New Archbishop Ryan Jimenez installed as fourth Archbishop of Archdiocese

Late this afternoon, many of the island faithful gathered at the capital to meet their new archbishop.

“It really is a joy and I think Guam will benefit from his presence here,” said Sister Mary Emiline Artero. 

It’s a momentous day Thursday for local Catholics who have been waiting over a year for a shepherd to lead the Archdiocese of Agana. 

“I’m very excited and grateful that we do have one starting today,” said Agana Heights resident, Trisha Tenorio.

Archbishop Ryan Jimenez was tapped by Pope Francis earlier this summer and is taking over the helm as the island’s fourth archbishop.  

Tenorio is grateful for the leadership of those who have come before him and led in the interim. 

“And thank you to the Reverend Father Romy Convocar who has led us through his great leadership as Apostolic Administrator. We’re very grateful to him,” she added. 

Jimenez steps in at a difficult time, as the church faces a dark past of clergy sexual abuse and bankruptcy as it pays reparation to the victims. 

Sister Artero is hopeful the new archbishop will provide a sense of stability. 

“I know that we’ve had some difficulties before. Hopefully, we’re trying our very best to take care of that. I’m positive that he will do something to bring our people together for the services of God,” said Artero. 

Sister Angela Perez is looking forward to seeing what his experience brings to the table. 

“Archbishop Ryan comes from many years in the Northern Marianas, the CNMI, starting in Rota and Saipan. So he’s been with the people and knows the CHamoru culture. So he comes with that and also he has a solid background in the nation’s spirituality. He went to a Jesuit school and he was a Jesuit volunteer,” said Perez. 

Local and visiting clergy dignitaries were among those filling the pews of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica welcoming Jimenez during the Rite of Installation.

Jimenez succeeds former archbishops Michael Byrnes who stepped down due to health reasons, Anthony Apuron who was found guilty by the Vatican and Felixberto Flores who was Guam's first CHamoru bishop.