The Archdiocese of Agana held a press conference this afternoon to provide an update on its effort to reconstitute the Archdiocesan Finance Council. The AFC was disbanded in 2014 by Archbishop Anthony Apuron following allegations of financial mismanagement against Monsignor James Benavente. The Archdiocese however recently cleared him of any wrongdoing.

KUAM News

During the press conference Fr. Jeff San Nicolas announced the following individuals will serve on the newly reconstituted Archdiocesan Finance Council:

- Peter “Sonny” Ada (incumbent)

- Attorney John Weisenberger (incumbent and retired attorney at AG’s office)

- Eduardo “Champ” Calvo (partner, Calvo Fisher Law firm)

- Ricardo Duenas (Chief Financial Officer for Western Sales Trading)

- Art Ilagan (Banking and Insurance Commissioner for DRT)

- Mary Okada (President and CEO of Guam Community College)

- Antonette “Toni” Sanford (president of Sanford Technology Group)

- Joseph Rivera (former AFC member)

- Richard Untalan (former AFC member)

- Edward Terlaje (appointed to act as legal counsel)

Fr. San Nicolas said that after careful consideration of these individuals, he is confident that this group will help move the Archdiocese forward. He added that they bring specific expertise to the Council in areas of business, finance, tax, insurance, banking, and real property. He says they are active in the community, having served in different capacities. No word yet on the Archdiocesan Finance Council’s first meeting.

As for other issues involving the church such as Catholic Cemeteries, he refrained commenting.