By Tim Rohr
It's unfortunate, but the reality is that we, the Catholics in the Archdiocese of Agana, Guam, must always question everything our church leadership says and does. And we must do this because not doing this has cost us millions and millions of dollars, many ancestral properties, and, most importantly, countless lost souls.
For decades, many of our clergy, at the highest levels, lied to us, deceived us, misled us, and stole from us while raping our children, our church, and our bank accounts, leaving us with the bill of ruined children and a bankrupt church.
Sorry to be so negative, but not really. I was personally persecuted by Apuron's mob for daring to be the face of what everyone knew for decades. I paid a heavy price for speaking the truth, and my children are still paying it.
So, I am going to question everything, including this:
Archdiocese announces efforts toward canonization of San Vitores
This was announced on September 10, 2026. The timing of the announcement leaves us only two options for what to think:
1. The removal of Blessed Diego's relics on Sep. 1, 2026, from the Cathedral to the church in Tumon was for the purpose as set forth in the Sep. 10, 2026 announcement, in which case, our current church leadership is simply negligent and very poor planners, given that the relocation of the relics occurred with great media fanfare but no context such as the present announcement would have provided, making the "efforts toward canonization" appear as an afterthought.
Or:
2. Our church leadership became rattled after the otherwise sudden, unannounced, and rather disrespectful, if not physically harmful (to the relics), relocation of the relics was called out on JungleWatch on September 2, the day after the move, and, in which case, they are now scrambling to put lipstick on a pig.
It's quite sad when the only charitable option is to surmise that the real reason is neglect and poor planning - especially given that we are talking about the man who brought Catholicism to Guam, and then died for it.
The following is the text of the announcement:
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Circular No. 2026-31
To: Clergy, Religious and People of the Archdiocese of Agana
From: Very Reverend Fr. Paul A.M. Gofigan, Vicar General
Cc: Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez
Rev. Fr. Junee Valencia, Parochial Vicar / Blessed Diego Parish
Date: September 10, 2026
Re: Movement for the Canonization of Blessed Diego
Luis de San Vitores
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Pax et Bonum
The Archdiocese of Agana is undertaking an important effort toward the canonization of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores, the Jesuit missionary and martyr of Guam. As we move forward, various events and activities will be planned to promote greater awareness, prayer, and devotion to Blessed Diego throughout the Archdiocese.
As we continue toward canonization, one of the most important things that must be demonstrated and documented is a genuine, active, and widespread devotion to Blessed Diego among the faithful, together with the Church’s required canonical process.
For this reason, devotion to Blessed Diego is not simply encouraged; it is an essential part of this effort.
His Grace, Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez, has appointed Rev. Fr. Junee Valencia, Parochial Administrator of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores Church in Tumon, to lead this movement. A committee has been formed to help foster a renewed devotion to Blessed Diego and to provide opportunities for the faithful to learn about his life, missionary zeal, and martyrdom.
On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, several significant items associated with Blessed Diego were transferred to Blessed Diego Church in Tumon: his cassock, the machete traditionally associated with his martyrdom, a painting of Blessed Diego, and a historical letter written by him. These items now provide the faithful with a special opportunity for prayer and public veneration.
The faithful are warmly invited to come and pray before these sacred relics associated with Blessed Diego.
Public Veneration:
Weekdays, except Thursdays - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Also available after weekday Masses
In the months ahead, educational and devotional initiatives will be developed for parishes. Parishes will be encouraged to incorporate prayers and a novena to Blessed Diego into their parish life. All parishes are requested to pray the Prayer for the Intercession of Blessed Diego (see below) at all Masses, and the faithful are encouraged to pray this prayer both communally and privately.
Our hope is that, through a renewed and widespread devotion to Blessed Diego, his memory and intercession will become increasingly present in the spiritual life of our people. We pray that this devotion will support the canonical requirements necessary for his eventual canonization and for Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores to be proclaimed a Saint of the Universal Church.
God willing, Blessed Diego Church may one day be designated as an official shrine through the proper process with the Holy See.
His Grace, Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez, Rev. Fr. Junee Valencia, the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, and the committee are grateful for the prayers and support of the faithful and are committed to promoting this cause.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
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PRAYER FOR THE INTERCESSION
OF BLESSED DIEGO LUIS DE SAN VITORES
God of Mercy and Love,
through the preaching of Your martyr Blessed Diego,
You brought the good news of Christ to the people of the Marianas, who had not known him.
By his prayers help us to endure all suffering for love of You and to seek You with all our hearts, for You alone are the source of life.
We ask this through Your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.
Amen.
(Pause now and ask Blessed Diego for your request)
Our Father … / Hail Mary … / Glory be …
Blessed Diego … Pray for us.
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