.kuam.com/story/34406777/2017/02/02/archbishop-byrnes-i-stepped-into-a-pretty-hot-mess

Living on Guam now for almost two weeks, Archbishop Michael Byrnes says he is in the early stages of rebuilding the local church. "I stepped into a pretty hot mess, seriously," he shared simply. "I know that's not news, but that's news to me. So that's all I about have to say.

"I know I've got a lot on my plate trying to make sure that I kind of structure this will help me navigate through this thing."

The new archbishop's top three priorities are to ensure that victims assistance prevention education is solid, to meet with all priests especially those who have expressed they've felt neglected over the years because of Archbishop Apuron's close connection with the Neocatechumenal Way, and to attend to the Archdiocese's financial situation which he described as "dodgy". 

Archbishop Byrnes also discussed several other issues related to the Redemptoris Mater Seminary and his controversial decision to send Fr. Adrian Cristobal to study canon law in Canada.

Additionally, he discussed how the archives at the Chancery are in such disarray.

See interview here. 

GUAM DAILY POST: APURON HAS UNTIL MARCH 21

Extension granted in Church sex abuse cases

Judge Arthur Barcinas of the Superior Court of Guam granted the Archdiocese of Agana's request for an extension to respond to complaints of child sexual abuse filed against former Guam clergy, and the archdiocese now has until Feb. 22, to respond to complaints. CONTINUED

RELATED
KUAM: Will defense have more time to file in church case?

GUAM DAILY POST: CHURCH WOULD CONSIDER SETTLEMENT

Byrnes: Church would consider out-of-court settlement

Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes told the Post during an interview yesterday that he would consider an out-of-court settlement in the child sexual abuse cases currently filed against members of the Catholic Church. CONTINUED

PDN: BYRNES WANTS JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS

Archbishop Byrnes talks justice for victims, Apuron's canonical trial

Four days after briefly joining peaceful protest in front of the cathedral, Coadjutor Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes said he supports and respects clergy sex abuse victims’ and their supporters’ quest for justice, which he said is ongoing both at the Vatican and in the civil courts. CONTINUED

PDN: CASES WON'T BE DISMISSED FROM LOCAL COURTS

Clergy abuse cases won't be dismissed from local courts

Superior Court Judge Arthur R. Barcinas this week granted the Archdiocese of Agana’s request for more time to respond to lawsuits which accuse Catholic clergy of sexually abusing and raping former altar boys. CONTINUED

PDN: FIVE MORE CASES MOVED TO FEDERAL COURT

5 more clergy abuse lawsuits filed in federal court

Five former altar boys filed separate multimillion-dollar lawsuits in federal court Wednesday afternoon, alleging they were sexually abused or raped by Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron and former island priest David Anderson decades ago.

Each of the five clergy sex abuse lawsuit demands a jury trial and at least $5 million in general damages, for a combined minimum total of $25 million, plus attorney’s fees and other costs.

CONTINUED

DUELING BLOGGERS--UPDATE: CAB BYRNES VOTES

Reposted by Bob

UPDATE

Coadjutor Archbishop Byrnes' statement as reported in the Feb. 2 PDN:

"Byrnes, for a few moments on Sunday, joined dozens of Catholics led by the Laity Forward Movement and Concerned Catholics of Guam in a peaceful protest.

Byrnes said it’s safe to say he respects and supports the peaceful picketers’ desire for justice, and “a clear answer.”

The picketers have been calling for Apuron’s removal as archbishop of Guam and for Apuron to be defrocked because of his alleged sex abuses and his alleged leadership failures."

On another blog two bloggers, Anonymous and Diana, jousted over the activities of Archbishop Byrnes on Sunday. The contest is set out below with my emphases:

AnonymousJanuary 29, 2017 at 11:17 PM

He will be found guilty unless Rome decides to cover up and hide him. Even archbishop Byrnes joined in the protests. So that in itself showed a lot.

DianaJanuary 29, 2017 at 11:22 PM

Dear Anonymous at 11:17 pm, 

Archbishop Byrnes did not join the protest. That is a false rumor being spread in the jungle....just like the false rumor that there is no canonical trial. Tim created the rumor that is no canonical trial. He is wrong. It is the jungle who spread false rumors and you fell for it.