THE ARTISTS AT WORK

Putting the Christmas Village together is a massive effort, taking two months' of daily work.  But the Quinata and Villagomez families, and their helpers, do a masterful job.  They are true artists!

FRIARY LIGHTS

Years ago someone donated a LED light panel to the Friary so it can advertise the upcoming Christmas Village.  The sign faces the main road and cars can see it lit at night.

GUAM FRIARS RETREAT

Father Jose Villagomez presides at Mass during the friars' retreat last week.

Before lunch, the friars and others making the retreat socialize.

Ignatius Fever, Capuchin from the Central Canada Province, lead the friars in retreat

Conferences were held at the Fatima Hall at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Agana Heights

Postulants Gavin Diego (L) and Junee Valencia (R)

Lunch time!

Frs Gus, Jose and George

Frs. Felixberto Leon Guerrero and Andre Eduvala

Frs. Joe English and Pat Castro in the foreground.

Group Photo

Besides the friars, a diocesan priest and several deacons joined the retreat.

Video and Photo Credits :

Frs. Andre and Randy

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IS GOING UP!

The Friary Christmas Village has become a major Guam event during the holidays. The last time it was held, over 10,000 people came to the Friary to view it.

The huge collection of pieces that make up the Village is the property of the Quinata and Villagomez families, who have spent years building up the collection. They generously share their ornaments with the friars to hold this annual fundraising event.

It takes about two months to put it up, and the family members volunteer their many hours and physical efforts to do so. Since they come after working hours, they have dinner at the Friary. God bless them! It has become the Christmas event of the island in recent years.

ANNIE'S BIRTHDAY AT THE FRIARY

For the past month and a half, the Quinata and Villagomez families have been putting in many hours at the Friary every evening constructing the Christmas Village.  Since they come after work, they also have dinner at the Friary as they hammer, saw and glue the Village together.  Tonight had the special addition of a birthday celebration - Annie Quinata's.  Her grandchildren got her a cake for the occasion.

SAINT GEORGE PARISH, WAIMANALO, HAWAII

Father Bob Maher, who had to sit for the beginning of the liturgy as he recuperates from leg surgery, is administrator of Saint George parish in Waimanalo. 

The facade of Saint George Church

Waimanalo lies on the lush eastern side of Oahu, which gets more rain and cooling breezes than the leeward side.  The Ko'olau Mountains tower above the town.

The Outreach Ministry at Saint George parish