GUAM
KUAM
Updated: Jul 27, 2016
By Krystal Paco
Clearing their names at today’s press conference hosted by apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, were Father Paul Gofigan and Monsignor James Benavente.
As announced by the archbishop today, both have been restored.
Father Gofigan was removed three years ago for not following a directive of Archbishop Anthony Apuron, while Monsignor Benavente was removed two years ago for alleged financial mismanagement. “We never really left,” Gofigan stated. “But at least the atmosphere of oppression is gone. And I can feel it.”
He added, “I believe that sentiment goes around with a lot of priests. That culture of fear. That culture of oppression. Today I feel that that heavy burden has been finally released and my name is cleared. My name has been dragged through the mud. One thing I’ve learned is patience.”
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