LAST NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

THOUSANDS CAME, BUT WE HAVE TO SAY GOOD BYE FOR NOW....

They had three hours last night to see the Christmas Village before it closed this season.  People took family photos, kids couldn't take their eyes off the display, people ate heartily.

Rave reviews from a visitor from New York.  Better than Rockerfeller Center, he says!

Even the Christmas Village has strong religious themes, but visitors start off the tour in our chapel.  Most of them marvel at the belen, or nativity scene, and kiss the infant Jesus.

We have lots of fun at the Christmas Village!

This group of adults show that they can still move with the best of them!

Senators from the Guam Legislature came to present a Resolution to the families who created the Christmas Village and the friars who hosted.  Seated : Mrs. Mae Quinata.  From left to right : Pale' Eric, Mrs. Julia Villagomez, Mr. Roman Quinata, Sen. Mana Silva Taijeron, Sen. Sam Mabini, Sen. Tina Muna-Barnes.

Police volunteers helped direct traffic and parking.

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS

The Guam Memorial Hospital Volunteers came out full force on January 2 to sponsor the refreshments at the Christmas Village, still going strong till January 8.

DANCERS AT THE FRIARY CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

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

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. 

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.

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.