March 24, 2021

Memorial Mass for Father Gus Gumataotao
to be celebrated Thursday evening

Private Mass of Christian Burial in the morning

A portrait of beloved Father Agustin Aguon Gumataotao, OFM Cap.  is surrounded by plants outside the St. Fidelis Friary during his private and public viewing Wed., March 25, 2021. (Photo courtesy of the Capuchin Franciscan friars)

A Memorial Mass for Capuchin Franciscan friar, Father Agustin Aguon Gumataotao will be celebrated at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 25, 2021 at St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Sinajana. Rosary will precede the Mass at 6 p.m.

The Capuchin Franciscan friars and members of the Gumataotao family will gather Thursday morning at 9 for a private Mass of Christian Burial for Father Gus. The beloved Chamorro friar and former pastor of St. Jude died peacefully last February 12.

The Capuchins and relatives of Father Gus prayed for him this morning during a private viewing at St. Fidelis Friary in Agana Heights. Later in the day, throngs of people paid their respect during a public viewing held between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Rosary for Father Gus will continue at 6 tonight in St. Jude followed by Mass at 7 p.m.

Thursday Memorial Mass
to be broadcast and livestreamed

Numerous people have attended nightly Rosaries and Masses for Father Gus at St. Jude in Sinajana since March 17.

Thursday night’s Memorial Mass will be celebrated on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. The Mass will be open to the public and will follow the Archdiocese of Agaña’s COVID-19 capacity protocols.

The faithful can follow the Memorial Mass in church and under canopies outside the church. It will broadcast live on FM 98.5 (1/4 mile range) and tower speaker as well as livestreamed on Facebook at St.JudeChurchSinajana.

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Sent by Tony C. Diaz, Archdiocese of Agaña Director of Communication [email protected] (671) 562-0065 in conjunction with the Capuchin Franciscan Order.

Click here for a pdf copy of this announcement.

Father Feix Leon Guerrero,  OFM Cap.. left, and Father Patrick Castro, OFM Cap. right are at front and are joined by other Capuchins as they escort the casket of their brother, Father Agustin Aguon Gumataotao, OFM Cap to the St. Fidelis Friary in Agana Hts. for a private viewing  Wed., March 25, 2021. (Photos courtesy of the Capuchin Franciscan friars)

Members of the Capuchin Franciscan Order gather privately in prayer for their briother, Father Agustin Aguon Gumataotao, OFM Cap  at the St. Fidelis Friary in Agana Hts. Wed., March 25, 2021. Below, family members also had a private viewing followed by a public viewing.

“To be truly CHamoru, is to be pro-life. Many of us have been reared, raised and brought up by our grandparents, aunts, cousins, or extended family. CHamoru culture has unequivocally chosen the path of life over death. It is embedded in our core values of Poksai, Pulan and Patgon still present today in our homes and in our hearts.” – Kevin Camacho, Esq.

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Kevin Camacho, Esq. at the pro-life march in Washington D.C. in 2009.

I Maga’ Håga – Cradle and pillar of life
Tinige’ – Kevin Camacho, Esq.
Reflection/Commentary for the U Ma’tuna  Si Yu’us
 

Dec. 25, 2020

Archbishop's Christmas Message, 2020

"We rejoice in the greatest gift of all: Jesus Christ our Savior."

Dec. 25, 2020

Dear 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)

 

Archbishop Byrnes ordains Father Mamangun
as Guam's newest priest on Dec. 12, 2020

(Archdiocese of Agaña photo by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)

In the midst of the Advent season, the Catholic Church on Guam gives tremendous thanks to Our Lord for the gift of a new priest.!

Archbishop Michael Byrnes ordained Father William Mamangun to the priesthood in a touching and beautiful ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna.

The Church on Guam rejoiced and was joined by many other faithful who love and support our new priest in places like the Philippines, California and other sites in the U.S. mainland. Thousands viewed the livestream broadcast of the Mass and ordination.

The 44-year-old former Theology teacher at Academy of Our Lady of Guam celebrated his first Mass the next day, Sunday at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Tamuning where he had been serving as a deacon and continues to be assigned.

With Fr. William's ordination, the Archdiocese of Agana is blessed to have ordained three new priests in as many months. Archbishop Byrnes ordained Fr. Honorio “Ron” Valdeavilla Pangan Jr. last Oct. 17 followed by Fr. Junee Valencia Nov. 7 also at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, Hagatna. All three studied together at St. Patrick’s Seminary at Menlo Park, California. THANK YOU to all their supporters and donors.(Archdiocese of Agaña photos by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)

(Archdiocese of Agaña photo by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)

ARCHDIOCESE PREPARES FOR BLESSING

OF ANOTHER NEW PRIEST SATURDAY, DEC. 12

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Archbishop Michael Byrnes will ordain the third new priest for Guam in as many months as Rev. Mr. William Salas Mamangun realizes his vocational dream 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica.

The Mass will be livestreamed at  aganacathedral.org and fb.com/aganacathedral.

Soon-to-be Father William Mamangun will celebrate his first Mass 11 a.m. the next day, Sunday, Dec. 13 on the Third Sunday of Advent at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Tamuning. That Mass will be livestreamed at fb.com/stanthonyguam/live.

BIBA SANTA MARIAN KAMALEN!

Historic statue of Our Blessed Mother visits the faithful islandwide in extraordinary celebration of Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen, Dec. 8

Photo by Victor E. Consaga III - Consaga Photo Services

The Catholic Church's historic statue of the Patroness of Guam and the Marianas, Santa Marian Kamalen is shown up close in its beauty in this image captured by professional photographer Victor E. Consaga III as it leaves the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna for its islandwide visitation Tues., Dec. 8.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the statue of the Patroness of Guam and the Marianas traveled to all villages and parishes instead of the faithful converging en masse for the traditional procession through the streets of Hagatna in celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Virgin Mary and Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen.
Photo by Victor E. Consaga III - Consaga Photo Services
The statue of Santa Marian Kamalen travels on Chalan Santo Papa (Pope John Paul Street) in Hagatna to begin its round the island visit to all parishes Tues., Dec. 8.  The day began with a 6 a.m. novena followed by Archbishop Michael Byrnes celebrating Mass in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. (Photos by Victor E. Consaga III/Consaga Photo Services)
Photo by Victor E. Consaga III - Consaga Photo Services

Photo by Victor E. Consaga III - Consaga Photo Services

November 27, 2020

Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen
protocols and schedule

(Click here for a pdf copy)

Dear Archbishop Michael, Clergy and Religious,
I write to you as we prepare for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Santa Marian Kamalen, patroness of Guam and the Marianas. As you know COVID-19 has changed our lives and lives around the world.

The challenges we are experiencing today are different from how we normally do things. In keeping with the protocols issued by the Department of Public Health and Social Services and the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission, we issue the following protocols for this year’s Feast of the Immaculate Conception 2020, to safeguard everyone’s health so that it may minimize potential exposure to the faithful:

1. The participation by various parishes for the nightly novena and Masses is suspended.

2. Presiders for all Masses will be limited to the Agaña Cathedral-Basilica clergy only.

3. There will be no angels or archangels during the nightly novena and Masses.

4. There will be no lectors, altar servers, or choirs from other parishes.

5. The evening novena and Masses will be solely through the Agaña Cathedral-Basilica  ministries.

However, the invitation is open to all the faithful in the Archdiocese who would like to join us at our nightly novena and Masses. Kindly invite your parishioners to join us nightly at the Agana Cathedral-Basilica at 5PM, or they may also log on to www.aganacathedral.org for daily livestream Masses, including the Cathedral-Basilica Facebook, and at 9:30AM Sunday on KUAM TV Channel 8 and KUAM Facebook. 

Thank you for your cooperation and I hope you understand the need for limited participation at this year’s annual December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception. As mentioned by the Archbishop there will be no annual procession at the familiar Hagatña procession.  Instead, the procession will be all-inclusive where Our Lady will visit the entire island and cover all parishes.

Please note that we will be releasing the route where the image of Our Lady will travel.  We encourage the faithful to not only assemble at their parishes, but throughout the route indicated, while maintaining six-feet distancing with masks. Following the procession while traveling from one parish to another is not permitted by Guam Police due to potential accidents and liability. 

The optimum number of cases on island is a motivation for all of us to plead for the intercession of Santa Marian Kamalen at the nine-day novena and Masses, and the December 8 island-wide procession of our Lady.

Yours in Christ,

/s/Msgr. James LG Benavente

Pastor
(Click here for a signed pdf copy of the letter)

Nov. 7, 2020

NEWS RELEASE

Archdiocese of Agaña welcomes newest priest
as Archbishop ordains Father Junee Valencia

Newly ordained priest, Father Junee Valencia blesses his fellow priests at the end of his ordination Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, Hagatna. (Photography for the Archdiocese by Kyle Tenorio and Robert Tenorio/Expressions Studio) The Archdiocese of Agaña heralded a new priest for Guam as Archbishop Michael Byrnes ordained Father Junee Valencia to the priesthood today, Saturday, Nov. 7 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña.

Family, friends and supporters of Father Junee attended the morning Mass and Rite of Ordination which was followed by thousands from afar through livestreaming.

Amid the pain and difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ordination presents another blessing for the Catholic Church on Guam. It was the second ordination of a priest for the Archdiocese in three weeks.

Archbishop Byrnes had ordained Father Honorio “Ron” Valdeavilla Pangan Jr. to the priesthood just last Oct. 17 at the Cathedral-Basilica. Father Ron was among the Guam priests who concelebrated today’s Mass.

Father Ron and Father Junee were classmates at St. Patrick’s Seminary at Menlo Park, California. By next month, there will be a third new priest for Guam. Deacon William Mamangun, another classmate from St. Patrick’s, is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood on Dec. 12.

Father Junee will celebrate his first Solemn Mass 11 a.m. tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 8 at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Tamuning. It will be livestreamed at fb.com/stanthonyguam/live .

Sent by Tony C. Diaz, Archdiocese of Agana Director of Communications
(671) 562-0065, [email protected]

BLESSINGS OF A NEW PRIEST FOR GUAM!

Archbishop Byrnes ordains Father Ron Pangan as Archdiocese of Agana's newest priest

(Photo for the Archdiocese of Agana by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)

Archbishop Michael Byrnes conducts the Laying on of Hands as part of the Ordination Rite as he ordains now Father Ron Pangan to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Agaña during a beautiful Mass, celebrated Saturday morning Oct. 17, 2020  at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña..

(Photo for the Archdiocese of Agana by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)

Father Ron Pangan radiates joy as he takes to the pulpit to express gratitude to his mentors, family and numerous supporters at the conclusion of Mass marking his ordination to the priesthood Saturday, Oct. 17 in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña

(Photo for the Archdiocese of Agana by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)

Father Ron Pangan participates in the Liturgy of the Eucharist as he concelebrates Mass moments after being ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Michael Byrnes Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Cathedral-Basilica, Hagatña.

(Photos for the Archdiocese of Agana by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)

Newly ordained Father Ron Pangan presents the Body of Christ to his mom Julianita Valdeavilla Pangan during Holy Communion at his ordination. Mrs. Pangan boarded a plane for the first time in 30 years traveling alone from Sariaya, Quezon Province, Philippines Oct. 1 to witness the special blessing of her son becoming a priest..

The Cathedral-Basilica resounded with joyous music as the Church came together to celebrate the beautiful occasion heralding a new clergyman for Guam.  Two dozen other priests concelebrated the Mass and nearly a dozen deacons were also present.

To safeguard against the spread of COVID-19,  the Cathedral-Basilica followed Archdiocese COVID-19 protocols that limited the number of people that could actually physically be inside the church. Still, the Rite of Ordination and entire Mass was beamed live to viewers across Guam, Father Ron's original home country of  the Philippines, the United States mainland and other places across the sea via livestreaming technology from the Agana Cathedral-Basilica website and Facebook site.

Archbishop Byrnes announced after the Mass that Father Ron would be assigned to Saint Anthony Catholic Church as its parochial vicar, under mentor Father Mike Crisostomo.

Dominican Catholic School begins classes in SY 2020-21

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Dominican Catholic School in Yigo became the second school on Guam to open its doors for the 2020-21 Schoolyear today, Wednesday, August 5 with strict protocols in place for the health and safety of all students and adults.
Principal, Sister Esperanza H. Seguban, OP, reported a smooth and successful start as Dominican Catholic School welcomed students in grade levels Pre-K to 8th grade.
Dominican reports an enrollment of 110 students and is continuing to welcome new students. The school closed last schoolyear with 140 students. 

Pre-K teacher, Mrs. Tesha Mae Porte helps a student sanitize her hand at Dominican Catholic School. Hand sanitizers, facemasks, strict distancing of students and their desks are part of the protocols Dominican is following to keep everyone safe.

A statue of Saint Dominic graces the front of Dominican Catholic School in Yigo, Guam. The school operated by the Religious Missionaries of St. Dominic is open to students in Pre-K to 8th grade. Enrollment is being accepted. Call (671) 653-3021.

Mrs. Tesha Mae Porte guides students in her Pre-K class while Principal, Sister Esperanza H. Seguban, OP, visits.

Students recite a grace before meals prayers as they prepare to take a snack break in the Physical Education class of Mr. Curtis Aranzaso.

Sister Esperanza H. Seguban, OP, is shown at the front office of Dominican Catholic School. Sister Esperanza is entering her sixth year at Dominican.

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Father Duenas Memorial opens 2020-21 Schoolyear Aug. 3

Father Duenas Memorial School in Tai became the first school on Guam to commence classes in the 2020-21 schoolyear welcoming students back to the Tai campus on Monday, Aug. 3. (UPDATE: Please see new development in news release at top)

Principal Ismael Perez, faculty and staff greeted students for a full day of instruction since the COVID-19 pandemic struck Guam and many parts of the globe. All students and adults were required to wear masks and keep their hands sanitized as part of safety and health protocols.

Father Duenas has registered a student enrollment of 380 thus far this year. Dominican Catholic School in Yigo will be the next Archdiocese of Agana school to resume classes, opoening its doors on Wednesdau, August 5.

The statue of school namesake, Father Jesus Baza Duenas looks toward the heavens at the front of Father Duenas Memorial School in Tai.

Here, Mrs. Christina Mantanona leads opening prayers in her Literature class.

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Concerned Catholics of Guam subsidizes education
of Guam seminarians; Archbishop thanks CCOG for support

Archbishop Michael Byrnes extends sincerest gratitude to the Concerned Catholics of Guam (CCOG) for the group’s recent contribution of $20,000 to St. Patrick’s Seminary in California to cover the cost of education and formation of the Archdiocese of AgAÑa’s three seminarians: Deacon Junee Valencia, Deacon Ron Pangan, and Deacon William Mamangun.

“Thank you very much for supporting our seminarians, now all deacons,” Archbishop Byrnes said in an email message to CCOG President, Dave Sablan on July 30.

“In the months to come we will have three new priests ready to bring Jesus to every Catholic in His Word and in His Flesh CCOG has been a faithfilled benefactor toward the formation of priests on Guam. God bless you all!”

CCOG issued a news release on July 27. Access a pdf copy of the release by clicking here..

 

L-R, first row: David Sablan, president of CCOG; Fr. Richard Kidd, Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Agaña. L-R, second row: Andrew Camacho, CCOG vice president; Evangeline Lujan, CCOG secretary; and Gerald Taitano, CCOG Treasurer. (Photo by CCOG)

July 28, 2020

NEWS RELEASE

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PREPARED FOR NEW SCHOOL YEAR

Within days of resuming classes in the first two weeks of August, Guam’s Catholic schools are prepared to welcome students for the reopening of schools in safe and healthy environments.

Specific opening days for Archdiocese of Agaña schools are expected to be announced by tomorrow. Schools are prepared to address the needs of students and deliver sound and effective academic lessons while paying attention to the social and emotional well-being of students from PreK classes to the 12 ^th grade. All Catholic schools are communicating with the families of their students in various ways to support the adjustment to the new school year and the new school protocols. The schools will continue to support the students with practices rooted in the Catholic faith.

All 14 Catholic schools have taken measures to ensure that classrooms and high touch areas will be initially and periodically sanitized. Students will be required to wear masks, wash their hands regularly, and have access to hand sanitizing solutions when necessary. Students’ temperatures will be taken and recorded upon their entrance to campus and/or individual classrooms. Schools have made significant purchases and installed equipment to maximize health and safety precautions. Various activities, such as the dropping off and picking up of students, assigning students to classes, picking up lunches, and carrying out academic and other activities will follow social distancing protocols. For some schools and at some grade levels, students will be assigned to cohort groups and will stay with those groups throughout the day. Teachers will move from class to class.

Teachers and administrators have spent the summer preparing for the new approaches to effective teaching and learning amidst the COVID-19 challenges. Preparations for distance learning, adjustments to the regular uses of digital devices, and conducting classes with limited interactions among students have been part of the efforts leading to the reopening of the schools. After almost five months away from school, teachers are prepared to welcome students and help them adjust to the school environments. They will be aware of the students’ anxieties about returning to interactions with individuals outside their immediate families. The teachers will also pay attention to the needs of students that go beyond the academic expectations of the classroom environment.

In preparing for the new school year, schools have held or have scheduled orientations for students’ families to ensure that they understand and will support the health and safety protocols.

 The orientations will also open opportunities to more effective communication between teachers
and parents, especially in addressing students’ academic and social and emotional needs. More than ever, the partnerships between schools and families will lead to a successful adjustment to the new school year and a meaningful and rewarding experience for the students.

Parents are encouraged to contact individual schools if they have questions on specific reopening protocols and expectations.

For more information on the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Agaña, contact Juan Flores, Superintendent of the Office of Catholic Education at 562-0051 or [email protected].

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FAREWELL TO SISTER GERTRUDE, RSM

The Sisters of Mercy on Guam, relatives and friends gathered on Saturday, July 18 in prayerful remembrance of the late Sister Mary Gertrude Quitugua, RSM during her Mass of Christian Burial at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, Hagatna.

Fr. Mike Crisostomo was the main celebrant with a half dozen concelebrating priests. Fr. Andre Eduvala, OFM Cap., was the homilist and Fr. Jeff San Nicolas did the final commendation.

Passing away on July 9, 2020 at age 88, Sr. Gertrude dedicated 70 years as a Sister of Mercy. She taught multitudes of children on Guam in Catholic schools such as Cathedral Grade School, Santa Barbara, and Saint Anthony as well as CCD students in archdiocese parishes.

Passing of Sister Mary Gertrude Quitugua, RSM

July 14, 2020
  NEWS RELEASE

 

Sister Mary Gertrude Quitugua, also known as Isabel Santos Quitugua, 88 years old, was called home to God on July 9, 2020, at Mercy Care Center on Guam.

She entered the Mercy community on Guam on July 2, 1950 and enjoyed 70 years as a Sister of Mercy.   For most of her years of service, Sister Gertrude taught at Santa Barbara Catholic School in Dededo and Cathedral Grade School in Hagatña.  She also taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in Dededo, Yigo, Naval Air Station (NAS), Agaña, Tumon, Maina and the Agaña Cathedral.

Sister Gertrude served as Administrator of Infant of Prague Nursery and Kindergarten for a year.  She also served as pastoral minister/associate in the parishes of Maina, Barrigada, Asan, Umatac and Merizo.  In her later years, Sr. Gertrude moved to Mercy Care Center in Oka and succumbed to cancer on July 9, 2020. 

Most of her surviving siblings reside in the U.S. mainland.  Sister Gertrude was very outgoing and friendly. She loved coming across the many students she taught on Guam and with a big smile, often shared how proud she was of them.

Sister Gertrude will be greatly missed by her community and many friends.  She has lived her motto: “Love of God conquers all!” May Sister Mary Gertrude rest in the Lord’s eternal peace!

Daily Rosary/Mass
and Funeral Mass Information

Mass is being celebrated at 4 p.m. daily followed by Rosary. Supporters can follow the Masses and Rosaries via livestream on the Sisters of Mercy Guam Region Facebook page. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. Burial will be at Pigo Catholic Cemetery at 3 p.m.
 

Sent by Tony C. Diaz, Archdiocese Director of Communications on behalf of the Sisters of Mercy, Guam. [email protected], (671) 562-0065

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