GUAM
KUAM
Updated: Sep 20, 2016
By Krystal Paco
It was an emotional morning for Father Jeff San Nicolas as he addressed the press and a room full of concerned Catholics on Tuesday morning. Although it was anticipated that he was to speak on the Archdiocese of Agana’s recent stance on Bill 326 and the legislation’s potentially crippling effects to the church, Catholic schools, and other church services, he instead disclosed a harsh reality: that the local archdiocese isn’t calling the shots.
Father Jeff choked back his tears as he confirmed what critics have suspected for years – that the Neocatechumenal Way continues to interfere with local church affairs. “I realize I am taking a stand against my superiors, but I must because the vast majority of the people on Guam,” he said, visibly shaken. “[The people] who have suffered from a leadership over the past several years has not been kept informed about issues that directly concern them.”
Earlier this month, the priest as delegate of the administrator, approved for a small group comprised of members of the Laity Forward Movement to visit the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Yona. Father Jeff hoped the visit could prove a breakthrough between conflicting Catholic groups and start a dialogue. Instead, it proved local church leadership isn’t calling the shots.
In an email to Father Jeff from acting RMS rector Monsignor David Quitugua, the rector states the visit was denied by Fernando Cardinal Filoni, prefect of the Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples. “Neither I or Archbishop [Savio] Hon [Tai Fai] is the church authority over decision making regarding the Redemptoris Mater Seminary – even over simple matters such as who can visit,” Father Jeff read.
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