ADVENT REFLECTION BY BROTHER NICHOLAS

Advent is a liturgical season in the Catholic Church; it is the season that starts off the liturgical year. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means coming. Advent is the time of the year where we anticipate the birth of Jesus as well as the second coming. The beloved traditions of Advent such as the lighting the Advent wreath, decorating the Christmas tree, watching Christmas movies, and putting up Christmas decorations have always brought me such fond memories of childhood. Advent is the first season in the liturgical year; I say it is the season of new beginnings, a new start as Catholics.

The season of Advent always comes around with a beautiful spirit of generosity amongst people. A spirit originating from the three Magi giving our Lord gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A spirit continued by Saint Nicholas of Myra, the actual Santa Claus, and continues today with all of us who share the tradition of gift giving on Christmas day. People give gifts to fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and friends bringing everyone together.

The season of Advent seems to be the happiest time of year for families. The parents think of their children and try to find the perfect gift for each one of them. It fosters a mindset of selflessness, love, and connectedness between family members. It is a time when the whole family tries to get back together to be with each other for a little while. When we put aside our differences, difficulties and forgive each other to begin again as a happy family.

Advent is the season of the most happiness and joy because it prepares us for Christmas. The happiness and joy that comes from generosity, love, and togetherness embody the spirit of Advent. The joy that flows from Advent, builds up to the high point of Christmas, which fits wonderfully because we remember the greatest gift given to the world, our Lord Jesus Christ, is what it is all about.

The spirit of Advent is the spirit of generosity, togetherness, and joy. The new beginning of Advent each year reminds us to be Christ-like and Christ centered. Why can’t the spirit of Advent continue throughout the year? The spirit of generosity, togetherness, and joy all year round doesn’t mean giving gifts for the whole year, it means always being ready to lend a hand, to include others, and to be joyful realizing the fact that Jesus Christ is Lord.

~ Brother Nicholas Martinez, OFM Cap

FR ERIC'S MINISTRY WITH CHAMORROS IN THE MAINLAND

Every October, Fr Eric gets invited by several Chamorro communities in California to preside and preach at their patronal fiestas and other Masses. This actually lasts into early December, and most years he also conducts Chamorro Culture Seminars.

A large crowd of people gathered on a Friday morning for Mass for the sick, with the veneration of the relic of Padre Pio following Mass.  The Mass was held at the Guam Club in San Diego.

St Francis Fiesta

San Diego, CA

St Jude Fiesta

El Cajon, San Diego

St Jude Fiesta

Vancouver, WA

LIFE IN THE NOVITIATE

Four novices from Guam now live at San Lorenzo Friary in Santa Ynez, California. Novitiate is the first formal year of training in Capuchin life. Novices from all over the U.S., English-speaking Canada, Australia, Guam and sometimes from England or Ireland come to this novitiate.

From left to right : Brothers Lawrence Borja (Chalan Pago), Sean Rodriguez (Tamuning), Cody Lizama (Sta Rita) and Nicholas Martinez (Yona).

A Life of Prayer and Worship

...of Work

...and Fraternity

HAWAII SECULAR FRANCISCANS

Three Secular Franciscan Fraternities of the Hawaii Region gathered at Blessings House, Ewa Beach, for a day of recollection with their spiritual assistant, Capuchin Franciscan Fr.Gordon Combs on Saturday, September 20. Reflecting on the Testament of Saint Francis, the group prayed, played, and enjoyed God’s beautiful creation at the beach house.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FIESTA

Despite a rainy week, the novena to Padre Pio at the Friary was well-attended. It culminated in a festal Mass, procession and dinner on the final night, September 23.

As usual, the overflow crowd were comfortably seated under canopies to protect them from the rain, which thankfully was mostly light on the final night.

The procession started in dryness but a light drizzle began as soon as it started. That didn't deter most people from joining in the procession.

After the Mass and procession, a wonderful dinner was enjoyed by all.

REMEMBERING FRANCIS AND THE FRIARS

Every year, around the feast of Saint Francis, the friars gather for a prayer service called the Transitus, to remember the passing (transitus) of Saint Francis from earthly to heavenly life.

It is also a time to remember our brothers in the fraternity who have also passed from this life to eternity.

We read out their names and each friar lights a candle in their memory, as we pray for their eternal rest.