Archbishop Byrnes clarifies mission to bring healing to church

GUAM
KUAM

Updated: Dec 02, 2016

By Krystal Paco

Guam’s new coadjutor, Archbishop Michael Byrnes, says he alone can’t heal the pain suffered by victims of sexual abuse in the church. In a press conference held earlier this week, he states he’s still getting up to speed with all the suits filed against the Archdiocese of Agana, but has observed each of the suits follow a similar pattern.

“I know I’ve got a lot to learn over these next few weeks, months, years,” he shared, “and I know there’s a lot of hope. I know just having a new face, a new person lifts a little of the pain and sadness. One of the things I want to say today might be a little shock to you – I’m not the one here to heal the pain. And I can’t do it, but I know the one who can, that’s Jesus.

“It’s not just Jesus up in Heaven doing his thing, but it’s us. We are the church. We are the body of Christ.”

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