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.

SECULAR FRANCISCANS ELECT LEADERS

The Secular Franciscans (Padre Pio Fraternity) on Guam gathered at the Friary on September 13 to elect their leadership. In attendance was a representative from the leadership team in the United States.

FRIARS HOLD SUCCESSFUL BENEFIT DINNER

Every year it gets bigger and bigger.

In order to raise funds for the loan repayment for the building of the new friary in 2007, the friars hold a Founders Day benefit dinner every August. The first friars (the Founders) came to Guam in August of 1901.

Thanks to the heroic work of many volunteers, the dinners are always a huge success. Many people look forward to it every year.

The dinner, held at Saint Francis School's cafeteria, is beautifully decorated. A hotel-rank chef prepares the dinner for over 400 guests.

Besides the great food, drink and company, auction items,prizes and entertainment make for a merry time.

Father Jose Villagomez is one of several performers at the dinner, but also a regular as well as a favorite performer.

FOUR NOVICES FROM GUAM INVESTED

On July 20, four young men from Guam were invested as novices of the Capuchin Order. The novitiate is a year of intense prayer and study of the Capuchin life. The novitiate for the U.S., which includes Guam, and also Australia and English-speaking Canada, is now based in the quiet, peaceful countryside of Santa Ynez, California. At times, England and Ireland send their novices to Santa Ynez.

The four from Guam pictured above are : Lawrence Borja, Cody Lizama, Sean Rodriguez and Nicholas Martinez. Father Michel Dalton represented the Guam and Hawaii friars.

For some years now, the United States, Guam and Canada have been graced with a couple dozen novices or more. Here is the entire class for the novitiate year 2014-2015.

Congratulations and our prayerful best wishes!

BROS WILLIAM AND JASON MAKE FIRST PROFESSION

Bro. William Paulino (L) and Bro. Jason Chargualaf (R)

After having completed their year in novitiate in California, Bros William Paulino and Jason Chargualaf returned to Guam in mid July to prepare for their First Profession.  It is the time they pronounce the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for the first time, and for one year. They still have several years of formation and discernment before they may ask to make these vows for the rest of their lives.

On Thursday, July 31, at Saint Francis Church in Yona, the two brothers made their First Profession before Father Joseph English, our Custos (or Superior).

Brothers Ryan Charfauros (far left) and Gavin Diego (far right), who made their First Profession some years ago, renewed their temporary professions at the same ceremony.

The church overflowed with family and friends.

Father Andre Eduvala was homilist.

At the dinner after Mass, the Knights of Columbus gave the brothers a donation to help with the expenses of their education. Thanks, Knights!

And congratulations, Brothers William and Jason, Ryan and Gavin!

THE CAPUCHINS AND THE PAPAL VISIT

Recently canonized St Pope John Paul II has a special connection not only with Guam, but also with the Capuchins Friars on Guam, when he came to visit the island in February of 1981 - the first and only (so far) papal visit of this Pacific island.

First of all, the Overall Chairman of the Papal Visit was a Chamorro Capuchin, Father Daniel Cristobal.  He was responsible for everything on the Guam side.  For months, he ate, slept, drank the papal visit.

FATHER DANIEL CRISTOBAL, OFM Cap

Secondly, all the friars, at the time, had a chance to get very close to the Pope, touching his hand. Some exchanged a few words with him.  He saw some friars and asked, "Cappuccini?  Where are your beards?" Some of the friars wore white habits, so it was harder to tell if they were Capuchin. But others, like Fr George, always wore brown so that's how the Pope recognized the friars.  In Italy and other countries in Europe, all the friars wear beards and it is their trademark.

Thirdly, the rector of the Cathedral, where the Pope's audience with the clergy, religious and leading lay people was held, and who helped coordinate the Papal Mass the next day, was the present-day Archbishop of Agaña, Capuchin Archbishop Anthony Apuron.  During the Papal Mass, he was an assistant MC and held the umbrella for the Pope.  Other friars also had a part in the liturgy, besides concelebrating.

Lastly, the Friary hosted a good number of visiting clergy from all over the world.  Some friars vacated their rooms in order to give their beds to these visitors.

GUAM FRIAR'S DISPLAY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Fr Eric with Governor Eddie Calvo and First Lady Christine Calvo

For the entire month of March, which is Chamorro Month, Capuchin Father Eric Forbes held his Exhibit of pre-war religious life on Guam at Government House, the official residence of the Governor of Guam and his or her family.

At the invitation of First Lady Christine Calvo, Fr Eric assembled a collection of pre-war photographs and artifacts depicting the religious life of Guam's Catholics and Baptists in celebration of Chamorro Month, the month set aside to honor Guam's indigenous culture.

With the help of volunteers, displays were set up recreating scenes from Guam's pre-war past.  It was this faith in God that helped Chamorros endure the hardships of World War II.

A crowd of over 200 people attended the Opening of the Exhibit

Archbishop Apuron blessed the Opening ceremonies

Perusing photos from the 1920s and 1930s

People of all ages came

Many schools came on private tours