New Archbishop Announces Leadership Changes for Guam Archdiocese

By Krystal Paco
KUAM
June 30, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/32341885/2016/06/30/new-archbishop-announces-leadership-changes-for-guam-archdiocese

While he's been criticized for his lack of action since his appointment to Guam earlier this month, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai is modifying leadership at the Archdiocese of Agana. Guam's interim archbishop says the changes are steps towards reunifying the local church.

Archbishop Hon was sent from the Vatican while Archbishop Anthony Apuron has been placed on leave.

Less than a month on the job and Guam's interim archbishop is changing up leadership. Effective today, Archbishop Hon has replaced diocesan curia. In a release from the archdiocese, he announces a new delegate of the administrator, which would assume responsibilities of the vicar general. His pick: Father Jeffrey San Nicolas, who replaces Monsignor David C. Quitugua.

Also taking a new leadership role is Father Jose Antonio "Lito" Abad, who replaces Father Adrian Cristobal as chancellor. Both appointments follow Archbishop Hon's meetings with all of the island's clergy and members of the church. The appointments, the release states, "Must be seen as a collegial effort for the purpose of promoting unity and stability in the local church."

Also in an effort to reunify the church, Archbishop Hon announced earlier this week the creation of four consultative committees, which include the scenario of the archdiocese, ongoing formation, proposal for repositioning of priests, and seminary visitation in addition to a new designated spokesperson, Monsignor Bibi Arroyo and a new support and contact person for alleged victims of sexual abuse perpetrated by a cleric, Father Patrick Castro. Father Patrick is tasked with reaching out and making contact with those who have been allegedly abused in some way.

In the most recent issue of Umatuna Si Yu'os, Father Tadeusz Jan Nowak, states, "The way the church works, a representative tries to make contact with the alleged victims, to interview them, to offer encouragement but also to take their testimonies." Father Ted also notes that Archbishop Hon models his administration after the Holy Father, Pope Francis, and that his game plan moving ahead is to first consult, reflect, pray, decide, and then implement.

As for the new appointments, Father Ted states all clergy were asked to offer their resignations with the understanding they continue to hold that office until Archbishop Hon accepts the resignation and appoints them elsewhere. "He has the liberty and the authority to appoint and to move clergy from one office to another, by canon law. Nevertheless he wanted these letters as a sign of goodwill and cooperation in helping to foster the unity of the diocese."

Both Father Jeff and Father Lito will make their public profession of faith and oath of fidelity this Saturday, at a prayer meeting for unity set for 7:30pm at the Agana Cathedral.