Father Paul Gofigan and Monsignor James Benavente Both Restored

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
July 27, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32547973/2016/07/27/father-paul-gofigan-and-monsignor-james-benavente-both-restored

Clearing their names at today's press conference hosted by apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, were Father Paul Gofigan and Monsignor James Benavente. As announced by the archbishop today, both have been restored.

Father Gofigan was removed three years ago for not following a directive of Archbishop Anthony Apuron, while Monsignor Benavente was removed two years ago for alleged financial mismanagement. "We never really left," Gofigan stated. "But at least the atmosphere of oppression is gone. And I can feel it."

He added, "I believe that sentiment goes around with a lot of priests. That culture of fear. That culture of oppression. Today I feel that that heavy burden has been finally released and my name is cleared. My name has been dragged through the mud. One thing I've learned is patience."

Monsignor Benavente said, "What Archbishop Hon did was he retracted the statements that was made about me, the malicious statements maligning my name, and he's basically retracted that. And more importantly is that he's according me the opportunity to have due process, which was never given to me. It's been two years and so we are very close, we are almost there. He's been very collaborative affording me the opportunity to make things right."

Both priests thank those who rallied and prayed for their restoration.