GUAM
Guam Daily Post
John O’Connor | Post News Staff
Following the exoneration of Monsignor James Benavente of financial mismanagement during his time as rector of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, the Archdiocese of Agana has now reconstituted the Archdiocesan Finance Council. During a press conference at the basilica yesterday afternoon, Rev. Jeff San Nicolas, the delegate to Apostolic Administrator Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai, announced that nine members would comprise the new council effective immediately. Of the nine, there are five new members, two former members and two incumbents. The incumbents’ terms expire at the end of the year.
Lawsuit concerns
A main purpose of the council, according to San Nicolas, is to help address potential lawsuits that may stem from the lifting of the statute of limitations for civil cases involving sexual abuse, which became law last month.
“That’s a major part of their task,” he added.
Hon had expressed concern over the law, stating that it may potentially lead to loss of major assets for the church. He asked for Gov. Eddie Calvo to veto the measure but thanked him for signing the law anyway when it was enacted.
“We acknowledge the agony suffered by victims of child sexual abuse by clergy and the responsibility the Archdiocese has to bear,” a church release stated. “The Archdiocese is developing a dedicated fund as one way to help persons who have been gravely hurt in this way by clergy.”
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.