CHRIST CONQUERS!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL

from the Capuchin Friars of Guam and Hawaii

Christus Vincit! Throughout history the world has seen great conquerors and unimaginable empires, from the vastness of the 3 continent Ottoman Empire to the 400 year rule of the Han Dynasty. Great military leaders, Kings and Emperors used massive resources to take as they please, but soon enough they would all face a battle that resulted in a common conclusion that they could not win, the Battle with Death. Only one Man was able to conquer death. Christus Vincit! It wasn’t the legion of armies, superior weaponry, and military strategies that allowed Christ to conquer death, but traits of humility and faith was what slayed death.

That Divine power continues to pour forth and conquer death and sin. This is so that we too may take part in the resurrection. If we like Jesus strive and attain humility and faith then the same power that slayed death will greet us on judgment day. So in reflecting on Christ’s Resurrection let us lean on our Mother Church in her humility and Sacraments, let us look towards scriptures and the life of Jesus for words to help us in battle, and as Jesus did let us turn away from sin and turn to our heavenly Father. Happy Easter and Christus Vincit!

~ Brother Gavin Diego, OFM Cap

PROMOTING VOCATIONS

Last week, Father Andre Eduvala, Vocations Director, with the help of Brother Gavin Diego, spent some time with a visiting class of male students from Santa Barbara Catholic School in Dededo.

Brother Gavin Diego

Father Andre and Brother Gavin spoke about the Capuchin way of life and also explained to the students various aspects of the Friary.

Photos courtesy of Sr Maria Rosario Gaite, RSM

FRIARS PRESENT AT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

BROTHER GAVIN

This past week was Catholic Schools Week and today marked the end of this observance with a conference for all teachers in our Catholic schools.

Two Capuchin friars were asked to make presentations during this conference - Brother Gavin Diego and Father Eric Forbes.

FATHER ERIC

Concelebrating at the Mass for this conference, presided by Archbishop Apuron, OFM Cap, was Father Andre Eduvala, OFM Cap.

FATHER ANDRE (far right)

GROUP PHOTO

NEW SUPERIOR AND COUNCIL

Fr. Michel Dalton (2nd Councillor), Fr. Patrick Castro (Custos), Br. Brian Champoux (1st Councillor)

The Capuchin Friars of Guam and Hawaii elected their new superior (Custos) and council members. All three were elected on the first ballot.

Making their Profession of Faith before Fr. Francis Gasparik, Provincial of the St. Mary Province of New York and New England

Fr. Patrick Castro is presently Guardian, or friary superior, of St. Fidelis Friary on Guam.

Br. Brian Champoux is a teacher at Bishop Baumgartner Memorial Catholic School, Sinajaña, Guam.

Fr. Michel Dalton is pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Ewa, Hawaii.

CONGRATULATIONS!

FOOD PANTRY AT CAPUCHIN'S PARISH

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Waikane, Hawaii is under the spiritual care of Father Paulo Kosaka, OFM Cap. Recently, with the participation of the Lion's Club, $10,000 was donated by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Friends program to support the work of the food pantry at the parish, which assists those in need of food. No one is ever turned away.

PROFESSION AMONG HAWAII SECULAR FRANCISCANS

St Clare Emerging Fraternity in Oahu, Hawaii professed three new members last November. Father Gordon Combs, OFM Cap, is Spiritual Assistant to the Secular Franciscan Order in Hawaii.

The profession took place at St Pius X Church in Manoa. A Korean Franciscan friar and two Korean priests ministering with Korean Catholics in Hawaii were also present.

FRIARS MEET IN CHAPTER

Every three years, the Capuchins of Guam and Hawaii meet in a formal meeting, lasting several days, called a Chapter. During Chapter, policies are adopted and community leaders are elected.

This year, the number of professed friars at Chapter are 15. There are also three friars observing who are not yet finally professed.

Fr. Francis Gasparik, Provincial of St. Mary Province (New York-New England), seen here addressing the friars, presides over the Chapter until the new Custos (superior) is elected.

Fathers Michel Dalton, Patrick Castro and Joseph English.

Our secretaries, Fathers Andre Eduvala and Marvin Bearis.

Father Felixberto Leon Guerrero, Brother Ryan Charfauros, Brother Brian Champoux, Father Michael Tenorio and Brother Gavin Diego.

The friars at prayer