Archbishop Hon Apologizes to Carmelite Sisters

By Sabrina Salas Matanane
KUAM
November 17, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/33732301/2016/11/Thursday/archbishop-hon-apologizes-to-carmelite-sistsers

Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai is expressing his gratitude and issuing an apology to the Carmelite Sisters. This week, Mother Superior Dawn Marie of the Carmelite Sisters on Guam broke her silence about what happened several years ago as it related to the Archdiocese of Agana’s acquisition of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Yona. She also shared the reasons for the departure of the Carmelite Sisters from Guam. One month after celebrating 50 years on island, the Carmelite nuns packed up and moved to California because of what Mother Dawn described as a “toxic environment” surrounding the local church embroiled in controversy over allegations of child sex abuse and questions of ownership of the RMS property.

During a press conference held at the Carmelite’s home in Tamuning, Mother Dawn revealed that she was the one who was able to secure $2 million dollars from her Carmelite Sisters in the states to pay off a loan that was used by the Archdiocese of Agana to purchase the RMS property in Yona. The donor was supposed to be kept anonymous. Mother Dawn said Archbishop Apuron not only revealed that the Carmelite Sisters in the states were the benefactor but also years later he would write a letter asking that they say the donation was purposely earmarked for the RMS and the San Vitores Theological Institute of Oceania. Mother Dawn said they did not agree to do that because “that was completely untrue”. She told media that this was reported to the Vatican and to their attorneys, but the Carmelites decided to remain silent and not litigate the issue. That was until this week.

In a statement issued Thursday evening, Archbishop Hon said they were all saddened by the news that the Carmelite Sisters were to leave Guam. He also apologized and admitted to certain damages of the toxic environment that they experienced. “We appreciate the clarification made by Mother Dawn Marie this week regarding the genuine intent of the benefactor, which was unfortunately twisted by some people. The Sisters tried hard to tolerate it and to remain silent as much as possible. I personally knew of their suffering because as a Secretary working in the Holy See I was able to read those correspondences mentioned by the Mother Prioress and I respect their willingness to suffer in silence. However, silence in this case did not suffice, because things were getting worse to a point that the reputation of their community was at stake. I am glad that before her departure this week Mother Dawn Marie was able to reveal the truth in a limpid way,” Archbishop Hon stated in a press release.

He also expressed his appreciation for the Carmelite Sisteres and their special dedication to pray for priests, stating prayers are needed even more because of the current situation, “The allegations of child sex abuse by the clergy contribute somehow to the toxic environment. We priests while being together as one presbyterate body first and foremost need purification so that we may strive to protect the young and to show love to those wounded by some of the clergy. In the Church, child sex abuse is a terrible, grave matter. All of us, including the clergy, suffer from such a disheartening environment, but we still have people and prayer,” Archbishop Hon stated.

Three additional complaints for damages were filed in the Superior Court of Guam on Thursday related to child sex abuse by local clergy. The total number of complaints now stands at seven.