It is the most important day of the year for honoring the faithful departed.  Catholics will commemorate All Souls Day in just three weeks, and the newly-appointed head of the Catholic Cemeteries of Guam says he will not let the recent controversy over alleged misspending distract from getting the facilities ready.  Joey Duenas was named the interim administrator of Catholic Cemeteries, as part of sweeping changes announced by Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, who replaced all but one of the former board members.

Duenas says he has a job to do, and time is running short. He added, "I'm trying to prepare the three cemeteries which is Pigo, Togcha, and Agat, for All Souls Day and allowing the faith community of Guam to come and pray at the gravesites of their loved ones."

The Catholic Cemeteries board came under scrutiny after the previous members alleged that former administrator, Monsignor James Benavente, diverted cemetery monies to pay for a personal birthday celebration.  But Benavente has since been exonerated by Archbishop Hon, and Duenas considers it a closed case.  He adds that under the bylaws, removal of the board is also within the archbishop's power as the sole member of the corporation.

"In there it says that the sole member reserves the following rights to himself, which is the right to appoint or remove any director or any administrator - period," he stated.

Duenas says board members can also be removed without cause.  All Souls Day is November 2.