Our New Bishop: Bishop Michael Byrnes

I have recently learned that a new Bishop will be here very soon.  His name is Bishop Michael Byrnes, an auxillary bishop from the Archdiocese of Detroit. Archbishop Apuron still remains the Archbishop of Agana.  Information about Bishop Michael Byrnes can be found here.  

On May 5, 2011, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron ordained the Most Rev. Michael J. Byrnes auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit. Since 2004, Bishop Byrnes had served as vice rector of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity.

Bishop Byrnes was ordained a priest by Cardinal Adam Maida in 1996. He later studied in Rome at the Pontifical Gregorian University where he earned a doctorate of sacred theology in 2003. Bishop Byrnes, a native of Detroit, also served as pastor of Presentation/ Our Lady of Victory Parish from 2004 until his ordination as bishop in 2011.

Bishop Byrnes serves as episcopal vicar and regional moderator for the Northeast Region of the archdiocese.

Born: Aug. 23, 1958 (Detroit, Michigan)
Ordained Priest: May 25, 1996
Appointed Aux. Bishop of Detroit and Titular Bishop of Eguga: March 22, 2011
Ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Detroit: May 5, 2011

According to KUAM news:

The Vatican has announced the Pope has appointed an Archbishop Coadjutor with special faculties of Agana.  The Holy Father has appointed SE Mons. Jude Michael Byrnes. Prior to his appointment he was serving as the titular Bishop of Eguga and auxiliary of Detroit.  According to Catholic-Heirachy.org “this  is a special type of Auxiliary Bishop. They have more authority than a regular Auxiliary, but not as much as the bishop. Usually they have a "right to succession" which means that when the current bishop leaves office (by Death, Resignation, etc.) the Coadjutor automatically becomes the new bishop. It is sometimes used to help ease the transition from one bishop to the next as it allows them to work together before the new bishop takes over all responsibility. Before 1978, Coadjutor bishops were normally assigned a titular see, but that is no longer the case.” The local Catholic Church has been embroiled in controversy after several men came forward alleging that Archbishop Anthony Apuron molested them when they were altar boys decades ago when Apruon was a priest at Mt. Carmel Church in Agat. Following the allegations, the Pope sent Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai to Guam to take over while an investigation was conducted.  Additionally, Apuron’s actions involving the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Yona have also come under scrutiny. 

The attorney representing the men who have accused Archbishop Anthon Apuron of sexual  molestation is holding a press conference Tuesday morning.  According to a media release from attorney David Lujan’s office, the press conference will provide “a significant update regarding our interaction with the Archdiocese and its leadership.” According to Catholic-Heirachy.org,  SE Mons. Byrnes was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Detroit 20 years ago. He was born in 1958. Monsignor Byrnes attended the University of Michigan and Sacred Heart Seminary. He later attended the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome where he earned a Ph.D. in biblical studies. 

Bishop Michael Byrnes says he humbled by the Pope’s appointment as Coadjutor Archbishop of Agana. "The great spiritual writer, Blessed Columba Marmion, wrote, 'The task of the priest is to give Jesus to the world.' That is what I have endeavored to do as an auxiliary bishop here in Detroit, and I look forward to giving Jesus to the thousands of people who live in the island of Guam. I have learned that the Catholic faith has long been embraced on the island, and the faith of the people is rooted in a rich history of devotion to Jesus and to His Blessed Mother. At the same time, there are always challenges to face. With my brother priests and deacons, with the catechists and other pastoral workers, and above all with the spiritual gifts of the People of God, I trust we will persevere in faith, hope and love, and will exercise the 'wisdom from above' (James 3:17) to meet these challenges,” stated Bishop Byrnes in a statement released by the Archdiocese of Detroit. 

The release goes on to state that Bishop Byrnes will be given the full pastoral responsibility and administrative authority in the archdiocese. “Archbishop Byrnes has given exemplary pastoral service in the Archdiocese of Detroit, most recently in leading us to prepare for Synod 16 as part of our efforts to Unleash the Gospel," said Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron. "Now God has chosen him for a challenging mission almost a half-a-world away. Pope Francis, in sending Archbishop Byrnes to Guam, has recognized that he possesses not only the talents, but above all the deep faith in Jesus Christ that make him suitable for this apostolic work. He goes with our love and our prayers."  

Bishop Byrnes is expected to stay in Detroit until late November before transitioning to his new role in Guam.

The ONLY Two People Without Sins

An anonymous commenter made the following comment (the bold is mine): 

AnonymousOctober 28, 2016 at 11:26 AM

Diana, the church acknowledges that we are sinners without Jesus. But with Jesus, everything has changed! We are not sinners anymore, especially not when we take the Holy Eucharist on our tongues!

If mankind is irredeemably sinful then saying that Mary and Jesus did not have sin would deny their human character! Jesus is fully human and fully divine. Both of it. If he is fully human then he fully shares our plights as human beings. That is why NCW says Jesus is also a sinner.

Now, the question is here: how can you call yourself a Catholic if you claim that Jesus is a sinner?! Here is the bare reason people of Guam want to rid of NCW from here. They don't want to be converted to a belief that Jesus is a sinner. Either Jesus is a sinner and then faith in him means nothing. Or Jesus is not a sinner and whoever says otherwise is from the devil.

Do you agree, Diana?

This is my reponse:

I disagree.  First of all, we NEVER taught that Jesus is a sinner.  That is a false accusation coming only from the jungle.  We believe that the only two people who did not have any sins were Jesus and Mary.  We believe in the Immaculate Conception; therefore, Mary was born without original sin.  We believe that Jesus is God; therefore, He did not have any original sin nor did He commit any personal sins.  Mary also did not commit any personal sins.  Jesus is fully man and fully God.  He is the New Adam or the second Adam.  Mary is the New Eve who did not fall into sin.  Therefore, you want to get rid of the NCW simply because you were misled by the jungle into believing a lie.  This kind of manipulations is very common in the jungle.  See my post on Let The Truth Be Known. 

As for those who believe that no one has ever said that they want to eliminate the NCW, anonymous 11:26 am above is the evidence.  He/she already stated in his/her comment that the people of Guam wants to get rid of the NCW.  So, there you have it.  

Finally, the Catholic Church teaches that we are sinners....Period. Most of the prayers we say remind us that we are sinners.  Our Father......forgive us our sins as we forgive......   Hail Mary......pray for us sinners......  These are common prayers that Catholics say almost daily.

  

We receive sanctifying grace at our baptism, but that does not mean that we are no longer sinners.  A person who commits a venial sin does not lose sanctifying grace.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church: 

CCC 1863  .......However venial sin does not break the covenant with God.  With God's grace it is humanly reparable.  "Venial sin does not deprive the sinner of sanctifying grace, friendship with God, charity, and consequently eternal happiness." 

Mortal sin, on the other hand, is a different story (See CCC 1861).

The Holy Eucharist can take away venial sins.  However, a person with a mortal sin is not allowed to consume the Body and Blood of Christ.  He/She must first receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion.  This is why the priest is always available thirty minutes before Mass starts.  During that time, he hears confessions.  There are certain conditions in which one cannot receive Holy Communion regardless of whether you receive it on your hand or tongue.  For example, an unmarried couple living outside the sanctity of marriage cannot receive Holy Communion.  

Let The Truth Be Known

 I was listening to Tim Rohr in the Patty Arroyo talk show, which you can find here.  Patti admitted that someone sent her a post from a "Neocatechumenal Way Insider's" blog claiming that Father Miguel was going to be the next Archbishop of the Archdiocese.  Nowhere under this blog did I nor anyone said such a thing.  I have two posts: 1) one post congratulating Father Miguel obtaining a Summa Cum Laude and 2) another post saying that there will be a new bishop to replace Archbishop Hon.  But nowhere in any of these two posts did it say that Father Miguel would be the next bishop.  

So, who is making this false rumor that a "neocatechumenal way insider" blog is claiming that Father Miguel is going to be the next Bishop?????  That false rumor came from Patti Arroyo and the jungle blog.  According to Tim Rohr: 

LOL. So I'm hearing that the kiko-dingbats are bragging about how they got the pope to get rid of Hon, and that we'll be getting a neo dude for a bishop, presumably the recently doctored Miguel "Don Quixote" Cervantes.  

Here it is.....the evidence and straight from the horse's mouth.  It was Tim Rohr himself who made the presumption. It was Tim Rohr spreading that false rumor and placing the blame on this blog for something that was never said.   So, let the light of truth be known so it can shine brightly for everyone to see.   

By the way, it was ALSO Patti Arroyo who started the false rumor that the NCW was the reason for Father Paul's removal.  

A New Bishop To Replace Archbishop Hon

I heard from one of the brothers that an RMS priest have already announced in his parish what some of us have already known for a long time. There will be a new Bishop who will be coming to Guam soon to replace Archbishop Hon!  This new Bishop is already aware of the mess going on in the Archdiocese. 

We have written letters of complaint to Rome, and they have responded to our cries of help within only a month. Rome will be sending a new Bishop to replace Archbishop Hon while Archbishop Apuron goes through a canonical trial.  Archbishop Apuron still remains the Archbishop of Agana.  So, continue to pray for Archbishop Apuron and the Church of Guam.  Continue to pray for peace and unity.  Continue to pray for our persecutors.  

Congratulations To Father Miguel

An anonymous commenter brought some good news!  According to his/her comment:  

AnonymousOctober 23, 2016 at 9:56 PM

Father Miguel Angel got SUMMA CUM LAUDE.

There are two other priests from Guam doing postgraduate studies. They are Father Julio Caesar Malagon Sanchez, Vice Rector of the Seminary Redemptoris Mater in Yona and Father Fabio Faiola, formerly pastor in Santa Rita.

Another student formed in our Redemptoris Mater Seminary, Father Edivaldo Da Silva, pastor in Chalan Pago, completed his Licentiate studies on matrimony, in Rome with the highest distinction.

All fruit of the RMS

It is also evidence that Guam's RMS priests have been able to go on to higher graduate studies and obtain very high degrees.  RMS now has two priests with very high degrees.  Congratulations to Father Miguel.  

An Honest Mistake

An anonymous commenter made the following comment, which can be found here.  According to his/her comment: 

AnonymousOctober 23, 2016 at 10:18 PM  

Diana, Timmy isn't refuting Dr. Eusebio's response. He's only going after the little errors like the date. I think Dr. Eusebio may have gotten the date wrong. If he got the date wrong, that is not a lie. That's an honest mistake. From Junglewatch: 

"1. Tricky Dick says: "To form presbyters of the “New Evangelization” is not a characteristic of the Neocatechumenal Way, as is made clear by the St. Pope John Paul II’s Ad Limina message to CEPAC (Dec. 5, 1999)." 

This is seriously funny. The problem for Tricky Dick is...well, me. I actually look things up. Tricky Dick, like a trained parrot, just repeats what he's told. The Kiko's love to throw "the pope said this, the pope said that" around. And the reference to "St. Pope John Paul II’s Ad Limina message to CEPAC (Dec. 5, 1999)" is another attempt by Tricky Dick and his kiko-brains to shut down mere peasants like ourselves."

For those who have been reading the jungle, Tim has been nit-picking Dr. Eusebio's response on little things like the date, grammatical errors, not being able to see the full report of the Denver law firm, etc.  Anonymous at 10:18 pm made a correct assumption.  Dr. Eusebio made an honest error on the date.  

Dr. Eusebio cited St. Pope John Paul II's Ad Limina message to CEPAC on December 5, 1999.  Tim stated that there was no meeting of CEPAC on December 5, 1999. The reason being is because Dr. Eusebio made an error in the year.  There was a meeting of CEPAC on December 5, 1998.  You can read St. Pope John Paul II's address to CEPAC dated Decmber 5, 1998 here.  

Therefore, Dr. Eusebio was not lying.  He was telling the truth, but simply wrote the incorrect year, which is an honest mistake that can happen to anyone.  An error on the year is not a deliberate lie.  The truth is....there was a meeting with St. Pope John Paul II with CEPAC on December 5, 1998.  

Furthermore, I would also like to point out that in any debate or discussion, the one who starts attacking the person through name-calling rather than the issue already lost the debate.  

The Jewish Passover

Chuck White once again criticized Catholic teaching without understanding true Catholicism.  He criticized the Catechetical Directory approved by the Vatican.  According to Chuck White: 

Kiko is certainly correct in saying that the Passover celebrated at the time of Christ was celebrated in family groups, but he is patently wrong in asserting that “at the time of Jesus Christ the temple is no longer the center of the liturgy”.  Millions of pilgrims made their way to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the Passover with a lamb sacrificed in the Temple.

Those who attended the Catechetical Conference this year heard the presenter, Father Ricky Manalo, pointed out that the Jewish Passover was celebrated with the family as the focal point during Jesus' time.  (Father Ricky Manalo, by the way, is NOT a member of the NCW.)  During the Passover, the Jews would go to three places to celebrate it.  The first place they visited was the synagogue where they listened to the readings.  The second place they visited was the temple where they held their sacrifices. The third and FINAL place in which the Passover was celebrated was in the home where they held a meal. This meal is called the "Seder" and is seen as the "highest point" of the Passover.  According to a Jewish website regarding the Passover (the bold is mine):

Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals of the year, and its high point is the seder. Experiencing this wonderful Jewish meal and interactive “happening” is to live through all the varied themes of the Passover festival.

Therefore, Kiko Arguello was correct, and he received this teaching from the Catholic Church.  Mr. White is in error.  At the time of Christ, the temple was no longer the center of the liturgy because the sedar meal became the "high point" in the Jewish Passover.  That is still true today.  Christ told His disciples to prepare the Passover meal (See Matthew 26:17-20).  During that meal, Christ mentioned the "new covenant" for the first time.  It was also there that the Eucharist was instituted.    

Christ was the "New Covenant" and it was He who made certain changes in the New Testament.  For example, the word "temple" was understood to mean the human body (See John 2:19).  Apparently, that change was made after he drove the money changers from the stone temple.  When Christ said, "destroy this temple, and I will raise it up within three days," he was referring to His Body.  But the Jewish Pharisees did not understand him.  Obviously, Chuck White was in the same page as the Jewish Pharisees because he also did not understand that Christ changed the word "temple" to mean the human body after he drove the money changers out.  Mr. White did not understand that the TRUE sacrifice was in the Body of Jesus Christ......not in the bulls and lambs held at the stone temple.  Notice also that the place Christ made this change was at the Jewish temple where they held animal sacrifices.   

Also, has anyone ever noticed that whenever Chuck White writes about "sacrifice" he always has this picture shown?????? 



Someone among the jungle nation should inform him that the REAL sacrifice is depicted in this photo below:  

NCW Still Evangelizes In Japan

Some people think that the NCW was stopped in Japan.  This is false. The NCW is very much active in Japan despite that some Bishops in Japan wanted to expel the Way for five years.  The Pope told the Bishops of Japan that the Way will continue and cannot be expelled from Japan.  The Neocatechumenal Way has the blessing and support of the Pope, the Vicar of Christ.  This is the truth, and this truth shows beyond any doubt that the Way is Catholic.  The family in the video below was sent by Pope Francis as missionaries to Japan. 

Guam World Youth Day Krakow 2016

I found the following video on YouTube. I do not think it is the greatest video footage due to the large words shown throughout the video. Nevertheless, the Guam NCW youth in Poland had a fantastic WYD. They were excited to see Pope Francis. You can see joy, happiness, and excitement in their expressions.  The youth had an great experience spreading the gospel in two by twos like Jesus' disciples. The pilgrimage has also inspired many of our youth to discern more about their vocation in life and God's plan for them. 

Response From RMS Board: PART I

RESPONSE VISITATION REPORT OF THE REDEMPTORIS MATER SEMINARY OF GUAM

BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS  RMS

The report on the seminary prepared by the Visitation ad hoc Committee shows a lack of knowledge on the seminary's reality but, most of all, fierce bias and prejudice. However, in the interest of clarity and for all people of good will who love the Church and the truth, we will answer the main points addressed in the report:

1. REGARDING THE “DIOCESAN” IDENTITY

The report of the Committee questions  the “Diocesan Identity” of th RMS without understanding what “diocesan”means.  The RMS is a diocesan seminary duly erected by the Ordinary of the Archdiocese, as acknowledged by the Visitation Committee Report; thus, the nature of the RMS is “diocesan” by virtue of the fact that the Ordinary has established the institution (CIC. 238 §1). Additionally, the Articles of Incorporation of the RMS specifically identify the Sole Member of the Corporation, as the Archbishop of Agana. More important, the Statutes of the Redemptoris Mater seminaries have been approved by the Holy Father and by more than one hundred cardinals, archbishops and bishops.  However, the Report elaborates a  rough “theorem” trying to demonstrate that the Seminary is not diocesan, therefore preparation for priests is bad, that priests formed there are bad and that therefore it must be closed. Let us examine it point by point:

Report (Point 1): A legal opinion by Attorney Jacques G. Bronze (see Appendix V) was presented to the Archdiocese of Agana and holds that the land which is currently being used by the RMHF and RMS is not owned by the Archdiocese of Agana (“Bronze Opinion”).

ANSWER: The Bronze Opinion, arguing that the property has been alienated and therefore the seminary is no more diocesan, is unfounded and ridiculous.  The proper authorities for the determination of this issue were, first, canonically, the judgment of the Pontifical Council of Legislative Texts by Bishop Arrieta stating that there was no alienation whatsoever by Archbishop Apuron; second, the Government of Guam by the Department of Land Management who has issued certificates of title confirming the ownership in the Archdiocese of Agana; third, the Articles of Incorporation that in art. XII, iii  state that the Archbishop is the sole administrator of all the temporalities of the RMS; fourth, the opinion of the Lewis-Roca law firm, specialized in corporation sole laws, stating that the ordinary has never lost control of the property or of the Corporation and that therefore the restriction of use, decreed by the ordinary to establish the juridical person of the seminary (CIC. 114 and 120 §1) and to protect its stability, can be freely revoked by the ordinary or his successor.

Report (Point 2): The statutes of the RMS are specifically designed to form presbyters for the “New Evangelization” as understood by the Neocatechumenal Way. As a result, the seminarians’ formation does not prioritize the importance of parish ministry, parish management and the general familiarity of the seminarians with parish life. 


ANSWER: The  Neocatechumenal Way is a way of Christian initiation into faith approved by the Holy See and supported by the last four Popes, Pope Francis, Pope Benedict, St. John Paul II, and Pope Paul VI (Statutes of the NCW art. 1). To form presbyters for the “New Evangelization” is not a characteristic of the Neocatechumenal Way, as it is made clear by the St. Pope John Paul II’s Ad Limina message to CEPAC on Dec. 5, 1999.

The majority of the priests formed in the RMS are serving in the parishes of the Archdiocese:  Fr. Alberto (Mount Carmel), Fr. Antonino (Nino Perdido), Fr. Edivaldo (Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey), Fr. Kryzstof (Santa Rita), Fr. Julius (San Dimas and San Dionisio) are pastors serving in the parishes of this Archdiocese performing daily masses, baptisms, weddings, funerals and performing many other pastoral duties; Fr. Michael is vicar at Dulce Nombre de María, Cathedral Basilica, Fr. Edwin is vicar in Our Lady of Lourdes, Fr. Vincenzo is vicar in San Vicente in Barriagda, and are serving under priests not from the RMS and obeying them.  The priests formed in RMS take care of all parishioners; there is no distinction between those who attend the Neocatechumenal Way and those who do not.  Seminarians also participate in Archdiocesan events: the parish fiestas, constant liturgical assistance at the Cathedral, days of recollection, walk for life or any other special event The seminarians do pastoral works in the parishes in different periods of the year, getting to know the people, the difficulties, the sufferings, and the realities, giving them a tremendous affinity and love for the parishes and its parishioners. The priests formed at the seminary are incardinated in the Archdiocese of Agana; thus confirming the diocesan nature of the RMS.

Report (Point 3):. “Decision making on all levels, from the daily administration to the most important matters of governance, is controlled by the leadership of the Neocatechumenal Way”.

ANSWER: The seminary is “controlled” only by the Ordinary; in this case, the Archbishop of Agana is the Sole Member and sole authority of the seminary.  Article 18 § 3 (Statute of the Neocatechumenal Way) provides that the RMS is governed by the current norms for formation and incardination of diocesan clerics (CIC canons 232-272 and CCEO canons 331-366); these norms are approved by the Holy See, and cannot be modified without its approval (cfr. Article 18 of the Statute). The fact that the formators are from the Neocatechumenal Way and not from the archdiocese does not affect at all the diocesan character of the seminary since it is the secular tradition of the Church to use for the formation of priests those charisms and experiences most suited for it: so the formation in San Francisco is totally entrusted to the Sulpicians Fathers and in Fiji to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and not to diocesan priests.

Response From RMS Board: PART II & III

2. REGARDING THE QUALITY OF THE FORMATION

The report proceeds to try to demonstrate the poor quality of formation in the Theological Institute presenting a series of findings completely wrong:

Report (Point III, 2 and Conclusion): “The seminary is dependent on visiting professors for many of the courses and the quality of the formation program, from discernment of a calling, to the four pillars of formation, to the evaluation of candidates, must be substantially improved”.

ANSWER: The observation is wrong since the visiting professors are not more than 30% of the faculty every year and they are mainly regular visiting professors coming back every year. In any case, the Pontifical Lateran University of Rome (PUL) approved any visiting professors that teach at the Institute. A Professor that comes to impart a seminar of studies does not require the approval from the PUL. All the teaching curriculum of the Institute is strictly monitored, year by year by the PUL.

Report (Point III, 3): “A structure of prerequisite course requirements for the appropriate sequencing of courses is lacking. For example, a seminarian’s decision to register for a class may be highly influenced by the availability of a visiting professor, more so than by the logical sequence of the course requirements.

ANSWER: This statement is false. The institute works with a program approved by the Lateran University that includes two years of philosophy and four years of theology. This Plan is divided into three cycles: propaedeutical cycle (as needed), first cycle (three years), and second cycle (three years). These cycles are organized in a logical sequence. The courses are offered in a minimum of six years, with no maximum, depending on the spiritual, emotional and academic maturity of each particular seminarian. The Institute offers the courses pre-established by the Council of the Institute following the annual sequence of cycles. Therefore, the Institute scheduled the courses one year in advance, and then, if a permanent professor cannot cover one course, or the Institute considers suitable to invite a professor for its academic prestige, the Institute will make the arrangements with the faculty.  Upon completion of the program, the seminarian is issued a Bachelor’s Degree from the Lateran University.

Report (Point III, 4): While English is the primary language of communication in the Archdiocese of Agana, the seminary does not have a standard language of instruction.

ANSWER: The Institute has acquired and follows the ESL program of Cambridge University Press "Ventures."  There are three stable faculty members that teach English, and the program offers four levels of English Language during the propaedeutical years.  Also, the seminarians are required to study Chamorro language (colloquial and liturgical), four semesters of Latin, Basic Greek, and Hebrew and have the possibility to study Italian.

Report (Point III, 5): Proficiency in reading, writing or speaking English for college level work is not required. Translators are used. Some students and even professors struggle with English as their second language, potentially affecting comprehension of subject matter.

ANSWER: The reality proves contrary to this assertion.  Some of our graduates have continued studies at the Lateran University of Rome and have achieved the highest grades in their Licentiate and Doctorate studies. We have received personal commendations from the Rector Magnificus of the Lateran University (who spent time in December 2013 at the Institute) praising the formation that our students have received at the Theological Institute. The exposure of the students to different languages and cultures is a source of enrichment and not an impediment. All our students conclude their formation at the Institute speaking at least two or three languages.

Report (Point III, 7): The Blessed Diego Theological Institute does not offer a U.S. accredited bachelor’s degree, nor can seminarians earn a master’s degree through the Institute.

ANSWER: Seminarians are granted a degree from the PUL, which is internationally recognized by any Pontifical University and many civil universities in all the world, including the United States.  To date, the graduated seminarians have not experienced any difficulty matriculating to an institute for graduate studies to obtain a Masters or Doctorate degree.

Report (Point III, 8): There is a lack of consideration given to the educational diversity of the students. That is to say, distinction needs to be made between a high school graduate-seminarian versus a seminarian is holding a college degree.

ANSWER: All our students receive personalized formation. Students, faculty, and officials at the Institute establish close relationships that facilitate dialogue. Student to professor ratio are 5:1 or 10:1 on average; classes are never over-populated which allows significant “consideration” and specialized attention in every case.

Report (Point III, 9):  A liberal art program of studies is lacking

ANSWER: The Philosophical and Theological programs followed by the Institute are approved by the Lateran University of Rome and by the Congregation for Catholic Education in the Vatican.  This program is the same followed by many Pontifical Universities and affiliated institutes. The formation includes several humanistic courses. If the Visitation Committee does not agree with the program of studies, the proper authority to forward this observation is the Congregation for Catholic Education and the PUL, and not the Theological Institute.

Report (Recommendation and Conclusion): It is recommended that the seminary seek formal accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) to ensure this quality of formation.

ANSWER: The organ that ensures the quality of the formation imparted at the Theological Institute is the Lateran University of Rome, a Pontifical University. The Visiting Committee’s observation on the adequacy of the Lateran University lacks complete regard for the nature of the Pontifical affiliation, and its prestige. The Blessed Diego Luis the San Vitores Catholic Theological Institute Library houses one of the best library collections of theology in the Pacific insular region (see PPF 184).  No mention of this very hard accomplishment was made by the Visitation Committee Report.  

3. REGARDING  Pastoral formation

The Report claims that “visiting homes” is an approach “predominantly” of the Neocatechumenal Way. Also here the Report seems to ignore that this is requested by Canon Law:

 Report (Point 4): The pastoral approach is predominantly shaped by Neocatechumenal Way. For example, there is a significant emphasis on home visitations and inviting individuals to the Neocatechumenal Way catechesis. “New Evangelization” is understood narrowly in terms of the practices of the Neocatechumenal Way.

ANSWER: The seminarians work in parishes when they go for the pastoral training. When the seminarians visit the houses of the parishioners they proclaim the love of God and the Gospel. This is a help to the parish priest who is normally engrossed by administrative work in the parish, and who does not have the time to fulfill the canonical obligation of visiting the houses of his parishioners (CIC. 529, section 1). The priest formed at the RMS of Guam regularly visit parishioners in their homes to get to know them better.