SECULAR FRANCISCAN PROFESSION

Father Patrick Castro, OFM Cap, presided at Mass today at the Friary for the profession of members of the Order of Secular Franciscans; lay men and women who follow the Franciscan charism in their daily lives.

The Mass and profession were followed by a festive lunch for members, families and friends.

POPE FRANCIS : FATHER GORDON ON HAWAII TV

As the Catholic world celebrated the news of the election of Pope Francis, Father Gordon Combs was seen on Hawaii TV offering Mass at Our Lady of Peace Cathedral in Honolulu on that joyful day.

Video clips can be seen at

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/21636889/hawaii-catholics-celebrate-and-pray-for-pope-francis

and at

http://www.khon2.com/content/news/developingstories/story/Hawaii-Catholics-looking-forward-to-new-chapter/nMkdEYquY0q9zHTj8Qoi2Q.cspx

FRIARS WELCOME VICAR PROVINCIAL

WELCOME FR MICHAEL MARIGLIANO, Capuchin from the New York Province! He is the Vicar Provincial, or second-in-command, and is visiting the friars on Guam for a few days. Guam and Hawaii are under the New York-New England Province of St. Mary.

BENEFIT DINNER : A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Capuchin Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron, Archbishop of Agana, blessed the meal.

Thursday, February 7 was a night to remember as over 200 guests enjoyed a fine dinner, lively entertainment and fun games for prizes, all for the benefit of the Capuchin Friary on Guam.  Originally intended for about 100 people, the demand for tickets was so strong the dinner had to be moved to a larger location than the Friary, the gym of Saint Francis School in Yona.

Jesse Bais and Ruby Santos started off the night with their beautiful voices.

Martha Orland, accompanied by her granddaughter, made her traditional "Capuchin Punch."

Religious items and technological products like iPads were some of the auction items that night.

Father Joseph English, our Vice Provincial

Students from Saint Francis School performed for the audience.

A fun time was had by all.

Father Jose Villagomez thrilled the people with his traditional Chamorro singing.

People were in awe of Father Ivo's Indonesian dance.

CAPUCHIN MAKES FRONT PAGE

Guam had a weather system nearby yesterday that kicked up some high waves.  Father George Maddock went out to see the waves up close.  Maybe too close, as this photo of him shows, on the right, running back to more solid ground.

The main newspaper on Guam put this photo, identifying Father George in the caption, on the front page!

FATHER GORDON WELCOMES CARDINAL DOLAN

On behalf of the Vice Province of Star of the Sea, Capuchin Fr. Gordon Combs welcomes fellow New Yorker, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu. Cardinal Dolan just returned from Kalaupapa, Molokai and celebrating there, the recently canonized Franciscan saint, Marianne Cope, and her ministry among the Hansen Diseased patients.

GUAM CATHOLIC MEN'S CONFERENCE

Every January, a Guam Catholic Men's Conference is held on Guam on a Saturday in one of the parishes.  Several hundred men, and a few women, attend.  Usually a keynote speaker from abroad is invited, along with local speakers.  This year, Fr. Eric Forbes, OFM Cap was asked to give one of the talks.