PEACE MEMORIAL

Back in the 1960s, a Catholic monsignor who lived through the Japanese occupation of Guam during World War II, and Japanese Buddhist associations collaborated in the building of a Peace Memorial so that we never have to suffer what they went through in the war.  The site chosen was the last battle ground on Guam of World War II, in Mataguac, Yigo.  Every year, both Buddhist monks and Catholic clergy take turns praying for the war dead at this annual occasion.

This year, Fr Raphael Iannone, a Capuchin visiting from New York, went out of personal interest to the annual ceremony.  He is seated in between a Buddhist monk on the left and the Lieutenant Governor of Guam on the right.

The Peace Prayer of St Francis was said in Japanese by almost everyone, lead by Fr Santiago, a Japanese-speaking Catholic priest on Guam.

SAINT FRANCIS FIESTA IN YOÑA

The ever-popular Saint Francis of Assisi always draws a large crowd to his annual fiesta in Yoña. 

The congregation was augmented with members of the Secular Franciscan Order.

Pale' Eric Forbes presided and preached.

Pale' Jose Villagomez, pastor, had the relic of Saint Francis available for public veneration.

The procession with the statue of Saint Francis.

FR. RAPHAEL HELPS ON GUAM

With Father Gus Gumataotao still on the mend in California, Father Raphael Iannone, Capuchin from New York, has graciously agreed to come help us out and cover Saint Jude parish.  It is a delight to have him with us.

HAPPY FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS

Father Jose Villagomez presided and preached at the festal Mass at the Friary.

Brother Ryan Charfauros read the readings.

The friars renewed their vows after Mass.

The postulants and candidates received a blessing at the hands of Father Patrick Castro.

In the evening, after dinner, at the Transitus, the lighting of a candle for each deceased friar of our fraternity.

PALE' ERIC IN MANILA'S PADRE PIO CENTER

With Mr. Ramon Rodriguez, director of the National Center of Padre Pio in Manila.

PADRE PIO FEAST A GREAT SUCCESS

On Sunday, September 23, 300 or more people converged on Saint Fidelis Friary on Guam to celebrate the Feast of Saint Padre Pio.  The theme this year was "Padre Pio and the Sacred Heart."  Starting on September 15 and ending on the 23rd, Fr. Eric Forbes, OFM Cap preached every night on this theme during the Mass following the novena.

An hour before Mass, the chapel was full and people had to start sitting outside.

For the benefit of those sitting outside, the liturgy was filmed and shown live on the tower wall.

The candlelight procession.

Procession with the image of Padre Pio.

Veneration of the Relic.

Devotees all brought something to share at the dinner after the Mass.

FATHER JOSE HONORED IN SAIPAN

Twenty-five years ago, a new, modern hospital was opened on Saipan to serve the Northern Marianas called the Commonwealth Health Center (CHC).  Years before it opened, a board was founded to plan for the design and building of that hospital - the Commonwealth Health Coordinating Council.  From 1980 till 1986, a Capuchin from Saipan, Father Jose G. Villagomez, was chairman of that Council.

Last Friday, August 31, Fr. Jose was honored by the Commonwealth for his service many years ago.  The Acting Governor and the CEO of the hospital were in attendance, and a joint resolution commending Fr. Jose was presented by the 17th Commonwealth Legislature.

Father Jose, who now serves as pastor of Saint Francis Church in Yona, Guam, said he was "humbled and appreciative" of this recognition.

 

Father Jose was joined at the ceremony by members of his family.