by Jolene Toves

Guam - As the controversies continue within the local Catholic Church, Father Paul Gofigan continues to wait for his case to be heard in Rome. Over a year ago the riff between the priest and Archbishop Anthony Apuron first began which led to his removal as the head of Santa Barbara Church in Dededo.

"I don't really see it as persecution," he said. "I just see there are a few partialities going on in the archdiocese but I don't let that bother me I didn't sign up for that sort of stuff I signed up to be a priest a priest to serve the people and as long as he allows me to serve the people I'm happy I don't have to be a pastor I don't have to be anybody in the hierarchy I just want to be a priest and I'm actually satisfied with the life I'm living now."

As we reported Archbishop Apuron alleged that Gofigan failed to follow a directive warranting his removal, and while Gofigan says he is content with the life he is living now in the recent months a close friend of his, John Toves has taken on Gofigan's fight. "I didn't ask him to do anything as I said he's really good friend of monsignor and myself and this is something that he feels deep down in his heart that he has to do and he's sort of acting on that making something sort of raise awareness of what's going on especially in our island church," he explained.

As you may recall at the onset of his removal Gofigan filed an appeal for a heriarchial recourse and review of his case with Rome where it is still pending.

The priest stated, "It is so difficult to be in contact with Rome you sort of don't get any responses even though I've written letters I just don't have any responses even from my lawyer I'm trying to get in contact with my lawyer."

At this point Gofigan says it is just a waiting game.