Another allegation surfaces of molestation by archbishop

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
May 31, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32098765/2016/05/31/another-allegation-surfaces-of-molestation-by-archbishop

It's the latest of accusations against Archbishop Anthony Apuron, as an Agat woman now residing in Arizona says she's been harboring her son's secret for far too long.

Doris Concepcion was blinded by her faith, telling KUAM News, "You do not question the priest. I was one of those parents you don't question the priest." as a young boy, her son Joseph Anthony Quinata, better known as "Sonny" or "Chico" was an altar boy at Mount Carmel Church in Agat. For years, she couldn't explain his rebellious behavior towards then-priest Anthony Apuron.

She continued, "Apuron called me up and told me that Sonny had kicked him in the groin and tried to attack him with a knife and even tried to burn the rectory down. And so my son comes home and I would spank him. And he does not want to go with Apuron because Apruon would say, 'I need Sonny to  spend the night at the house. My house with me so he can help me do some stuff.' And so I figured, 'OK, Father.' And I would get mad at my son."

It wasn't until Sonny was on his deathbed did he tell his mother his big secret. "He said, 'I can't take this with me, Mama.' I said what? Take what? 'Father Apuron molested me when I was an altar boy in Agat and he was a priest."

Sonny was 38-years-old. Those were his final words to his mother who has kept his secret for the last eleven years. She tells KUAM News she finally understands her son's rough life - as a student his grades dropped and as an adult he struggled with drug addiction and suicidal thoughts. Although she believed Sonny was the only victim, it was Roy Quintanilla also from Agat who she credits for giving her courage to speak out. Just weeks ago, Quintanilla publicly accused Apuron of molesting him as a child.   

"I'm happy that Roy came forward. That man has so much courage. And he opened the doors for everybody," she said.    

Concepcion now lives in Prescott, Arizona but will be returning to Guam next week. Her homecoming is her hope for closure. She tells KUAM she's ready to let go and let God do the rest, adding, "God is the only one who can help give me strength to carry on this burden. I turned to Him for guidance. I am bringing my son's ashes home. I had him cremated. And I'm going to scatter his ashes."

As for Apuron, "If he has a conscience, I want to say to him, do what's best for the people. Admit the truth. Especially do it for your soul. Because I highly doubt he will admit any of this."

The Archdiocese of Agana continues to deny all allegations against Apuron. In a statement, the archdiocese says the attacks began three years ago as a result of Apuron removing administration for financial mismanagement and that attacks continue in an effort destroy the Catholic Church and discredit Apuron at all costs.

In response to the allegations, the archdiocese is in the process of taking canonical and legal measures against those attacking the church.