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Parish mass schedules for sept 12-13, 2020 (CLICK image TO ACCESS)
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News of the Archdiocese of agana
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Sept. 18, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Nightly Rosaries prayed for late Monsignor Quitugua;
San Juan Bautista parish to offer Rosary on Sunday
(Click here for a pdf copy of the news release)
Rosaries are being prayed in holy remembrance of the late Monsignor David I.A. Quitugua who died last Tuesday, Sept. 15 at the age of 84.
Father Mike Crisostomo, the Archdiocese of Agaña’s Vicar for Clergy announced that the family of the beloved priest is leading a nightly Rosary at 7 o’clock in coordination with Father Duenas Memorial School (FDMS). The Rosary is being live streamed and available on Zoom or on the Facebook page of Father Duenas Memorial School.
“FDMS mourns the passing of one of our beloved alumni, Monsignor David I.A. Quitugua. He was an alumnus priest who served our archdiocese and school community in every way he could,” Father Duenas posted on its website. “As a prime example of the original mission of the school, he was a good and faithful servant who was always strong in the faith.”
The faithful are welcome to join in praying the Rosary for Monsignor David. People can join at the following link:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/9980687766?pwd=a082RHU1bWJDWUhuckVaT0Rmd256Zz09
The Meeting ID: 998 068 7766 and Passcode: Av4a0n
San Juan Bautista praying Rosary
for late Pastor Emeritus on SundayFather Antonino Caminiti, Pastor of San Juan Bautista also announced that Rosary for Pastor Emeritus, Monsignor David, will be prayed at 8:15 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 20 at the church parking lot followed by 9 a.m. Mass.
Monsignor David led San Juan Bautista as its pastor for 23 years, beginning in 1993. He retired in 2016 but remained much loved as San Juan Bautista’s Pastor Emeritus.
Sent by Tony C. Diaz, Director of Communication
(671) 562-0000, tony.diaz@archagana.org
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The late Monsignor David I.A. Quitugua leads his San Juan Bautista, Ordot parishioners during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception procession in 2007. He was the pastor of San Juan Bautista since 1993 before retiring in 2016.
Sept. 15, 2020NEWS RELEASE
Archdiocese mourns passing of beloved priest,
Monsignor David I.A Quitugua
(Click here for a pdf copy of the announcement)The Archdiocese of Agana mourns the passing of longtime priest, Monsignor David Ignacio Arceo Quitugua, a beloved Chamorro clergyman who served faithfully in the Catholic Church for 56 years.
Monsignor David, passed away today, Sept. 15, 2020 at the age of 84. Archbishop Michael Byrnes extends his deepest prayers and condolences to the Quitugua family, his fellow clergymen and all in our Catholic Church and community in general.
One of the most senior priests of the Archdiocese, Monsignor David was Pastor Emeritus of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in Ordot. He had served as the pastor of San Juan Bautista since September of 1993 before his retirement in 2016.
A very kind, loving and gentle priest, Monsignor David was ordained a priest on Feb. 11, 1964 by then Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner at the Agana Cathedral.
He celebrated his 50th golden jubilee as a priest in 2014 surrounded by numerous family members, supporters and members of his San Juan Bautista parish.
Monsignor David is also well known as one of the main founders of Guam’s Catholic Social Service, a longtime faith-based non-profit organization devoted to helping the island’s needy.
In May of 1975, the late Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores assigned then Father David I. A. Quitugua to supervise the resettlement program for thousands of Vietnamese refugees on Guam who were homeless and jobless. He received a “Distinguished Humanitarian Award" from the United States Catholic Conference for his work.
In an effort to respond to the social needs of Guam, then Father David founded the Catholic Social Services in 1977, and served as its first Director.
The Archdiocese will release more information regarding Masses and Rosaries in the days to come.
Sent by Tony C. Diaz
Director of Communication
tony.diaz@archagana.org (671) 562-0000
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OH MARY, WE HONOR AND LOVE YOU!Feast of the Dulce Nombre de Maria/Sweet Name of Mary to be celebrated thiS Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13
Click here for a copy of the poster.
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BIBA SANTA MARIA!
The novena for the Feast of the Dulce Nombre de Maria/Sweet Name of Mary has begun. See schedule below. For a pdf copy, click here.
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Prayers for School Sisters of Notre Dame; two members test positive
for COVID-19
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Aug. 21, 2020
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS ADVISORY
All Catholic school offices, campuses to close by noon today
---The Archdiocese of Agaña’s Superintendent of Catholic Education, Juan Flores announces that all Catholic school offices and campuses will close at noon today in light of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s Executive Order 2020-28 on further restrictions related to COVID-19.
Parents, guardians and families are kindly asked to pay attention to official email messages, Facebook pages, websites of their respective schools to obtain news about distance learning next week.
Many thanks and God’s blessings to all.
Sent by Tony Diaz, Office of Communication, 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana,org in coordination with Juan Flores, Superintendent of Catholic Education, 735-4240, superintendent@archagana.org .---
IMPORTANT UPDATE ON MASSES
Aug. 15, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Archdiocese to temporarily celebrate Masses in parking lots,
and via live streaming during PCOR 1
(Click here for a pdf copy of the news release)Archbishop Michael Byrnes, consulting with the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission announces that Masses will not be completely halted during Pandemic Condition of Readiness (PCOR) 1. Priests will temporarily celebrate Masses at the different Catholic churches throughout the island in parking lots and via live streaming starting this Sunday, August 16.
(Please visit the Internet sites of your parish or access archagana.org for an updated schedule of Masses by early tonight. Please allow parishes time to update and compile their information).
Archbishop Byrnes is off-island on extended leave recuperating from surgery but is keeping apprised of the situation here at home.
The archbishop assures everyone of his continued prayers for our island. “The celebration of the Mass is the most essential endeavor known to the human race,” the archbishop emphasized in a brief message to his brother clergymen this morning, thanking them for their steadfastness.
Governor Lou Leon Guerrero announced Friday that she is placing the island on Pandemic Condition of Readiness (PCOR) 1 as of 12:01 a.m. Sunday. With much sadness, our Archdiocese will abide with the Executive Order. We care about the health and safety of Catholics and all people in the community.
Archdiocesan officials spoke directly and respectfully with Governor Leon Guerrero today and communicated, among other things, the Church’s absolute need to continue celebrating Mass at our parishes, at the very least, in parking lots using speaker systems and Internet live streaming.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is not a form of entertainment. It is not a type of social activity nor a pastime. Gathering in Communion with Jesus Christ, the author of all life, is essential to the life and soul of the Catholic Church and its people, who together comprise the Church.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is vital to the life and soul of the Church. It is essential to all Catholics because it nourishes and sustains us. Most importantly, beyond our earthly bodies, partaking in the celebration of Holy Mass is essential to sanctifying our souls so that we be united with God in his Kingdom of Heaven for all eternity. The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." – Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324.
Priests, staff and volunteers of each of our 26 parishes have stringently followed all protocols and procedures that ensure the safety of all Mass attendees and the celebrants at all of our live Masses these past many weeks. They will continue to do so now, during parking lot and live stream Masses. We earnestly pray that the PCOR 1 restrictions will be but for a short time.
All Catholics are reminded that if you are feeling ill or have pre-existing conditions that may put you at a greater risk to contract COVID-19 or other illnesses, please stay home. This is for your protection and that of others near you. The dispensation granted by Archbishop Byrnes excusing the faithful from Mass obligations still stands during this difficult time of a public health emergency.
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Sent by Tony Diaz, Office of Communication, 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana,org
Aug. 14, 2020
ADVISORY ON CATHOLIC MASSES
Saturday Masses to continue as scheduled;
Additional direction forthcoming
(Click here for a pdf copy of the advisory)The Archdiocese of Agaña’s Liturgical Commission would like to inform all Catholics on Guam that Masses for Saturday, August 15 will be celebrated as scheduled at each of our parishes throughout the island.
Regarding Pandemic Condition of Readiness 1 (PCOR 1) and its effect on Masses on Sunday and thereafter, please be assured that the Archdiocese will issue guidance by Saturday, Aug. 15. We understand how eager the faithful are to receive an official update. Thank you for your patience.
Sent by Tony Diaz, Office of Communication, 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana,org on behalf of the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission.---
Aug. 14, 2020
NEWS RELEASE`
PCOR 1 prompts Catholic schools
to transition to distance learning
(Click here for a pdf copy of news release)With Governor Lou Leon Guerrero announcing that she is placing the island on Pandemic Condition of Readiness 1 (PCOR 1) as of 12:01 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, Guam’s Catholic schools will now shift to conducting distance learning for its students next week.
Adhering to PCOR 1 restrictions, the Archdiocese of Agaña will close its school buildings and transition from holding classes on-site to teaching its students remotely through the Internet.
Governor Leon Guerrero made the announcement during a news conference today in response to a sharp rise in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in recent days.
The Archdiocese’s Superintendent of Catholic Education, Juan Flores, met with school administrators Thursday to prepare their plan of action. The schools provided
updates to their parents, guardians, families and students yesterday. They will continue to do so, especially in the transition to distance education.
The Office of Catholic emphasizes the importance of strong communication between parents/guardians and schools at this time. Parents/guardians, please stay informed about your children’s school status and class instructions by accessing information on the official websites and Facebook sites of your child’s schools. Please check your e-mail as well. Principals and teachers will also communicate to the parents and students in these different ways.
Sent by Tony Diaz, Office of Communication, 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana,org in coordination with Juan Flores, Superintendent of Catholic Education, 735-4240, superintendent@archagana.org and our Catholic school principals.---
IMPORTANT UPDATE
ON FATHER DUENAS MEMORIAL,
MORE CATHOLIC SCHOOL OPENINGS
Aug 9, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Father Duenas cleared to resume classes on Tuesday with exception
of some members; Other Catholic schools to begin classes this week
(Click here for a pdf copy of this news release)Superintendent of Catholic Education, Juan Flores announces that Department of Public Health and Social Services has cleared Father Dueñas Memorial School to resume on-site classes this week with the exception of one set of school members. FD will resume classes Tues., Aug. 11.
Father Duenas began Schoolyear 2020-21 on Monday Aug. 3 but closed its facility on Aug. 5 and shifted to remote instructions after Public Health had notified the Archdiocese of Agaña that a member of the school community had tested positive for COVID-19.
After investigating and conducting contact tracing, Public Health officials advised the Archdiocese that Father Duenas can resume on-site classes this week. An exception is a group of students or adults who may have had direct, prolonged contact and exposure with the individual who tested positive. Those members will be required to quarantine themselves at home for the next 14 days. Principal Ismael Perez will notify the individuals.
FDMS will continue one more day of distance learning on Monday to allow for faculty and staff to meet to review the protocols it has in place before resuming on-site classes on Tuesday.
The school administration and staff have conducted additional, extensive cleaning and sanitization of the school this week and will resume precautionary measures such as distancing requirements and use of hand sanitizers and masks by all members.
Eleven more Catholic schools to start classes this coming week
Eleven more Archdiocesan schools will begin Schoolyear 2020-21 this week as scheduled.
All schools have sanitized their sites thoroughly and ensure parents, students and families that they have stringent health precautionary protocols in place to protect against COVID-19.
Parents or guardians who may have reservations about returning their children to school can call their respective schools regarding temporary accommodations which may be provided.
Eight schools will open their doors to students on Monday, Aug. 10. They are:
Academy of Our Lady of Guam (Group A students on-campus. Group B, students virtual); Bishop Baumgartner Memorial School; Santa Barbara Catholic School (Pre-K to 3rd grade students); Saint Francis Catholic School; San Vicente Catholic School; Mercy Heights Nursery and Kinder; Dominican Child Development Center; and Infant of Prague Nursery & Kinder.
St. Anthony Catholic School will open its doors on Aug. 11 for Kinder to 4th grade students and Aug. 17 for 5th to 8th graders. Mount Carmel School welcomes all students on August 11. Santa Barbara welcomes its second set of students, 4th to 8th graders on Aug. 12.
Notre Dame High School welcomes 9th and 10th graders on Monday, Aug. 17 and the next day, Aug. 18, greets 11th and 12th graders. Dominican Catholic School opened last Wednesday, Aug. 5 and continues classes.
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
Academy of Our Lady, Hagatna
Aug. 10 -- Group A students (on-campus); Group B (virtual)
Aug. 11 – Group A students (virtual); Group B (on-campus)
Notre Dame High School, Talofofo
Aug. 17 – 9th and 10th grade; Aug. 18 – 11th and 12th grade
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial, Sinajana
Aug. 10
Mount Carmel School, Agat
Aug. 11
Saint Anthony Catholic School, Tamuning
Aug. 11 – Kinder to 4th grade; Aug. 17 – 5th to 8th grade
Santa Barbara Catholic School, Dededo
Aug. 10 – PreK to 3rd grade; Aug. 12 – 4th to 8th grade
Saint Francis Catholic School, Yona
Aug. 10
San Vicente Catholic School, Barrigada
Aug. 10
Mercy Heights Nursery & Kinder, Oka
Aug. 10
Dominican Child Development Center, Ordot
Aug. 10
Infant of Prague Nursery & Kinder, Tai
Aug. 10
Father Duenas Memorial School, Tai
Began classes Aug. 3. School facility closed on Aug. 5, classes shifted to remote instructions due to one positive case of COVID-19. FD is cleared to resume classes Tuesday, Aug. 11 with exception of some members.
Dominican Catholic School, Yigo
Began classes Aug. 5, continues this week.
Parents and guardians, pls. call your respective schools for more information. Juan Flores, Superintendent of Catholic Education can be reached at 735-4240 or superintendent@archagana.org.---
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020 -- 6:45 p.m.
NEWS RELEASE
Father Dueñas Memorial School
to continue remote instructions FridayThe Archdiocese of Agaña and Father Dueñas Memorial School remain in communication with the Department of Public Health and Social Service regarding the positive case of COVID-19 by a member of the school community which was announced this morning.
Public Health’s investigation of the case continues. In the meantime, the school facility will remain closed on Friday, Aug. 7 and students will continue attending classes remotely.
The Archdiocese will make sure to update parents, families and everyone in the FDMS school community as further guidance is provided by Public Health. The safety of students and all members is of the highest priority.
Sent by Tony C. Diaz, Director of Communications (671) 562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana.org in coordination with the Office of Catholic Education and Father Duenas Memorial School.
Father Duenas Principal, Ismael Perez (671) 734-2261, iperez@fatherduenas.com
Juan Flores, Superintendent of Catholic Education, (671) 562-0051 or 53 superintendent@archagana.org
For a pdf copy of the news release, click here.
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Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Father Duenas shifts to on-line instructions
as member of school community tests positive for COVID-19Father Duenas Memorial School has advised all students, staff and faculty to remain home starting today, Aug. 6 after being informed by Public Health officials that a member of the school community has tested positive.
The Archdiocese of Agaña Office of Catholic Education and Father Duenas Memorial school officials are working closely with Public Health and assures everyone we are acting with great diligence. We greatly appreciate Public Health’s assistance and professionalism.
As health officials investigate the positive case, the school will remain closed and will issue updates based on information provided by Public Health. Father Duenas principal Ismael Perez issued an announcement to all parents and families and assures them the school makes the safety of the students and entire FD community an utmost priority.
Sent by Tony Diaz, Office of Communication
562-0065, tony.diaz@archagana.org
Note -- For a pdf copy of the news release, please click here.
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Dominican Catholic School begins classes in SY 2020-21
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.
Eight grade students in Mr. Curtis Aranzaso's Physical Education class take a snack break in the morning during the first day of classes at Dominican Aug. 5.
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 gives thanks to ccog for supportArchbishop 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)
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July 29, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
Opening dates announced for Catholic schools,
2020-21 Schoolyear
The Archdiocese of Agaña’s Office of Catholic Education announces the start dates of classes for Catholic schools in Schoolyear 2020-21. Most of the 14 Catholic schools will begin instructions within the first two weeks of August. Some have already begun parent and student orientation this week.
Two schools will begin classes by next week. Father Duenas Memorial’s first day of classes at Tai will be Monday, Aug. 3rd. Dominican Catholic School in Yigo will welcome students on Wednesday, Aug. 5th. Most other schools will start on Aug. 10 with some on Aug. 11, 12 or 17.
FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
Academy of Our Lady, Hagatna
Aug. 10 -- Group A students (on-campus); Group B (virtual)
Aug. 11 – Group A students (virtual); Group B (on-campus)
Father Duenas Memorial School, Tai
Aug. 3
Notre Dame High School, Talofofo
Aug. 17 – 9th and 10th grade
Aug. 18 – 11th and 12th grade
Bishop Baumgartner Memorial, Sinajana
Aug. 10
Dominican Catholic School, Yigo
Aug. 5
Mount Carmel School, Agat
Aug. 11
Saint Anthony Catholic School, Tamuning
Aug. 11 – Kinder to 4th grade
Aug. 17 – 5th to 8th grade
Santa Barbara Catholic School, Dededo
Aug. 10 – PreK to 3rd grade
Aug. 12 – 4th to 8th grade
Saint Francis Catholic School, Yona
Aug. 10
San Vicente Catholic School, Barrigada
Aug. 10
Mercy Heights Nursery & Kinder, Oka
Aug. 10
Maria Artero PreK & Kinder, Agana Hts.
Aug. 10
Dominican Child Development Center, Ordot
Aug. 10
Infant of Prague Nursery & Kinder, Tai
Aug. 10
A list which includes parent and student orientation dates is also attached. Parents and guardians, pls. call your respective schools if needed. Juan Flores, Superintendent of Catholic Education can be reached at 562-0051 or superintendent@archagana.org.
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July 28, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PREPARED FOR NEW SCHOOL YEARWithin 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 12th 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 superintendent@archagana.org.
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FAREWELL TO SISTER GERTRUDE, RSMThe 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 RELEASESister 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. tony.diaz@archagana.com, (671) 562-0065
/documents/2020/7/AOA%20Sister%20Gertrude%20death%2007142020%20FIN.pdf
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Archbishop’s aug. 22, 2020 pastoral message on holy eucharist and masses
Protocol 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 -
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