ARCHDIOCESE Names Finance Council Members

By John O'Connor
Guam Daily Post
October 6, 2016

http://www.postguam.com/news/local/archdiocese-names-finance-council-members/article_9e47db70-8baa-11e6-ac3d-575617e92cbd.html


Following the exoneration of Monsignor James Benavente of financial mismanagement during his time as rector of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, the Archdiocese of Agana has now reconstituted the Archdiocesan Finance Council. During a press conference at the basilica yesterday afternoon, Rev. Jeff San Nicolas, the delegate to Apostolic Administrator Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, announced that nine members would comprise the new council effective immediately. Of the nine, there are five new members, two former members and two incumbents. The incumbents' terms expire at the end of the year.

Lawsuit concerns

A main purpose of the council, according to San Nicolas, is to help address potential lawsuits that may stem from the lifting of the statute of limitations for civil cases involving sexual abuse, which became law last month.

"That's a major part of their task," he added.

Hon had expressed concern over the law, stating that it may potentially lead to loss of major assets for the church. He asked for Gov. Eddie Calvo to veto the measure but thanked him for signing the law anyway when it was enacted.

"We acknowledge the agony suffered by victims of child sexual abuse by clergy and the responsibility the Archdiocese has to bear," a church release stated. "The Archdiocese is developing a dedicated fund as one way to help persons who have been gravely hurt in this way by clergy."

San Nicolas yesterday could not provide an answer to an inquiry on who the archdiocese's property insurer was.

Financial mismanagement accusations

Shortly after Benavente was exonerated by Hon, a complaint was filed with the Guam Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General that included documentation of financial mismanagement.

Hon later asked for the resignation of Catholic Cemeteries of Guam board members who voted in favor of publicizing the complaint filed against Benavente.

San Nicolas, during the press conference yesterday, opted not to comment on whether any board members have resigned.

"I understand there is the public interest but I believe in respecting this process and respecting those individuals," he said. "The archdioceses chooses not to talk about these things in this public form."

The nine members of the finance council are Peter “Sonny” Ada, John Weisenberger, Eduardo “Champ” Calvo, Ricardo “Rick” Duenas, Art Illagan, Mary Okada, Antoinette “Toni” Sanford, Joseph E. Rivera and Richard Untalan. Ed Terlaje has been named legal counsel for the finance council.

Their first meeting has not been set but is most likely to occur early next week.