GUAM
KUAM
Updated: Aug 30, 2016
By Krystal Paco
It’s not just the ownership of the Redemptoris Mater Seminary that’s under fire, but the institution itself.
On Monday, the Concerned Catholics of Guam called the seminary a “sham”, alleging the priests in training had no background checks, no psychological screenings, and no records to prove they were high school graduates. The CCOG also alleged the faculty were few and unqualified.
Today, we heard from the rector of the seminary himself, Father Pius Sammut, and he’s out to debunk what he’s calling “misgivings” from the CCOG.
Sham or seminary? Father Sammut is defending the institute which he says has produced 17 priests for the archdiocese. In an emailed response to KUAM News, Father Pius responds to recent statements made by the Concerned Catholics of Guam.
“This is another myth propagated by the enemies of Archbishop Anthony Apuron,” the priest wrote.
One by one, he tackles the CCOG’s issues, from admissions to faculty and the high cost of running the rms. The CCOG contends the Archdiocese of Agana funds $200,000 for the RMS. Father Pius, however, says their calculations are wrong.
“Last fiscal year, June 2015-2016, the total RM expenses were $531,353. The subsidy of the archdiocese was $73,800, less than $3,000 per head per year!” he maintained.
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