Byrnes appoints Martinez as new delegate to review Neocatechumenal Way

By Haidee V Eugenio
Pacific Daily News
July 10, 2017

http://www.guampdn.com/story/news/2017/07/10/byrnes-appoints-martinez-new-delegate-review-neocatechumenal-way/463497001/

Deacon Steve Martinez expresses his opinion regarding the accusations of sexual abuse against Archbishop Anthony Apuron during a press conference at the Territorial Law Library in Hagåtña on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Photo by Rick Cruz

Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes appointed Deacon Steve Martinez to help review the basic pastoral theology principles or teachings of the Neocatechumenal Way, a movement within the Catholic church whose practices sometimes are at odds with those of Guam's traditional Catholic community.

Byrnes, in his latest aviso, said Martinez's appointment as delegate to the Neocatechumenal Way took effect on July 1.

Martinez confirmed through text message Monday that he will be "helping to review the movement."

The announcement comes three months after Byrnes named the Rev. Danilo “Danny” Ferrandiz to the post. The Archdiocese of Agana said Ferrandiz had resigned from the post.

In March, Byrnes issued a pastoral letter, asking the Neocatechumenal Way to put a one-year pause on the formation of new communities, and to celebrate Mass in accordance with the Catholic Church’s general instructions and norms.

Byrnes said the delegate will help discern the effects of the archdiocese’s efforts, and ensure the Neocatechumenal Way's catechists are sufficiently formed and certified.