New Apostolic Administrator Asks for Trust, Prayers Amid Controversy

By Sabrina Salas Matanane
KUAM
June 8, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32171290/2016/06/08/new-apostolic-administrator-asks-for-trust-prayers-amid-controversy

Recently appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana Archbishop Savio Tai Fai Hon says he was appointed by the Pope because of his concern ”for the good of the whole church and with due consideration for the good of the faithful in Guam”, a press release stated. He is being assisted by Rev. Fr. Tadeuz Jan Nowak, OMI.

“The priority of the Apostolic Administrator is to take stock of the present pastoral situation of the diocese; to identify the difficulties present among the clergy, religious, and lay faithful and to take urgent measures, at the earliest, in order to promote and restore unity and harmony in the local Church. The Apostolic Administrator, after carefully discerning the needs of the Archdiocese will take all necessary actions to assure that this goal is being implemented. The Holy Father kindly asks for the trust and prayers of the local Church and sincerely hopes that the entire Catholic Community will pull all of its energy in promoting unity, harmony, and stability of the Church,” the release went on to state.

Archbishop Hon and Rev. Fr. Nowak were on Guam in January 2015 for what the Archdiocese at the time described as a pastoral visit to foster reconciliation and understanding within the Archdiocese. Their visit followed multiple controversies which divided the local Church in 2014 which included the removal of Father Paul Gofigan from the Santa Barbara Church, the sudden removal of Monsignor James Benavente as rector because of alleged financial discrepancies, and allegations of sexual harassment against Archbishop Anthony Apuron. While the Archdiocese at the time said it was a pastoral visit, critics claimed the visit was to conduct an investigation.