FATHER JOSEPH ENGLISH CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Twenty-five years ago, Capuchin friar Joseph English was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Anthony Apuron, OFM Cap at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna, Guam.

Since then, Father Joe has been a pastor in many Guam parishes and also served as Vice Provincial (superior) from 2009-2015. He is the son of the late Kenneth and Lourdes Crisostomo English of Saint Jude parish, Sinajana.

Father Joe is very appreciated by parishioners for his homilies. Thousands of people came to celebrate his priestly jubilee at Mass held at the University of Guam Field House, followed by dinner.

Congratulations, Father Joseph and many more years to come!

FATHER JOSEPH ENGLISH LAYS HIS MOTHER TO REST

Father Joseph (right) with Archbishop Apuron (left)

Lourdes Crisostomo English was, for almost her entire life, a techa, or traditional prayer leader, at Saint Jude Thaddeus parish in Sinajana, Guam.  Seven days a week, she lead the people in praying the rosary and other devotions before Mass and at special events in the parish.

As techa, she also lead the rosary for hundreds, if not thousands, of families during the traditional nine nights of public rosary each time there was a death in their family, and also lead the praying of novenas in the church and in the home for many families.

Today, her son, Father Joseph, Vice Provincial of the Capuchins in Guam and Hawaii, celebrated and preached at her funeral Mass.  Presiding was Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron, OFM Cap, DD.  Many friars and other clergy were also on hand.

Giving the eulogy before Mass, former US Congressman and the current President of the University of Guam, Dr. Robert Underwood, recalled growing up as a youngster under the shadow of Lourdes.  Lourdes would take care of some children during working hours and even take in some children when they were in need of shelter.

Father Joe listening to the eulogy before Mass.

 

Archbishop Apuron blesses the casket before the procession to the cemetery.

SANTA TERESITA FIESTA

This past Saturday was the patronal feast of Santa Teresita parish in Mangilao.  Father Joseph English, Capuchin Vice Provincial and pastor, welcomed Capuchin Archbishop Anthony Apuron to preside at the festal liturgy, along with other friars and clergy.

 

The Archbishop incensing the statue of St Therese of Lisieux, parish patroness.

Santa Teresita parish is a large one and the church was full of parishioners and visitors.

MINISTER GENERAL RE-ELECTED

Fr. Mauro Johri of Switzerland was re-elected to another six-year term as Minister General of the Order.  The Vice Provincial of Guam and Hawaii, Fr. Joseph English, embraces Fr. Mauro in the pic above.

NEW PARISH ASSIGNMENTS

Effective August 1, the following friars will become pastors at these respective parishes on Guam.

Fr. Joseph English, OFM Cap

Santa Teresita, Mangilao

Fr. Andre Eduvala, OFM Cap

Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Agana Heights

FATHER JOE VISITS THE NOVITIATE AND ATTENDS NAPCC

Earlier this month, Father Joseph English, OFM Cap, Vice Provincial, stopped by San Lorenzo Novitiate in Santa Ynez, California to visit our novice, Br. Ryan Charfauros.

Then it was off to Maryknoll, New York to attend the NAPCC meeting.  The Vice Province belongs to the North America Pacific Capuchin Conference.