Wednesday was a bittersweet day for the island’s Catholic faithful and all who grew close to Archbishop Michael Byrnes. He resigned due to health issues. He's been in his home state of Michigan since last summer surrounded by close friends who are caring for him.

For now, Father Romeo Convocar is appointed the apostolic administrator of the Archdiocese of Agana. Archbishop Byrnes had been the leader of the island’s Catholic community during a rather difficult time for the church.

"He worked hard to help us go through this far until this point," said Father Romy. "So I am very grateful, personally. I know the church is grateful for his dedication and service at the Archdiocese of Agana."

Byrnes’ arrival came as legal battles surfaced, as victims claimed they were abused at the hands of priests. The allegations including former archbishop Anthony Apuron.

The Pope was then confident Byrnes, who arrived in November 2016, would be the right person to help the church with its healing. In his first mass at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, he said to packed pews, "I belong to you. Today, I am one of yours." The faithful responded with a raucous applause.

After more than six years connecting with the island, the Archdiocese of Agana announced his resignation. Byrnes left Guam last summer due to health issues.

Father Mike Crisostomo, the pastor of Saint Anthony's Catholic Church in Tamuning, told KUAM News, "I think the overall feeling is sadness. We are concerned, of course, for the archbishop’s health, but we understand the situation. So we just ask for continued prayers."

"I think for me, it’s his leadership, his sincerity and genuine concern for the people," Pale Mike continued. "He obviously was very concerned about our priests and tried to be a big brother. And that’s how I saw him. He helped me be a big brother to others."

Father Romy has been appointed the apostolic administrator of the archdiocese. He along with Pale Mike visited Archbishop Byrnes back in Janauary. "It was a very enjoyable," Pale Mike recalled. "He welcomed us, he looked like he in good spirit and is well taken care of. I believe he has a good circle of friends that are providing for his health and taking care of him."

Father Romy added, "He actually looked physically better probably because lack of stress, but of course the ailment, the sickness is there." The priest also shared with the church community this message, "Thank you for your prayers and all the support in the past for Archbishop Michael and our Archdiocese. We are one church. We are one community."

He adds with God’s grace and mercy they will continue to move forward as one church.