GUAM
KUAM
by Sabrina Salas Matanane
Guam – There are new developments to report in the ongoing controversy in the local Catholic church as several priests have written a letter to Archbishop Anthony Apuron demanding clarification to statements he made in a press release to the media regarding the removal of Monsignor James Benavente.
Father Tom McGrath, Father Jeff San Nicolas, Father Mike Crisostomo, Father Patrick Castro and Father Gus Gumataotao are the latest in a string of faithful members of the island’s Catholic community seeking answers and clarification from the archbishop specifically on the removal of Monsignor Benavente. Just a week after the monsignor’s 20-year celebration of faith and service, the archbishop removed him from his duties as the rector of the Archdiocese of Agana and the director of Catholic Cemeteries.
The archbishop removed the monsignor based on allegations of financial mismanagement. His sudden ouster created an uproar in the local church many of whom gathered in prayer on the footsteps of the cathedral. Andy Balajadia said at the time, “We are losing confidence and trust in his leadership. I hope that by praying he will change.”
Others who have worked alongside the monsignor on the church’s finances also took the steps of the cathedral to defend the reputation of Monsignor James. “We felt compelled to speak out after the archbishop issued a statement accusing Monsignor James of financial practices that were grave and detrimental to the archdiocese nothing is further from the truth,” he said.
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