Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez, installed on Aug. 15 as the new leader of the Archdiocese of Agana, outlined his initial priorities and vision in a news briefing on Friday.
The new archbishop stressed the importance of evangelization and bringing people back to the church. He acknowledged the challenges of modernism and competing values that have eroded religious participation.
"It's important that our role as priests, as teachers of the faith, that we would be able to bring people, lead them back to Christ," Jimenez said.
Addressing the ongoing bankruptcy process and settlement of lawsuits related to sexual abuse, Jimenez said the archdiocese is doing its best to fulfill its obligations. He noted that a court-mandated trust is now responsible for distributing settlements to victims.
The financial distress impending for the church from the nearly $200 multi-million court cases alleging clergy sexual abuse against the island's Catholic Church and a number of its past clergy, has led to selling what has been categorized as non-essential properties.
"The only property that is on the market right now is the Chancery," said Jimenez. "We're not selling churches and parishes."
Jimenez outlined plans to focus on Catholic schools, emphasizing the need to strengthen their Catholic identity alongside addressing financial and enrollment challenges.
"What is our mission as a Catholic school? What makes Catholic education different from public education?" Jimenez asked. "Because if we strengthen this, I believe the admin part would just come naturally."
The archbishop expressed openness to working with the media and being transparent about church matters. He acknowledged past betrayals of trust and the need to rebuild relationships with those who have left the church.
"My message would be to always be focused on Christ," Jimenez said when asked about those who have lost trust in the church. "Jesus is the only person that brings us all together."
The archbishop emphasized the need for patience and proactive outreach to those who have stopped practicing their faith.
Jimenez, who previously served as bishop of Saipan, acknowledged the challenges of transitioning to his new role but expressed gratitude for the welcome he has received.
"The people have just been really very welcoming, very positive. And I feel at home," he said.
