Archbishop Byrnes' Message to Participants
of Diocesan Synod of Synod Listening Sessions

(Click on photo for video message)




 

Dec. 25, 2021                                                                      Protocol No. 2021-085

 
 

Archbishop’s Christmas Message, 2021

Something so magnificent as the Son of God becoming flesh to save us
from our sins should stir our hearts to prayer, fervently and frequently

 


“ ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord… And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’ ” -- Luke 2:10-14
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My dear brothers and sisters,
 
The peace and joy of Jesus Christ be with you on this Christmas Day!
 
As we celebrate Christmas and the joyous birth of our Infant King, Baby Jesus, I extend my prayers to all people of Guam. Something so magnificent as the Son of God becoming flesh to save us from our sins should stir our hearts to prayer, fervently and frequently. We pray in exaltation. We pray in appreciation. We pray as a way of conversing with our Lord and telling him how much we love him for all that he has done and continues to do for us.
 
The birth of our Savior, the coming of our Redeemer is the source of our happiness as baptized children of God. He is why as Christians, we can experience agonizing hardships, losses and sorrow yet still emerge steadfast in our faith. Without his saving grace, we are ruined. Without his guiding Light, we are lost.
 
This Christmas season, I encourage all people to resolve to follow the Light of Jesus Christ more closely. Just as the Magi were guided by the Star of Bethlehem in their search to find the holy infant king born to Mary, trust in the Light of the World to guide you in every endeavor and decision that you undertake. May you grow in holiness with each step that you take.

A complete trust in God and surrendering to the will of the Holy Spirit is precisely what
our Archdiocese of Agaña and the Church throughout the world must do in the next several months. Pope Francis has called the Church to embark on a journey of COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION and MISSION as part of a Synod on Synodality that will bring the bishops together in Rome in 2023.
 
The Church on Guam commenced our diocesan phase of the synod during Mass on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. On the eve of the Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, we certainly found more reason to come together in prayer. Please include in your daily prayers, earnest petitions that our Archdiocese will recognize and follow the direction of the Holy Spirit during the diocesan phase.
 
In this synod we will journey together with a purpose of being more inclusive as we look to our future Church, paying special attention to those on the margins whose concerns and perspective are so often overlooked.  In a very real sense, the process will not be a time for preaching by the Church, rather it will be a time of reflection and listening.
 
The Church will organize listening sessions throughout the island which will welcome the hearts and voices of a wide range of people. We’ll strive to create a space to hear the Holy Spirit together and get a sense of direction the Church should take at this moment in history. Synodality seeks to include not only those who attend Mass and are active in our parishes but the silent majority as well as those who have left the Church, feel excluded or feel pushed to the periphery in the Church and society.
 
During our local endeavor, it's important that we strengthen our friendship with Jesus because he is the one that will be walking with us as we walk this Synod on Synodality. That’s the gift we celebrate during Christmas and all the days of our lives, that God gave his only Son to be with us, to guide us and to save us from our sins.
 
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14.
 
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones,
 
 
Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.
Archbishop of Agaña

Note -- Click here for a signed PDF copy

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Dec. 7, 2021

NEWS RELEASE

."It's important that we strengthen
our friendship with Jesus."


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As the Archdiocese of Agaña embarks on a journey of COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION and MISSION as part of our participation in the bigger Synod on Synodality, Archbishop Michael Byrnes urged the people to rely on the Holy Spirit and immerse ourselves in the Holy Scriptures.

From now to March, our archdiocese will hold listening sessions throughout the island to hear from a wide range of people, especially those who feel excluded, overlooked or feel pushed to the periphery in the Church and society.

"One of the things that helps us very much in listening to the Holy Spirit of course, is digging deeply into scripture, especially in the Gospels," he said during his homily at the Dec. 7 Mass which marked the start of our synod process.

"Let's make a priority, especially in the Gospels to read them, to contemplate them. That's where you're going to meet Jesus in the flesh, in another way," the archbishop said.

"It's important that we strengthen our friendship with Jesus because he's the one that we'll be walking with as we walk this Synod on Synodality," he said.

Archbishop Byrnes likened our efforts embarking on our synod journey as "kind of like building the airplane while it's in flight. But that's the way the Holy Spirit works."

We don't have all the answers readily at hand. We're building and learning as we go. We can't do it by ourselves and in fact, above all we must invoke and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us.

To learn more about the Synod on Synodality and our archdiocesan phase of this global effort, visit archagana.org and https://www.synod.va/en.html
(Archdiocese of Agaña Photo by Kyle Tenorio/Expressions Studio)
 

 

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A CALL TO PRAYER

Dec. 2, 2021                                                                        Protocol No. 2021-081

Archbishop’s Message
Please pray for U.S. Supreme Court,
protection of the unborn and overturn of Roe vs. Wade

Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,

The United States Supreme Court has begun to hear arguments on Wednesday, Dec. 1 (Thursday, Guam time) on a pivotal case which has the potential to overturn Roe vs. Wade, the infamous decision in 1973 that legalized abortion in our nation.

I ask all Catholics in our Archdiocese of Agaña to pray for each of the Supreme Court justices to fully realize that every unborn child in the womb deserves the right to live.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit fills the hearts and minds of these judicial leaders. Pray that they are filled with the wisdom, courage and fortitude to make the only decision that is right: the decision that proclaims that the killing of the smallest among us is never justified. The decision that upholds one of the greatest moral laws of all, our Creator’s command, “Thou Shalt Not Kill”.

The judicial process will not be an overnight procedure. Even after hearing arguments, deliberation by the justices is expected to span months, well into 2022. That means there is plenty of time for our archdiocese and our pro-life allies in other religious denominations to pray in the varied ways that we know. Pray as individuals, couples, families and groups. Pray in church. Pray in our schools. Pray at work. Pray fervently. Pray often. Prayer is our conversation with God.

The case that the Supreme Court justices have agreed to hear is known as Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and involves a Mississippi law that restricts most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The Mississippi law challenges two landmark decisions: Roe vs. Wade in 1973 and Planned Parenthood vs. Casey, which upheld Roe in 1992.

How the justices decide on this Mississippi case will have tremendous, historic impact on our nation and could save millions of lives of unborn babies moving forward. A favorable, pro-life ruling would significantly weaken or as mentioned, possibly overturn Roe vs. Wade. It would put more of the responsibility to restrict abortion in the hands of the people, at their individual state levels.

I urge others do what Guam Catholic Pro-Life Committee members already regularly do and hold peaceful prayer rallies and novenas. I ask our priests to include in your Mass intentions, the U.S. Supreme Court and favorable results against abortion. As I said in a letter last September, I recognize that our archdiocese must do much more to address the atrocity of abortion.

Once again, I urge our clergy to more vigorously and frequently speak about the grave evil of abortion at their Masses, gatherings and Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) classes. Teachers in our schools and parishes, please regularly teach the youth about the grave sin of abortion. They will be the adults of tomorrow who can follow through with efforts to end abortion. Plant the seeds now.

Our Lord has entrusted each of us with the gift of life. So dear brothers and sisters, encourage one another to protect this treasure. Listen and counsel – with love -- those who disagree, are unsure or who are lukewarm.

Finally, as we lift our voices to our Lord, please include in your prayers, women and girls who have had abortions or are thinking of aborting their babies. They need our love. In speaking strongly about respecting the lives and dignity of our innocent unborn babies, please also extend that same respect to all others. Those who might oppose, infuriate or offend us, they too deserve dignity and kindness.

Finally, our Archdiocese of Agaña is in the beautiful season of Advent whereby we await the coming of our Savior, both in the anniversary of his birth on Christmas and his second coming at the end of time. Our waiting is not meant to be an idle time or a period of passivity however.

Rather, we are called to be alert and ready, lest we are overcome by the distractions, trappings and anxieties of the secular world.

In their website at usccb.org, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops remind us, “Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.”

At his Sunday Angelus address on the First Sunday of Advent on Nov. 28, Pope Francis said “the secret of being vigilant is prayer … which keeps the lamp of the heart lit.”
During Advent, Christmas and all the days of our lives, let us become much more vigilant in the fight against abortion. Each child in the womb deserves that from us.

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.
Archbishop of Agaña

(Note: For a signed PDF copy, click here)

For the full schedule, visit
https://aganacathedral.org/documents/2021/11/2021%20SMK.png

 

 

Nov. 24, 2021
NEWS RELEASE

 

FEAST OF SANTA MARIAN KAMALEN

Statue of Blessed Mother to travel islandwide again on Dec. 8;
Nightly nobenas begin next Tuesday, Nov. 30

(Click here for schedule of nightly nobenas and Masses)
(Click here for the poster of schedule of nobenas and Masses)

The historic statue of Santa Marian Kamalen will make an islandwide pilgrimage once again as the Archdiocese of Agaña celebrates the Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen and Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, 2021.

Catholics can pray outside their homes and churches and along the roadside as the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen visits them throughout the island. Like last year, the image of our beloved Mother Mary will go to the faithful in place of the traditional procession outside the Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña. The adjustment is made to help safeguard all people against the spread of COVID-19.

Monsignor James Benavente, Pastor of the Dulce de Maria Cathedral-Basilica Agana parish announced this year’s plans in Nov. 8 and Nov. 22 letters to clergy, religious and Catholic school administrators. The Cathedral-Basilica has released this year’s schedule of nightly nobenas for the Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen. (Accompanies this news release)

The nobenas and Masses will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at the Cathedral-Basilica. Information on routes and timeline of the islandwide pilgrimage of Santa Marian Kamalen will be posted shortly.
 
All are reminded that the islandwide pilgrimage of Santa Marian Kamalen will not be a motorcade. To avoid creating traffic congestions, the faithful are strongly asked NOT to organize motorcades that attempt to follow the statue. This will pose safety issues for parishioners while approaching large crowds.
 

(Click here for a PDF copy of this news release)
 

Sent by Tony C. Diaz
Director of Communication
tony.diaz@archagana.org (671) 562-0065
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Nov. 22, 2021

NEWS RELEASE

Archdiocese to commence diocesan phase
of Synod of Bishops with special Mass on Dec. 7

The Archdiocese of Agaña will begin a process of reflection at the local, diocesan level by celebrating Mass 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica as part of the Synod of Bishops which will be held in Rome in 2023.

Archbishop Michael Byrnes made the announcement in a letter to the faithful on Nov. 18. The archbishop will celebrate the special Mass on the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception/Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen which the archdiocese celebrates every Dec. 8. 

“Our loving God gives himself to each of us. All are important. All are welcome,” said Archbishop Byrnes. “With that in mind, Pope Francis has announced a process of reflection leading up to a meeting of the Synod of Bishops to take place in Rome in October of 2023.  He announced a diocesan phase to begin at this time. The regional phase will follow.”

In the next several months, the archdiocese will organize a series of meetings islandwide which will be open to all people, especially those who feel excluded. It will be a process of listening and reflection. It is a process which is taking place throughout the Church worldwide as called by the pope.

“In this synod we will journey together with a purpose of being more inclusive as we look to our future Church, paying special attention to those on the margins whose concerns and perspective are so often overlooked,” the archbishop said. “The three touchstones of this process are communion, participation and mission.”

For more about the local phase of the Synod of Bishops, please view the Archbishop’s letter which accompanies this announcement. More information can also be found at archagana.org and https://www.synod.va/en.html.

 

Sent by Tony C. Diaz, Director of Communication

Archdiocese of Agana, (671) 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana.org

Archbishop Byrnes' Letter on Synod of Bishops
(Click here for a PDF copy)
(Click here for more info. on Synod)

Nov. 18, 2021

To the people of the Archdiocese of Agaña:

Our loving God gives himself to each of us. All are important. All are welcome. With that in mind, Pope Francis has announced a process of reflection leading up to a meeting of the Synod of Bishops to take place in Rome in October of 2023.  He announced a diocesan phase to begin at this time. The regional phase will follow.  Our archdiocesan phase will open with a special Mass at 5 p.m. in our Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica on Tuesday Dec. 7, the eve of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception/Feast of Santa Marian Kamalen.  

In this synod we will journey together with a purpose of being more inclusive as we look to our future Church, paying special attention to those on the margins whose concerns and perspective are so often overlooked.  The three touchstones of this process are communion, participation and mission.

Communion is the blessing of unity amid diversity.  We all have a role to play in discerning and living out God’s call for His people.  Synodality seeks to hear what everyone has to contribute, especially those whom we do not hear from often.

Participation seeks the involvement of everyone in a process of deep, respectful listening to each other.  In this way we create space to hear the Holy Spirit together and get a sense of direction the Church should take at this moment in history.  Synodality seeks to include not only those who are very active in our parishes and the silent majority, who despite it all, come faithfully to Mass every weekend, but also those who have quit coming, feel excluded or feel pushed to the periphery in the Church and society.

Mission – Once we have shared a sense of direction, the Holy Spirit leads us forth to share the love of God with the whole human family, especially those who live on the spiritual, social, economic, political, geographical and existential peripheries of our world.

In Guam, our participation in the synod will consist of a series of meetings between now and May in order to reflect on the following questions: How does this journeying together happen in our local church?  And what steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in journeying together?

I invite everyone to reflect on these questions and then participate in the discussions which will take place in groups in our parishes and the archdiocesan level, sharing your thoughts and listening to what others have to say.  Truth is horizontal as well as vertical, and it takes humility to truly listen with an open heart to others whose life experience and perspective on things may be very different from our own.

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I pray that through this synodal process we will better discern what God is asking of us today.

Sincerely in Christ,

†Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.
Archbishop of Agaña

 

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Oct. 15, 2021

 NEWS RELEASE
 
Catholic schools report eight positive cases of COVID-19

 Click here for a pdf copy
 

Catholic schools have reported a total of eight positive cases of COVID-19 for the period of Oct. 5 to Oct. 14, 2021. Seven are students and one is an employee.
 
School administrators have informed the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and the Archdiocese of Agaña Liaison for COVID-19. They are working with DPHSS on contact tracing and have contacted parents of the affected students.
 
Mount Carmel School reported that two students tested positive on Tuesday, Oct. 5. Bishop Baumgartner Memorial Catholic School had two students test positive on Tuesday, Oct. 12. Dominican Child Development Center (DCDC) had one positive student on Monday, Oct. 11, St. Anthony Catholic School had one student on Tuesday, Oct. 12 and Father Duenas Memorial School had one student on Wednesday, Oct. 13. Infant of Prague Catholic Nursery and Kindergarten had one employee test positive on Oct. 7.
 
Please note that a positive case reported from a school does not necessarily mean that the individuals contracted the virus at their campus.
 
There have been 11 cases of COVID-19 by individuals from our Catholic schools since students began returning to in-class learning on Sept. 20. Since the start of School Year 2021-2022 in August, Catholic schools have recorded 53 positive cases. Forty-eight are students and five staff.
 
School administrators assure parents that they are following all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of their students and adults.  The Archdiocese encourages students, faculty, staff, and family members to be cautious of contact and exposure in the community that may lead to COVID-19 infections.
 
Archbishop Michael Byrnes, newly named Superintendent of Catholic Education Father Val Rodriguez and our Catholic school administrators ask everyone to pray for the affected individuals and their families and all who have contracted the virus. Thank you.
 
 Sent by Tony C. Diaz, AOA Office of Communication
(671) 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana.org

 

Oct. 9, 2021

NEWS RELEASE

Archbishop appoints Father Val Rodriguez
new Superintendent of Catholic Education

Click here for a pdf copy
 

The  Archdiocese of Agaña is pleased to announce that Archbishop Michael Byrnes has appointed Father Val Rodriguez the new Superintendent of Catholic Education effective Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021.

Father Val will serve as Superintendent while also retaining his position as Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish in Toto.

Details were finalized on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, Thursday, Oct. 7.  He succeeds Dr. Juan Flores who stepped down to pursue other ventures last August.

Ordained a priest on May 23, 1998 at St. Isidore parish, Roxas, Palawan in the Philippines, Father Val first arrived on Guam in 2009. He returned to the Philippines in 2013 but came back to the island in 2018.

Father Val served as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, Palawan in the Philippines from 1998 to 2009. He was also the Director of the Commission on Mass Media and Director of the Commission on Liturgy in Palawan.

He was Spiritual Director/Professor at St. Joseph Seminary in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, (1998-2002); Director of St. Agustine Catholic School in Coron, Palawan (2002-2005); Dean of Studies, St. Joseph Seminary, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (2005-2009); and Chaplain/Professor of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic High School in Ordot, Guam (2009-2013).

Father Val holds a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Philosophy, Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Theology along with a Master of Arts in Philosophy.

On Guam, he first served as Parochial Vicar at St. Anthony-St. Victor Church in Tamuning in 2009. He returned to the Philippines in 2013 and served as Pastor of Nuestra Senora de Araceli parish in Palawan.

Upon his return to Guam in 2018, Father Val served one year as Parochial Vicar at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña. In 2019, Archbishop Byrnes assigned Father as Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, where he continues today.

We extend our gratitude, prayers and congratulations to Father Val. May God bless him abundantly throughout his ministries.

Sent by Tony C. Diaz
Archdiocese of Agana Director of Communications
(671) 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana.org

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Click here for a PDF copy of the Archbishop's message and Financial Update.

Sept. 16, 2021

 

Archbishop’s Message:
Keep Jesus in our hearts amid
disagreements and difficulties of pandemic

Hafa adai my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

How shall we cope with all the suffering in our island and in our world today? For one, we have each other. We are called to help one another.

Despite any differences you may have with one another, perhaps intense disagreements on the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine mandates, abortion, same-sex unions, and so on, I implore all people of faith to keep peace intact in your hearts. Cherish the longstanding relationships and ties you’ve built with one another throughout the years … as family, as friends, as co-workers, classmates or parishioners.

Disagree. Debate. Argue. But please, do so with the utmost dignity and respect for one another. All those many moments in your lives where you’ve shared common joys, common ground, the breaking of bread at family gatherings or fiestas, they are part of the treasures our Creator has bestowed to His children. Do not cause your friendships or family bonds to die. Satan is real and he delights when hatred overcomes love.

Amid the division and differences in viewpoints, it can be said that everyone is suffering one way or the other. Everyone has wounds. Everyone has fears. Each of us have concerns. None are less important than the other. I find it helpful to stop and remember that each person we meet here on earth is a direct result of the will and love of God our Father. During his days among us, Saint John Paul II put it this way: “People need to be treated individually as persons, in the knowledge that Christ shed all his precious blood for each of them.”
 
So, we have each other to help carry us through these precarious times. More importantly however, we have God. Seek him in prayer. Go to him at Mass, in the Holy Eucharist and the Sacraments. Confess your sins to Jesus through the priests in Confession. Practice the supernatural virtues of faith, hope and love.

In his Message for World Youth Day in 1996, Saint John Paul II reminded young people from across the globe that “The more you cling to Jesus, the more capable you will become of being close to one another.”

So, cling to Jesus! Trust in Him.

With God at the heart of all our words, thoughts and actions, we shall overcome this agonizing period in our history. Jesus loves us. Extend that love to one another.
The peace of Jesus Christ be with you,
 
/s/Most Rev. Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.
Archbishop of Agaña

Note -- Click here for a signed PDF copy on Archdiocese letterhead.

 

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Click here for a PDF copy of the announcement

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Sept. 11, 2021                                                                     Protocol No. 2021-069

Archbishop’s Message
on abortion and protection of our unborn

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,

“When we survey the lives destroyed by abortion over the past five decades, it is easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged. But we are making real progress. This is an incredibly exciting time to be pro-life. If we work together—secular and religious, young and old, from every race and gender—I firmly believe we can end abortion in my lifetime.’’ – Kelsey Hazzard, Secular Pro-Life

Those uplifting words of hope and encouragement come from a young lady named Kelsey Hazzard, president and founder of a non-religious group called Secular Pro-Life, which, in the group’s words, “brings together people of every faith and no faith in defense of preborn children.”

Some may find it odd that a pastoral message from a Catholic archbishop would quote a person who describes herself as an atheist. Indeed, there are major, fundamental differences in what we believe, especially as it pertains to our God and Creator.

However, during a week of anger and sadness for local advocates of our precious unborn children, such a message from a secular pro-lifer can be an encouragement to us in Guam to remain unshaken in our efforts to eradicate abortion in our island – even in the world.

It reminds us that guarding humanity and standing up for the dignity and right to life of all human beings is not exclusively Christian. As baptized children of God, Catholics and Christians most certainly have an absolute duty to protect the lives of our innocent brothers and sisters in the womb. It is not merely a responsibility, it is a command from the Author of Life Himself, whom we must not defy.

We take heart that we are not alone in efforts to protect innocent human beings in the womb. Some convictions are universal. Or at least they should be.

No matter our background or beliefs, each of us knows how it feels to be young and vulnerable. As children, we clung to our parents, grandparents, and perhaps a beloved aunt or uncle or other trusted adults that we knew would keep us safe from any harm that the world might present.

We hang our heads in sadness and pray for children whose environment and circumstances offer no such care. It’s an inherent part of who we are as human beings to care and protect the youngest among us. Brought to life by our Creator who is Love himself, it is our nature to love and cherish the children who surround us.

Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood’s decision in the District Court of Guam on Friday, Sept. 3 was another blow to opponents of abortion.  The judge’s decision opens the door to so-called “tele-medicine” which would assist women and girls locally in procuring abortions guided remotely by doctors from afar. The judge’s ruling grants a preliminary injunction on local laws that had made it more difficult for women to seek abortions.

It won’t be the last setback for all in Guam who recognize the urgent need to stand up for our helpless brothers and sisters in the womb. I commend those locally who fight for the lives of our unborn children, including members of the Guam Catholic Pro-Life Committee, the Esperansa Project, Knights of Columbus and those from other religious denominations. The Safe Haven organization also provides invaluable assistance to pregnant women and girls in Guam. As well, Ohalaˈ Adoptions offers a compassionate option through adoption while “bringing peace, hope, and stability to the women and children of Guam.”

We are naturally disappointed and upset about this latest legal effort that impedes the work to protect the unborn. However, especially for we baptized children of God, remember that our hope is forever in our Lord. As now Saint John Paul II, urged, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”
 
We must persist in defending the lives of our unborn. Pray fervently, speak up, push for pro-life legislation and join voices and efforts together. I recognize that we, the Church must do much more to bring light to this atrocity of abortion. I urge our priests to more vigorously and frequently speak about the grave evil of abortion at their Masses, gatherings and CCD classes. Teachers in our schools and parishes, make the teachings about the grave sin of abortion a regular activity with your students. Families and friends, the call to protect the sanctity of life is yours as well. Speak to one another, counsel the wayward.
 
Though it may not be pleasant for some to hear, Catholics young and old, need to be reminded about the basic teachings of Christ regarding life. This is one excerpt from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:

Abortion
2270 Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person - among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life.⁷²

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.⁷³
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.⁷⁴

2271 Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law:

You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.⁷⁵
God, the Lord of life, has entrusted to men the noble mission of safeguarding life, and men must carry it out in a manner worthy of themselves. Life must be protected with the utmost care from the moment of conception: abortion and infanticide are abominable crimes.⁷⁶

2272 Formal cooperation in an abortion constitutes a grave offense. The Church attaches the canonical penalty of excommunication to this crime against human life. "A person who procures a completed abortion incurs excommunication latae sententiae,"⁷⁷ "by the very commission of the offense,"⁷⁸ and subject to the conditions provided by Canon Law.⁷⁹ The Church does not thereby intend to restrict the scope of mercy. Rather, she makes clear the gravity of the crime committed, the irreparable harm done to the innocent who is put to death, as well as to the parents and the whole of society.

Pope John Paul II said this in Evangelium Vitae, his “Gospel of Life” encyclical of 1995: “Life, especially human life, belongs to God; whoever attacks human life attacks God’s very self.”
 
As we defend the lives of the unborn, in all our words and actions, we must be firm in our convictions and communication that abortion is an absolute evil. However, in our heightened emotions, please do not project hatred to our brothers and sisters who support abortion. In fact, more than ever, they need our love. Recognize that each person has their own wounds, experiences and circumstances that have helped to shape their views about abortion. Just as we pray that they treat us with dignity, so must we uphold the respect and dignity that is due to each of them as our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.

Finally, as our Archdiocese of Agaña celebrates the feast of Dulce Nombre de Maria – the Sweet Name of Mary -- this weekend, we also have great comfort knowing that we have our beloved Blessed Mother in Heaven watching over us. She who is full of grace, intercedes for us, prays for us, and comforts us as she bids us to her Son.

With all those graces that Our Father gives to us, we remain full of faith amid these troubling times. Embrace that love then and share it with others.
Yours in Jesus Christ,
 
/s/Most Rev. Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.

Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña

NOTE -- A copy with the Archbishop's signature can be found here .

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Guam Confraternity Christian Mothers
honoring Our Lady of Sorrows



Click here for a list and photos of Christian Mother officers and board members.

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The Confraternity of Christian Mothers honors Our Lady of Sorrows as their Patron Saint. The island-wide group has been praying the Novena and Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary in celebration of Her Feast Day on September 15, 2021.

Under the guidance of Fr. Felixberto C. Leon Guerrero, O.F.M. Cap, Spiritual Director of the group, the units offer prayer and support for families, the parish, and the community in countless different ways. God relies on mothers to keep Christ in the world by keeping Him in their hearts and in their homes.

If you are interested in joining the Confraternity of Christian Mothers, please contact your parish office for information or call Pauline Camacho, CCMIB President at 687-4369, Bobbie Martinez, CCMIB Vice-President at 489-5050, or Priscilla Quichocho, CCMIB Treasurer at 689-5240.
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Announcement and image sent by Christian Mothers.

Sweet Name of Mary Novena
begins Sept. 3

Faithful of the Archdiocese of Agana will celebrate the feast of Dulce Nombre de Maria (The Sweet Name of Mary) 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatna.

Monsignor James Benavente, Pastor of the Agana parish has released the festal schedule which includes the nightly novena which begins on Friday, Sept. 3. The intention for the first night of the Rosary and Mass is for all who are sick and in siolation, especially because of COVID-19.

A different special intention will be dedicated each evening, leading up to the festal Mass on September 11.

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Click here for a PDF copy of the AVISO.
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August 20, 2021

NEWS RELEASE

Local memorial Mass for Bishop Emeritus Amando Samo
to be celebrated Saturday, Aug. 28

The late Bishop Emeritus Amando Samo of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands presides at a graduation Mass at Chaminade University in Manoa, Honolulu in 2012. Photo provided by Guam resident Dave D. Nelson. Mikel, the youngest son, of Dave and Suzette Nelson was a graduate that year, and the proud Nelson-Kioshi families were present. 


Archbishop Michael Byrnes will celebrate a memorial Mass locally in remembrance of the late Bishop Emeritus Amando Samo of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021 in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña.
Bishop Emeritus Samo entered eternal life on Saturday, August 7.

Bishop Julio Angkel, clergy and faithful of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands are gathering at this moment in Chuuk at the Holy Family Church in Nepukos to pray for the beloved Bishop Emeritus during his wake.

The funeral Mass in Chuuk for Bishop Emeritus Samo will be celebrated 11 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 21 in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral in Tunnuk. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Facebook page, “The Diocese of the Caroline Islands”.

Bishop Amando had served faithfully as a consecrated servant of Jesus Christ since his ordination to the priesthood in 1977. He was Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands in 1994-95 and then as Bishop of the same diocese from 1995 to 2020. He was succeeded by Bishop Julio in 2020.
 
We thank our Lord for His holy servant, Bishop Samo and pray for the repose of his soul.

Sister Trinie Pangelinan, RSM
Golden Jubilarian


Sister Barbara Ungacta, RSM
Golen Jubilarian




Aug. 8, 2021
Message by Archbishop Byrnes
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Our Archdiocese extends prayers on passing
of Bishop Emeritus Amando Samo

 
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AVISO

His Excellency, Most Rev. Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.
Metropolitan Archbishop of Agan᷉a
announces the following appointments:


Fr. Patrick Castro OFM Cap.
Pastor
St. Jude Thaddeus, Sinajaña
Effective 01 July 2021


Fr. Joseph English OFM Cap.
Pastor
Santa Teresita Parish, Mangilao
Effective 01 July 2021


Fr. Felixberto Leon Guerrero OFM Cap.
Pastor
St. Francis of Assisi, Yoña
Effective 01 July 2021


Fr. Andre Eduvala OFM Cap.
Pastor
Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Agaña Heights
Effective 01 July 2021


Fr. Harold C. Prieto
Administrator
San Miguel Parish, Talofofo
 Effective 01 July 2021



Given at the Chancery Office on the 9^th day of June 2021.

(Click here for a PDF copy of the AVISO)





May 20, 2021                                                                                  Protocol No. 2021-043

Archbishop’s message
on lifting of dispensation on Pentecost Sunday

Happy birthday Church!

In a few short days, we will be able to say those words to one another. It is my prayer that there will be a great many more people exclaiming those words of joy within the actual walls of our churches.

The Church will celebrate Pentecost Sunday this weekend on May 23. The feast of Pentecost commemorates that great moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in a powerful rush of wind, with tongues of fire that transformed everyone present.

Filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking to one another in languages that defied their understanding, the disciples who gathered in the upper room were infused with graces during what we know was the beginning of our Catholic Church. Pentecost marks the inauguration of our Catholic Church and is thus considered the birthday of the Church.

The miracle that occurred with the disciples in that room is the miracle that brings us together each Sunday and for some, every day. The gifts of the Holy Spirit bestowed on the disciples in that moment are gifts that continue to be bestowed on us today. It is why we gather regularly inside the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, in every Catholic church on island, in the Marianas Islands, the Pacific region and in fact across the vastness of the world.

As baptized children of God, we come together to celebrate the Blessed Sacrament made present to us in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  We partake in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.  We receive the real Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and thus are strengthened in our calling to go out and proclaim the Gospel to every creature on earth.

While on earth, now Saint John Paul the Great said, “The Lord unites us with Himself through the Eucharist—Sacrament and Sacrifice—and He unites us with Himself and with one another by a bond stronger than any natural union. Thus united, He sends us into the whole world to bear witness, through faith and works, to God’s love, preparing the coming of His Kingdom and anticipating it, though in the obscurity of the present time.”

We call the celebration and sacrifice of the Mass the source and summit of our Catholic faith. However, for a period of time more than a year ago, our reception of the sacred Body and Blood of Christ suddenly became endangered in the Archdiocese of Agaña. As a startling, life-taking virus descended upon our island and in most parts of the world, the doors of our churches closed, celebration of Masses inside our actual churches ceased for a time and many could not receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

It was necessary for me to grant to all Guam Catholics a general dispensation from the regular obligation of attending Mass on Sundays and other Holy Days of Obligation. Though it was not a pleasant decision to announce, the dispensation was necessary for the health and safety of all the faithful.

Though not completely free of the dangers that the virus poses to all people, it is evident that our community has since made great strides in the protection from, prevention and mitigation of the virus known as COVID-19. I therefore announce that as of Pentecost Sunday, May 23, I am lifting the general dispensation from attending Mass for all Catholics. Everyone should be made aware that as in ordinary times, all Catholics must now resume fulfilling their obligation to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays and on Holy Days of Obligation.

Exceptions in the form of particular dispensations are given to the faithful who are ill, have fragile health, are homebound or susceptible to contracting illnesses. With mercy, our Church must always keep in mind the health and protection of our vulnerable brothers and sisters in any action or decisions that we make.

Consideration is also given to our brothers and sisters who have tremendous anxiety or fear of becoming sick from being in a public setting. In these cases, they are also dispensed from their obligation to attend Mass. For those uncertain about their status in relation to the lifting of the dispensation, please speak to your respective pastor or parish priest for guidance.

Each pastor will be responsible for accommodating the return of more faithful to their actual churches starting this Pentecost Sunday. In certain parishes, livestreaming of the Mass may be reduced in number or cease altogether. However, though it remains at the discretion of individual pastors, I highly encourage all parishes to consider continuing to livestream some of your Masses to the homebound, sick and elderly. Restricted to their homes or senior care facilities, your broadcasts are like lifelines to them.

The lifting of the general dispensation does not mean ceasing other Archdiocesan protocols that are meant to minimize the spread of the virus, such as wearing of protective masks, sanitizing of hands, sanitizing of pews, signing in at the entrances, and maintaining proper spacing between Massgoers. These will continue.

The dispensation that was granted during the start of the pandemic was understood to be temporary. Following Mass through Internet livestreaming or by way of TV or radio broadcasts is never a substitute for attending Mass live and in person. It can never replace being fully present ourselves as we celebrate the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. We pray to our Lord that we never have to resume such conditions again.

I spoke earlier of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that the disciples received on Pentecost. They were transformed with courage and the Holy Spirit itself as they received their mission to proclaim Jesus Christ to all the world.

Pentecost is a good time for each of us to pause and reflect on everything that we’ve experienced during this extraordinary time of the pandemic. Contemplate the gifts that Jesus has given to each of us. Are we making the best use of those gifts? Are we fulfilling our duty to proclaim the Gospel to the world? What difference has Jesus made in your life? How are you sharing him with others?

I called ours the Pandemic Generation during my homily last Sunday, on the Seventh Sunday of Easter and the Ascencion of the Lord. What purpose does God have for us at this time? What are the fruits we derive even from these difficult times? Having experienced the emptiness and loss of not being able to receive Jesus inside our churches, perhaps it has taken this life-changing global threat to better appreciate the beauty and importance of Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist.

There have been graces. I have seen our parishes become more attentive to individual parishioners for instance, as they spend great care and attention to keeping their churches clean and sanitized and the parishioners well protected. I have witnessed the sacrifices and love that students, families, teachers, staff and administrators have devoted to their schools as they diligently make the adjustments necessary to keep Catholic education thriving at their sites.

Our Catholic churches and schools have developed prowess in the use of technology to regularly livestream Masses and events to their communities and global audiences. They are able to do so because of big-hearted volunteers and staffers with communication skills who give an extra part of themselves operating the cameras and other machines.

To each of you who have contributed to our Church in these and other ways, I express my sincerest gratitude. Thank you as well to all Catholics who have endured these difficult times and have remained supportive.

To one and all, please come back to the Church! Our doors are open. Most important of all, Jesus Christ has never left. He welcomes you!

Yours in Jesus Christ,

/s/Archbishop Michael Byrnes
Metropolitan Archbishop of Agaña

(Note: Click here for a signed PDF copy of the letter)

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Year of St. Joseph a double blessing
for Inarajan parish with its 340th jubilee

By Umatuna Si Yuˈos Staff

In the midst of storms and difficult times, God sends blessings that lift our hearts.

That holds true in these trying times of the pandemic. Even as the Catholic Church grapples with the challenges, hardships and heartbreaking deaths that COVID-19 has brought in the past 14 months, it has been heartened with such graces as Pope Francis declaring a “Year of St. Joseph”.

In his Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (“With a Father’s Heart”) last December Pope Francis shined a light on the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church. The pope proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” which began on Dec. 8, 2020 and ends on December 8, 2021.

T he commemoration has extra significance for pastor, Father Joseph Anore and the parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Inarajan because they had already begun to celebrate the tremendous 340th year anniversary of the establishment of their church. Though activities have been toned down because of COVID-19, the parish has still managed to honor their patron saint and the legacy of 340 years for St. Joseph Church on island.

St. Joseph parish opened the month of May by celebrating the second of two feast days of their patron saint, St. Joseph the Worker on Saturday, May 1st. Though there was no traditional procession and reception known as Taotaotu manu afterward, the parishioners gathered with visitors as Archbishop Michael Byrnes celebrated the festal Mass with Father Jojo as concelebrant. On the following Sunday, there was a simple, scaled down motorcade with the Statue of St. Joseph traveling through the southern village.

A few months earlier, on March 19, the Inarajan faith community and others observed the festal Mass commemorating St. Joseph, Husband of Mary.

FULL PLENARY INDULGENCE
Both the Year of St. Joseph declared by the Holy Father and this Jubilee Year of St. Joseph Church on Guam come with the blessings of a full plenary indulgence by the Holy See. Pope Francis had already granted the plenary indulgence to the Archdiocese and St. Joseph parish in 2020. The actual decree arrived just last April.

The full plenary indulgence took effect May 1 and extends to December 8 of this year, 2021.
“We invite and encourage the entire Faithful on the island to avail this once-in-a-lifetime Blessing and Grace,” said Father Joseph. He explained the following requirements needed in order to avail of the plenary indulgence:

• Make a pilgrimage visit to the church of St. Joseph, Inalahan.
• Go to Confession
• Attend Mass and receive Communion
• Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father

Furthermore, the elderly, the sick and those who cannot leave their home may also obtain the full plenary indulgence, Father Joseph said. They must show sorrow for their sins and observe the three usual conditions, even as they spiritually unite themselves with the Jubilee celebrations and offer to God their own trials and sufferings.

To help and encourage parishioners and other Catholics to avail of the full plenary indulgence, Confession is available 30 minutes before Mass or by appointment at St. Joseph parish. Please call 828-8102.

In his Apostolic Letter, “Patris corde”, Pope Francis said, “The greatness of Saint Joseph is that he was the spouse of Mary and the father of Jesus. In this way, he placed himself, in the words of Saint John Chrysostom, ‘at the service of the entire plan of salvation’.”

Pope Francis continued, “Saint Paul VI pointed out that Joseph concretely expressed his fatherhood ‘by making his life a sacrificial service to the mystery of the incarnation and its redemptive purpose. He employed his legal authority over the Holy Family to devote himself completely to them in his life and work. He turned his human vocation to domestic love into a superhuman oblation of himself, his heart and all his abilities, a love placed at the service of the Messiah who was growing to maturity in his home’.”


 

During Good Shepherd Sunday, Archbishop
discusses grave sin of child abuse committed by clergy in past

Gospel, John 10:11-18

Jesus said: “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep.

I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep…”

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Archbishop Michael Byrnes spoke frankly about the grave sin of sexual abuse committed in the past by a number of Catholic clergy on Guam including his predecessor, former Archbishop Anthony Apuron during the 9:30 a.m. Mass April 25, 2021 in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica.

During his homily on the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Archbishop Byrnes discussed the Gospel of John and Jesus our Good Shepherd while decrying the so-called shepherds of our diocese who instead acted as hired men and had no regard for the sheep. Instead they harmed the flock.

Archbishop Byrnes also described the responsibility that the Archdiocese of Agana has today. “Since we’re the Church, we have to bear the sins of our predecessors and try to make some recompense to those who have suffered so grievously in the past and (who) continue to suffer in that way,” he said.

“Our aim is to bring some measure of justice, not full justice because there is no capacity for full justice when you’ve been grievously suffered in this way,” the archbishop said. “But we must make some recompense to bring through this proceeding, the greatest measure of justice to the greatest number of victim/survivors.”

“So what I want to say today is that we the Archdiocese of Agaña will give no place to those who serve as hired men, as hired people who let the wolf run free,” he said. “And so, may the Good Shepherd himself strengthen us that we stay true to that conviction and turn that conviction into action.”
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To hear the Gospel and Archbishop Byrnes’ entire homily, view a recording of the April 25, 2021 Fourth Sunday of Easter Mass by visiting the Agana Cathedral’s website at
https://aganacathedral.org/

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