CHRISTMAS TIME AT THE FRIARY

Father Patrick did a wonderful job putting bluish lights in the upper hallway that give a beautiful glow at night.

The night scene of the belen or creche Father Patrick did has a similar beauty.

Father Patrick placed an infant Jesus (Niño) on its own stand for people to venerate at any time.  Many visiting the Christmas Village do so, as this mom and child are doing.

FRIARY BELEN

Belen is the Chamorro word for Nativity Scene.  It actually means "Bethlehem," and is borrowed from the Spanish.

Father Patrick Castro and his many helpers put together the belen in the friary this year.

The men began by putting the frame of the shelter together.

Father Patrick and his helpers padded the belen with lumut (Guam jungle moss).

Lumut (Moss)

The End Result!

The reward of hard work.

DANCERS AT THE FRIARY CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

These lively dancers got everybody's spirits high and festive at the Friary Christmas Village.

PRO-LIFE RALLY

Father Gus Gumataotao at the Pro-Life Rally held on December 17

I GUESS THEY LIKED IT...

"Awesome!  It's the best thing in the world!"

Two animated students from Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School.

MERCY SISTERS

Some of the senior Mercy Sisters and their care-givers came to see the Friary Christmas Village.

SAN VICENTE CHILDREN VISIT THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

The pre-Kindergarten children from San Vicente School, Barrigada, paid a visit to the Friary Christmas Village.

The whole group posed for photos on the friary staircase.

Just as the children were leaving, some elderly Sisters of Mercy arrived to view the Christmas Village as well. 

FRIARS AND SFO IN GUAM'S DECEMBER 8 PROCESSION

Father Gus Gumataotao, OFM Cap, with parishioners of Saint Jude Church, Sinajana

Father Jose Villagomez, OFM Cap, Pastor of Saint Francis parish, Yona

Postulants and candidates join the procession

Members of the Padre Pio SFO Fraternity....

...and the San Francisco SFO Fraternity

FRIARY CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

Since November 27, from 6-9PM every night of the week, the doors of the Guam Friary open to several hundred people, especially the children, who come to view the Christmas Village.  It will continue till January 8.

Postulants helping bag sandwiches for the night's refreshments

Pale' Eric mixing the fruit salad

NEW SFO FRATERNITY IN HAWAII

A new fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order was established in Hawaii last November 11.  The fraternity has Blessed (Mother) Marianne Cope for its patron.  Blessed Marianne was a Franciscan sister who, like Saint Damien, worked with people suffering from leprosy in Hawaii.  Father Gordon Combs, OFM Cap, has been Spiritual Assistant to the Hawaii SFO for many years.  The ceremony was held during Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Ewa, a parish administered by the friars with Father Michel Dalton, OFM Cap, serving as pastor.

MASS WITH CHAMORRO COMMUNITY IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Around December 8 (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) every year, the Chamorros in Southern California come together to celebrate the Eucharist for the intention of the patients from Guam referred to hospitals and medical centers in the Los Angeles area.  December 8 is an important day for Chamorros, as it is the day that we give honor to Our Lady of Camarin, Guam's patroness.

A replica of the statue of Our Lady of Camarin permanently rests in the chapel of Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, since many people from Guam are referred to that hospital for medical treatment.  The original statue was found, according to an old story, in the waters off Merizo, Guam and for many years has been revered in the Cathedral in Agana.

People instinctively reach out to honor their spiritual mother.

Juana Santiago Cruz, Fr Eric's former parishioner in Merizo, who now lives in California.

The gentleman on the right (Ken Kisa), holding his young son, was Fr Eric's altar server in Saipan back in 1991.  He now lives in California.  His wife and parents stand on the left.

Friends from the Chamorro Community in Southern California.

BIBA!