Letters from the Archbishop
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April 4, 2021--Protocol No. 2021-031
Alleluia! Our Savior, Jesus Christ has risen!
Archbishop’s Easter Message, 2021
Click here for a signed pdf copy.Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,
Alleluia! Our King and Savior, Jesus Christ has risen so that we may have eternal life! As the Church marks Easter and the glorious resurrection of our Redeemer, I pray that all are able to feel the love of Jesus today.
It’s been more than one year since the virus known as COVID-19 struck us and many are still suffering the devastation that the pandemic has brought. In most cases, the agony of losing loved ones to the virus is compounded by the fact that they could not be physically present to console their sick relatives or friends because of strict safety protocols. For individuals or families in these instances, it must be especially difficult to think of being joyful today.
The Church assures you of our collective prayers as the Communion of Saints. Most of all, our Lord knows your suffering intimately. He loves you deeply and will never abandon you. Pope Francis reminded us of this during one of his weekly audiences last October. The pope said, “All human pains for God are sacred. Before God we are not strangers, or numbers. We are faces and hearts, known one by one, by name.”
The Holy Father encouraged all who suffer to cry out to God through prayer. The person who prays, he said, knows that they are “are precious in the eyes of God, and so it makes sense to cry out.”
Pope Francis said for example, as part of the books of wisdom, the Psalms communicate to the believer “knowing how to pray”. He said the Psalms show us that crying out to God in prayer “is the way and beginning of salvation.” Prayer turns pain into “a relationship: a cry for help waiting to intercept a listening ear,” the pope added.
Therefore, as we celebrate Easter and the glorious resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ, let us imitate the love God has for each of us by extending that love to others, especially our struggling brothers and sisters.
Presence is one of the best things one can give a friend, family member or even a stranger who is experiencing great sorrow or difficulties. Sometimes, no words are necessary. Just an acknowledging look, a caring nod or hands gently clasped in prayer convey love and empathy for a suffering individual.
Love goes a long way to heal brokenness and suffering. And because we know that the greatest love is that which poured forth from the heart of Jesus on the Cross, if we hold firmly to him, God promises us eternal happiness with him in Heaven.
We continue to pray for those who have died on Guam of COVID-19 and other illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. We also lift up in prayer loved ones lost through natural causes, accidents, suicide, drug abuse or violence. We grieve with the relatives they left behind.
I take this opportunity to express special gratitude to the healers, caregivers and peacemakers of our community. You give so much of yourselves with tremendous love, sacrifice and courage. You often do so quietly, without flourish.
Finally, I extend blessings to the many men and women who work professionally in the medical and emergency fields as well as persons who serve faithfully as caregivers for our “manamko” and our ailing brothers and sisters. I think for instance, of the many individuals who are the lone caregivers in their families. They faithfully take care of their aging mother, father or grandparents, remembering well how they did the same for them when they were children. May God bless all of you with his abundant graces.
This Easter season, have joy in the love of God, and then share it unconditionally, with great vigor with every person that you meet! The Light of our Lord drives all darkness away. A joyful and blessed Easter to everyone!
Yours in Jesus Christ,
/s/Archbishop Michael Jude Byrnes
Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña
Dec. 25, 2020Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,
A blessed and merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
The year 2020 has been surrounded by the Corona virus. It has captured our focus on a number of fronts: What are essential services? What must we do to avoid the ravages of the disease? Will we ever get through this?
We have even begun to number the deaths per day or weeks by this disease, mainly as a way of managing our losses somehow.
In a year full of sorrow, sacrifice and bewilderment however, let us remember to count our blessings as well. Above all, we rejoice in the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ our Savior. He is the Light that guides us in all moments of our lives, most especially during difficult times such as the present.
Christmas is about life, human life: so precious to God that He sent His Son to become one of us.
As we continue our anticipation of the great Feast, I commend the efforts of the Guam Catholic Pro-life Committee, Ohala' Adoptions, Safe Haven Pregnancy Center, Public Health and Social Services, and all others who enable and promote the sanctity of life.
Tremendous thanks as well to our devoted medical and emergency professionals for their tireless work to save lives, even while endangering theirs.
May the Lord bless you and your families in these days of joy!
Archbishop Michael Byrnes
Archdiocese of Agaña
(Click here for a signed PDF copy on AOA letterhead)
An Important Message
by the Archdiocesan COVID-19 Task Force
Nov. 12, 2020
Dear Clergy and all Catholic faithful:The following is in response to inquiries regarding why the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica was not included on the list of churches closed after the clergyman from Saint Anthony Catholic Church recently tested positive.
The Archdiocesan COVID-19 Task Force followed the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines when implementing measures related to this case. It determined the following:
The Cathedral-Basilica was not closed because there was no threat of direct exposure. Although the Ordination was celebrated there on Saturday, Nov. 7th and the clergyman who tested positive was present, his proximity to others and presence at the celebration was not considered “close contact” as per Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. The entire congregation did not fit the definition of “close contact”.
The CDC definition states: “Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset or for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection until the time the patient is isolated.”
However, with the First Mass at Saint Anthony on Sunday, Nov. 8, the level of threat is greater. The clergyman who has since tested positive concelebrated at this Mass and was much closer to other clergy, who were concelebrants.
The priests who were identified as “close contacts” have been placed into quarantine awaiting the results of their COVID test.
Their parishes were closed due to them being in quarantine and out of an abundance of caution, have deep cleaned and sanitized their churches with the exception of the Cathedral-Basilica because the pastor has not celebrated Mass at the Cathedral-Basilica but did so at Our Lady of Purification after the First Mass at St. Anthony.
Only those who were in “close contact” with the infected clergyman are being identified for contact tracing. The entire congregation did not fit the definition of close contact. As a precautionary measure, we ask that those who attended the 11 a.m. Mass in Tamuning on Sunday, Nov. 8th to monitor their symptoms and should there be any concerns, to contact your doctor.
Our Archdiocese continues to work diligently to improve our practices and protocols and safeguard the faithful. In general, as a precaution, anyone who has attended Mass such as the Nov. 7 Ordination Mass should monitor their health. If you have concerns or begin to show symptoms, please contact your doctor. This is a good measure to take regarding any Mass one may have attended.
Thank you for your inquiries. With hope and humility, we place our trust in our Lord.
Yours in Christ,/s/Father Mike Crisostomo
Vicar for Clergy
On behalf of all members of the Archdiocesan COVID-19 Task Force
(Click here for a signed copy on AOA letterhead)
Oct. 23, 2020Archbishop’s statement regarding
pope’s comments on same-sex civil unions
National media yesterday reported that Pope Francis made the following comments as part of a new documentary, Francesco: “Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God. You can’t kick someone out of a family, nor make their life miserable for this. What we have to have is a civil union law; that way they are legally covered.” – AP I will address this issue with our Catholic faithful by way of a pastoral letter shortly to provide guidance and minimize confusion that I’m certain has arisen. However, to immediately respond to questions by our Guam media, I issue this statement:
First, it’s important to note that the comments attributed to the Pope are from a documentary -- NOT a papal pronouncement. I regard it similar to what he says when he lets reporters ask him questions on his flights to and from whatever country he has visited. Which is to say, it has very little ecclesiastical weight. It does NOT alter Church teaching.
In his papacy, the Holy Father has historically expressed great compassion and concern for our brothers and sisters who struggle with same-sex attraction. Rightfully so. However, he has repeatedly affirmed Church teaching on marriage, that marriage as designed by God, is a union of a man and a woman. I emphasize that the Catechism of the Catholic Church has not changed with respect to the Sixth Commandment.
United in matrimony, a man and woman cooperate with Our Creator in the miracle of life, procreation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: 1601 "The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole of life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament."84
When it comes to our relationships with persons who struggle with same-sex attraction, God is the one to judge, the Holy Spirit is the one who convicts our hearts toward repentance and our role is to love all sinners into holiness.
Archbishop Michael Byrnes
Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña
Archbishop Byrnes Letter Regarding
2020 Election Novena of the United States Conference of Catholic BishopsOct. 23, 2020
The peace and love of Jesus Christ be with you!
With election descending on Guam and the nation, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops again welcomes the faithful to participate in an Election Novena.
We are well familiar with “nobenas” on our island. With humility, we present our pleas and intentions to God through heartfelt prayer. In this case, the 2020 Election Novena calls Catholics to bend their knees in daily prayers to our Lord, that he grants us wise, moral, and effective civic leaders locally and across the nation.
I invite the Catholic faithful in our parishes, schools, organizations, homes and families to participate in the Election Novena in ways best suited to them.
Simply, for nine consecutive days, Monday, Oct. 26 through Tuesday, Nov. 3, participants are encouraged to pray one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be for the day’s intention. A closing prayer for elected leaders will be offered on day 10, Wednesday, Nov. 4. Click here for a letter from the USCCB and a list of daily intentions.
A number of our parishes celebrate daily Mass and/or pray the Holy Rosary. You can include the intentions in your Masses and prayers. Families, couples, individuals and organized prayer groups can do so in their prayers.
May God provide leaders who uphold the moral law, protect the unborn, the sanctity and dignity of human life, as well as marriage and family. Lord, grant us leaders who will also help our impoverished brothers and sisters while promoting peace in our world.
Message from Archbishop Byrnes on return
to celebration of the Holy Eucharist indoors(For a pdf copy of the signed message on AOA letterhead, click here)
Sept 29, 2020
Protocol No. 2020-114My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
With prayer and discernment, I gladly announce that the Archdiocese of Agaña will return to celebrating the Holy Eucharist inside our churches following strict COVID-19 protocols.
The return to celebrating Masses indoors will be effective on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4 on the weekend of the 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time in order to give parishes adequate time to prepare their churches.
My decision comes after closely monitoring the situation and with continuous input from my brother priests, the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission (ALC) and different members of our Catholic community.
Above all, as in all things, we look to our loving Father for guidance as the Church and the general community navigate these unprecedented perilous waters of the COVID-19 pandemic. Celebrating and receiving Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist is vital to our lives and salvation as baptized children of God. We rejoice like children returning to the arms of our Father!
Just as with the first time the Archdiocese reopened its doors for indoor Masses several months ago, all who would attend Mass inside our houses of worship must abide with strict COVID-19 requirements. Mass attendance will be restricted to no more than 50 percent of the church capacity and proper distancing of one another will be practiced. All attendees are required to wear safety masks.
Pastors and their dedicated parish staff and volunteers will ensure that pews and all areas are sanitized before and after each Mass and that the temperatures of all individuals are taken before proceeding to the pews.
Livestreaming of Masses and loudspeakers may still be utilized for the sake of our brothers and sisters who still opt to follow the Mass from their cars or at home. The dispensation which excuses persons from the obligation to attend Mass still stands at this time because of the pandemic. Catholics who are sick, frail or who are uncomfortable should still stay at home. Pastors who are unable to have indoor Mass for certain reasons have such prerogative.
I thank the Faithful of our island, our clergy, and the many groups and individuals who are selflessly assisting our parishes and schools at this time. We thank our government and health care professionals, most especially those courageous men and women who are caring for our sick and frail in our hospitals and clinics. God bless you.
I look forward to returning to the island very soon. In the meantime, please stay strong in Jesus. His love for each of us is boundless.
/s/Archbishop Michael J. Byrnes
Metropolitan Archbishop of AgañaProtocol No. 2020-109
Aug. 22, 2020
Archbishop’s Message to the Faithful
Holy Eucharist is essential, shall remain accessible
to Catholics through parking lot Masses
(Click here for a signed pdf copy)
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
During these times of heightened anxiety, I send my prayers from abroad. I remain in close communication with my brother priests as well as Archdiocese of Agaña Curia members regarding developments in our island.
With the Governor’s recent Executive Order, our church protocols remain in effect. Though the churches are closed to the public, our priests shall continue to provide Guam’s Catholic faithful access to the essential, saving graces of the Holy Eucharist at a number of parishes at this time through the celebration of Masses in parish parking lots. Many of these Masses will be livestreamed to our homebound, elderly, sick and fragile brothers and sisters.
I would like to share cogent words and a wonderful theological reflection from one of our brother priests on Guam that I believe most would find quite helpful. It is as follows:
“One of the fulcrum/pivotal ideas in the discussion on which institutions or establishments should be allowed to open in this time of the pandemic is the concept of ESSENTIAL. Simply put, whatever is ESSENTIAL should remain open no matter what; and, whatever is NON-ESSENTIAL should be closed. After all, isn’t that what it means to be essential, that is, that it is something you cannot live without? While it may appear to be a simple argument, I believe that the word ESSENTIAL has nuances of meaning because of its richness and depth... Definitely, spiritual life is the Most Essential. ‘What is it for man to gain the whole world but forfeit his life?’ Hence, you ‘cannot live’ without spiritual nourishment for eternal life. But, food is also essential for physical nourishment for man is not just spirit but BODY and SOUL. Jesus did not let the crowds go to look for their own food when they were in the deserted place. He fed them.
On one hand, government officials use the word ESSENTIAL to refer to the PHYSICAL survival of man. On the other hand, spiritual leaders use the same word but referring to eternal life. There is a huge and wide difference between the two. They are not on the same plane. No doubt, spiritual nourishment is way, way more essential than physical nourishment.
But in this time of the pandemic, one of the major considerations is on the issue of the manner of acquiring these said two essentials, two nourishments. One may not be able to physically come to church but can still nourish his spirit through various means like livestreaming. The Eucharist remains available to us through this platform and many other means. This is the very same reason why there is such a thing as Baptism by Desire, Communion by Desire, Spiritual Communion, etc. When extremely necessary, Sunday Obligation may even be dispensed.
But in this issue of ACQUISITION, opening of the stores and other establishments may become NECESSARY (ESSENTIAL). While we can continue to spiritually nourish our faithful through various means and strategies as we have already done before, there is no other way that our people can acquire their needed physical nourishment unless there are sources they can go to.
May the Good Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady, on the occasion of her Assumption, guide us and make use of us as instruments of His continued love and care for His flock entrusted to our care.”
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I respect my brother priest considerably, and I would like to add a thought that springs from the beginning of our collision with the Covid-19 disaster. The primary virtue of the Christian faith is charity, the chief of the supernatural virtues. When we first began to navigate the virus, I proposed that maintaining social distance and using face masks are acts of this kind of charity. Of course, we find it inconvenient and bothersome, but that is often the “price” of charity. As Mother Theresa often said, “Without suffering, there is no love.”
Our Governor, our island and in fact most of the world are contending with a disaster of a nature and magnitude many have not experienced before in their lifetimes. Working faithfully and relentlessly for the good of the entire island, our Governor is trying her best. She is a dedicated leader. All of us, no matter our positions or backgrounds, desire everyone to be safe from this danger.
Last week’s pivot to “parking lot Masses” is an example of our Church on Guam working with government and health officials to promote safety while still preserving the beloved sacraments and celebration of the Holy Eucharist that are so vital to our lives and souls as baptized children of God.
Our priests have been working diligently with their staff and volunteers to ensure the safety of their congregations. I am grateful to them. A lot goes into a “parking lot Mass.” Though not ideal, they are a way to bring Christ to the people. Shielded and separated from one another in the safety of their cars at naturally safe distances, the faithful are strongly protected in these instances.
Again, as my brother priest indicates, “essential” contains a broad spectrum of meanings; and I believe that our witness to charity in this regard can be a powerful message to our faithful and to those who do not yet believe in our Savior. I therefore ask all people to have the heart of Jesus as you interact and communicate with one another. Above all, never forget, God is with us during these difficult times.
With full trust in Jesus, I remain,
/s/Archbishop Michael Byrnes, S.T.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña
Note – A pdf copy with the Archbishop’s signature accompanies this Word document and canalso be found at archagana.org.
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23 May 2020
The Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission has been busy updating our protocols on the liturgy after holding very fruitful meetings with our clergy and I this week.
I am pleased to inform our Catholic faithful that we plan to resume the celebration of Holy Mass inside our churches on the following weekend of Pentecost Sunday, May 30-31. Since the COVID-19 pandemic is quite fluid, opening of our churches would be contingent on no major outbreak of COVID-19 cases in the near future. With utmost prudence, Masses would be celebrated with our churches not exceeding 50 percent capacity and following strict distancing between Mass attendees. The faithful will also be kindly required to wear masks.
In the meantime, for this weekend of May 23-24, priests will proceed as planned, celebrating Masses with the faithful attending in their cars in parish parking lots. I ask everyone’s support in giving our pastors and their staff adequate time to prepare their churches for resumption of indoor Masses the following Sunday. We shall update everyone in a few days.
We agree with President Trump that houses of worship and the activities of faith and worship that take place within the sacred walls are vital to numerous human beings. Our Archdiocese will continue to work with our government and health officials to keep our entire island safe from the COVID-19 virus that has changed our world. Most of all, we shall be guided by our loving God who is all wise in his care and providence of his children.
/s/Archbishop Michael Byrnes
Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña
download pdf here