Opinion: Hon falls short of expectations

By John Charles, Ada Toves
Pacific Daily News
July 13, 2016

http://www.guampdn.com/story/opinion/2016/07/13/opinion-hon-falls-short-expectations/86789284/

Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, S.D.B., calls a prayer meeting for unity at the Dulce Nobre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagåtña on July 2.

With all due respect, Archbishop Hon, a job's performance is based on whether an individual "does not meet expectations," "meets expectations," and "exceeds expectations." Your eminence, I must say sadly you are not meeting expectations.

You have said "we are in a hurry.” Of course we are! We have been on a gurney wounded and crying for over 30 years with all the maltreatment given by our previous shepherd. As we continue to lie in pain, of course our voices will cry louder and louder. At this point, yes, we are impatient. Wouldn't you be?

Your excellency, you are not reinventing the wheel. Our situation is not rocket science. The words are so simple, yet you refuse to utter them. Why?

Why cannot these (alleged) victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by (Anthony) Apuron be acknowledged for their pain? Why then does the church say it has a zero tolerance of these heinous acts?

Why cannot your intentions for the RMS Seminary in Yona be made public? Why?

Why cannot the reinstatement of Father Gofigan, as clear-cut as it is, be expedited? Why?

Why cannot the status of Monsignor Benavente's case be made known? Why?

Do you not see, our dear shepherd, there are many "why’s” crying out from those gurneys, where they wheeled there to wait until you, in your good time, decide what comes next. You may be going around trying to create a positive interaction with each, but let me tell you, it will only come when you begin to "do."

Dispense with your protocols and gracious platitudes. Roll up your sleeves, and get your hands dirty. Answer the "why’s" and start the “do’s.” Then the creation of unity may begin.

I came to the island in 2014 with my claim that the archbishop molested my cousin. I made four attempts at the chancery but to no avail. Father Cristobal said, "We'll call you."

I went to every Mass that the archbishop presided in and stood as close to him to try and engage him. He began to install bodyguards. I then received a letter from the vicar general threatening me not to attempt another appointment lest the proper civic authorities would be called. I advised the Hagåtña Police Precinct that I would be going to attempt a meeting with the archbishop on my last day. And guess what? There was no one home.

This has been the format of communication we have experienced from the previous archbishop and chancery – none. And, Archbishop Hon, you seem to persist in that style of communication – none. I was not entirely surprised when you snubbed Walter Denton, one of Apuron's (alleged) victims.

As each day passes, there is more salt in the wounds of all who lie in the gurneys. You can stop the pain. You can right the wrongs. You can then create the unity as was mandated by Pope Francis.

It is not rocket science.

To those who are trying to be patient in good faith, how about another 30 years of waiting? Almost two years later, and the only thing I received from the chancery was a threat of lawsuit.