July 31st, 2016 Message of the Apostolic Administrator

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana
July 31, 2016

http://www.aganaarch.org/9420/july-31st-2016-message-of-the-apostolic-administrator/

On Wednesday, July 27 during a news conference, I read out loud a long statement in which I spoke of the allegations of child abuse against Archbishop Apuron while he was a priest in the parish of Agat in the 1970s. This is an extremely serious matter and the people we serve are rightly expecting us, in particular the Clergy, to treat it as such.

The Archdiocese should always assume and believe that the intent of those who make allegations of this sort is to bring to light serious claims of abuse. Allow me to quote Pope Francis who met with “survivors” in Philadelphia last September. “I am grateful for this opportunity to meet you. I am blessed by your presence. Thank you for coming here today, (…) I deeply regret that some bishops failed in their responsibility to protect children. It is very disturbing to know that in some cases bishops were even abusers. I pledge to you that we will follow the path of truth wherever it may lead. Clergy and bishops will be held accountable when they abuse or fail to protect children.”

Again with no less earnestness I, as pastor appointed by Pope Francis for the care of souls in the Archdiocese of Agaña, want to express my sincere desire to personally meet with Mr. Quintanilla, Mrs. Conception, Mr. Denton and Mr. Sondia.

Dear Brothers and Sisters let us pray continuously for healing and reconciliation.

God bless you all.