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Si Yu’os Ma’ase!
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P. Saverio Cannistrà O.C.D.
General Superior
Casa Generalizia dei Carmelitani Scalzi
Corso d’Italia, 38
00198 Roma – ITALIA
Tel. +39 06 85 44 32 30
Fax. +39 06 85 44 32 79
[email protected]
Dear Father General,
I believe that Fr. Pius Sammut O.C.D. has had a largely negative influence on the administration of the Archdiocese of Agana and that his words and actions here as a leader of the Neocatechumenal Way have had a divisive effect on the Church of God in Guam for the better part of two decades.
I ask that you review his words, actions, and influence on Guam to ensure that it is compatible with the mission of the Discalced Carmelites and that you assert your appropriate authority to guaranty that Fr. Sammut’s work here on Guam comports to the high ideals of his Carmelite order.
If necessary, please remove him from service in Guam.
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[emailpetition id=”1″]
[signaturelist id=”1″]
Here is the response that I recently received from Fr. Emanuel Schembri O.C.D, who currently serves as Fr. Edwin “Pius” Sammut in the Order of Discalced Carmelites – Malta.
I was expecting our petition to be ignored, so I was delighted to receive this response, even though, on the surface, it seems disappointing. My response to Fr. Schembri is forthcoming.
_________________________________
From: “[email protected]”
Date: Oct 25, 2014 11:46 PM
Subject: Petition re: Fr Pius Sammut
To:
Dear petitioners,
I have personally looked into the petitions presented both by those who believe that Fr. Pius Sammut, Discalced Carmelite, has a negative effect in the archdiocese of Agana (Guam) in his leadership role within the Neo-catechumenal Way, and those who cherish his presence and ministry in the archdiocese and elsewhere in the Pacific. The former carry over 300 signatories, and the latter over 1000.
At this point in time, one must remember also that as such the Neo-catechumenal Way and its statutes have been approved by St. John Paul II on May 11, 2008. Thus, as a Way within the Church and of the Church, the bishop is the Pastor responsible for the communities. Father General OCD, with regards Fr. Pius is well aware the he has served the Order for several years as Provincial in Malta, and his involvement as a dedicated Discalced Carmelite has been appreciated by his confreres in Malta throughout the years. It was with the permission of the then General of the Order and his Provincial, that Fr. Pius offered his services abroad.
Our Father Superior General has now passed on to me to reply to the request mailed to him, as Fr. Pius’ direct superior. This petition seems to be presented on the grounds of what one believes is happening (or happened) rather than objective reasoning. I have spoken to Fr. Pius on the matters presented, and keeping in mind that His Grace the Archbishop of Agana is appreciative of his presence and ministry, it results that there is no serious motive to accept the petition regarding his removal from his present ministry in Guam.
And finally, dear petitioners, we wish God’s blessings on you, your families and friends, on one and all. May the gift of reconciliation, with respect and love for one another, reign supreme.
With prayerful wishes,
Fr. Emanuel Schembri, O.C.D.
(Superior Provincial)