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.

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!