In a rapid reversal after an outcry from local Catholics, Guam Archbishop Anthony Apuron has apologized for an earlier directive and announced that he will now allow the public to attend Masses at the St Fidelis Friary. In a press conference, Archbishop Apuron apologized for his earlier directive, which halted public attendance at the daily noon Masses, KUAM reports.
"For those who have been angered or pained or inconvenienced by any of the actions the Church may have taken in this process, I offer my sincerest apologies," he said, reading from a prepared statement during the press conference.
"Glory be to God," said Grace Garces, who attends Masses at the friary. "I'm just very, very happy."
Tim Rohr of Agat said he thanks Apuron "for listening to his people and responding to their needs."
He said he and his family have attended the Sunday Latin Mass at the friary for 10 years. He also said his family likes the solemnity at the friary.
"It's quiet and it doesn't have the busy-ness of a parish. It's a place to get away and be with God for a little bit," he said.
However, Archbishop Apuron said the public must understand that the friary "belongs first to the friars," and is not a parish, Guam PDM says.He said initiations, weddings, funerals - except for friars; and anniversary Masses for weddings and deaths can't be held at the friary.
Apuron said he reached this decision after meetings and consultations with the Capuchin Franciscan friars on Guam.
"It's been an arduous five days," he said.
"We really worked hard to try to settle this when it came to the attention of the media on Monday. When we finally agreed this is the best thing to do - for now - we decided to let the word out as soon as possible," he said.
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