Decisions ‘may Be Far from Perfect’ but Geared toward Unity

By Haidee V Eugenio
Pacific Daily News
July 19, 2016

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2016/07/18/hon-decisions-may-far-perfect-but-geared-towards-unity/87238456/

The archbishop named by the Vatican to temporarily oversee the administration of the Catholic Church in Guam said Sunday that his actions and decisions “may be far from perfect” but are geared toward promoting unity in the church, among other things.

Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai has been in Guam for more than five weeks since Pope Francis appointed him on June 6 to temporarily replace Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron, while sex abuse allegations involving Apuron are investigated.

To date, the Vatican hasn’t released any details about an investigation relating to Apuron, who’s been accused publicly of sexually abusing four altar boys in the 1970s when he was parish priest at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Agat.

Apuron remains archbishop and has not been charged with any crime.

Hon said the five weeks have been “truly challenging” in his mandate given by the pope to promote unity, harmony and stability in the local church.

“My way of proceeding is that of collegiality and collaboration, starting with the clergy, then, gradually through them extending to all Catholics on island,” Hon said. “My actions and decisions may be far from perfect, but are motivated jointly by solidarity, goodwill, and a profound sense of the unity of the Church.”

On Sunday morning, dozens of members of the Concerned Catholics of Guam continued their weekly peaceful protest in front of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna, calling for Apuron to be defrocked.

Hon continued to invite everyone to pray and walk toward healing, reconciliation and unity in the archdiocese.

“The Archdiocese of Agana is certainly experiencing difficulties these days: division, anger, mistrust, finger pointing and for many, great sadness,” said Hon.

The four Apuron accusers, through attorney David Lujan, filed a libel and slander lawsuit against Apuron, the Archdiocese of Agana and up to 50 other unnamed defendants for calling them liars when they publicly came out to accuse him.

They also testified in support of a bill lifting the statute of limitations for the filing of lawsuits against child sex abusers or molesters.

In his July 17 message, Hon also talked about the recent 72nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Father Jesus Baza Duenas, the second Chamorro to be ordained a Catholic priest. Japanese soldiers beheaded Duenas in July 1944, according to Guampedia.com.

Hon is continuing to meet with different entities in and outside of the Archdiocese of Agana.