Pastoral Messages

26 March 2020

PERSEVERENCE IN DIFFICULT TIMES

“I think we’re being corrected by God to again think about what’s important in our lives.”

Archbishop Michael J. Byrnes of the Archdiocese of Agaña in Guam discusses the important virtue of perseverance and the need to honestly examine what Our Creator is telling us as our island and the entire world is jolted into drastic change and isolation by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 

GUAM'S GIVING HEART

In times of crisis and hardships, the heart of our people is shining strong in Guam. Archbishop Michael Byrnes delivers a heartfelt THANK YOU to the many different businesses, groups and individuals of our community who are selflessly giving of themselves in a wide range of inspiring ways.


22 March 2020

Archbishop Michael Byrnes sends prayers and gratitude to all of Guam's government, community and emergency leaders as well as workers for all their work, dedication and guidance amid the COVID-19 emergency.

20 March 2020

Archbishop Michael Byrnes of the Archdiocese of Agana in Guam talks about "loving our neighbor in isolation" during his message of Mar. 20, 2020 amid the COVID-19 crisis that has gripped the island and many parts of the world. View his message by clicking onto the Facebook link below. 

Archbishop Michael Byrnes extends prayers to employees of Guam's hospitality and restaurant industry who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis that has befallen us and many parts of the world. Click the Facebook link to see his message. Click here to go to our FB Page!

19 March 2020

Archbishop Michael Byrnes addresses Guam Catholics regarding the public health emergency due to COVID-19 and the temporary suspension of public Masses in the Archdiocese of Agana.

The Most Rev. Michael J. Byrnes of the Archdiocese of Agana takes a moment to extend prayers and thanks to all medical professionals, caregivers and emergency personnel for their work and dedication amid the COVID-19 emergency.

March 28, 2020

Protocol No. 2020-059

 
PASTORAL LETTER IN RESPONSE TO THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION & THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CHURCH BUILDINGS DURING THIS COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Peace be with you!

Please be assured of my prayers for you and your families. We have lost one sister as a result of this pandemic and find that to date 49 of our brothers and sisters have tested positive for COVID-19.  I also remember and keep in prayer all the families who bear, at this time, uncertainty of a loss of work, the availability of resources, and how to recover when a solution to this pandemic is available.  We are in a period of history in which none of us have experience; therefore, your commitment to keep the faith and continue to work patiently as a community of believers in cooperation with the protocols issued by the government gives me confidence that we will weather this storm like true disciples of Jesus Christ.  I encourage you now to find confidence in the word of God…“be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).  Indeed God is with us and therefore I implore you to remain steadfast in prayer constant in charity, and strong in faith. We can ever rely upon a Provident Father whose mercy and power knows no end.

In this letter, therefore, I address two important issues: 1) the temporary closure of our church buildings; and 2) the  Sacrament of Reconciliation within the context of our present circumstances.

First, regarding the closure of our church buildings. In my pastoral letter to you on 16 March 2020, I encouraged your pastors to use their discretion in keeping the church buildings open for personal prayer, while observing the protocols of social distancing. Unfortunately realities have changed given the rise of confirmed cases of infection and the new government strictures of social isolation. As of today, in order to do our part in preventing the further spread of COVID-19 all church buildings will be temporarily closed, at least up until 13 April 2020. I understand that our churches throughout the island bring comfort, hope, and strength to you, but I must encourage you at this time to pray at home and to take advantage of, and foster the opportunity you have to nourish your domestic church. Have those conversations with your famil in which you may share each other's worries, fears, concerns and hopes for the future. Contemplate and act upon the simple but profound words of St. Teresa of Calcutta, “love begins at home.”

Secondly, regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We understand that with the social distancing measures in place, the ordinary way of celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation, that of individual confession, is not possible, in that doing so would most likely place both the penitent and the priest in danger of infection. 

Therefore, as a consequence of the current pandemic, along with guidance from the Apostolic Penitentiary in Rome; and most especially taking into account the supreme good of the salvation of souls, I grant to our designated hospital chaplains permission to provide general absolution to penitent patients who seek reconciliation.

For those of us who are observing this period of social isolation and are unable to leave our homes, we will not be offering private reconciliation or general absolution. I therefore encourage you to continue to foster a spirit of perfect contrition according to a note by the Apostolic Penitentiary:

"Where the individual faithful find themselves in the painful impossibiilty of receiving sacramental absolution, it should be remembered that perfect contrition, coming from the love of God, beloved above all things, expressed by a sincere request for forgiveness (that which the penitent is at present able to express) and accompanied by votum confessionis, that is, by the firm resolution to have recourse, as soon as possible, to sacramental confession, obtain forgiveness of sins, even mortal ones(cf. CCC, no. 1452)."

The important dispositions for perfect contrition are:
1. The Love of God;
2. Sincere desire for forgiveness; and
3. An ardent commitment to receive the sacrament of reconciliation when available.
 
I once again reiterate that these are temporary measures and updates will be provided to you in a timely manner.  Our present priority in this present moment motivates us as the Catholic Church on Guam to do our part in ensuring that COVID-19 does not continue to wreak havoc amongst our people. Therefore, I request that you engage more fully this extraordinary season of Lent: fast, pray, and join the sacrifices you are making to the sufferings of our Savior Jesus Christ, knowing full well that in the end He is victorious.  Be strong in faith, confident in hope, and constant in charity

Finally, continue to pray particularly for those individuals who are on the front lines of the response to this virus, the doctors, medics, researchers, and government leaders tasked with the noble work of keeping our island and communities safe.  Let all our interactions continue to be one that observes the respect and dignity of the person and do not forget the love Christ has for each of us. May God continue to be with us and that Santa Marian Kamalen may bless us and give us strength.

I remain in Christ,
 
/s/ Archbishop Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.                                                                                                             
Archbishop of Agaña
28 March 2020

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March 16, 2020

PASTORAL LETTER IN RESPONSE TO THE DECLARATION OF A PUBLIC HEALTH STATE OF EMERGENCY AGAINST THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Peace be with you!

As Guam and the world continues to contend with the growing threat of COVID-19, I ask all people to be steadfast in prayer and have relentless trust in God. He is all knowing, all powerful and unceasing in His love for us.

As you are aware, on March 14, 2020 Governor Lou Leon Guerrero declared a Public Health Emergency under the laws of Guam as COVID-19 moves throughout the globe. As the Governor pointed out, as each day passes it become more evident that the government alone cannot contain this virus. This is an unprecedented threat of worldwide concern. We must work together to overcome it.

I write to you now out of care and concern not only for your spiritual well-being but for your physical health and wellness.  I understand that the following instructions may be difficult to hear, but I encourage us all to continue to hold fast to prayer and penance during this Lenten Season.

I announce that in conjunction with the declaration of emergency and as part of our precautionary measures to stop and avert the further spread of COVID-19 all Sunday and weekday public Masses (as well as all other parish events) will be suspended in the Archdiocese of Agana, effective Tuesday March 17 until Saturday, April 18, 2020.
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic Faith, through which we encounter and enter into sacred Communion with the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Therefore, my decision to temporarily suspend this practice was not taken lightly. Fixing our eyes on Jesus Christ, we take to heart in a very real way the greatest commandment, to love one another, which in this unprecedented moment of our world’s history is the prudent attention to the local, federal government and health officials.

I reiterate the words of St. Paul in my earlier message to you, “rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” – Romans 12:12. To help you in this time I have communicated to your pastors regarding more details to direct the life of the parish during this time. If you have any questions, then please contact your parish offices. Both emails and phone numbers of all parishes can be found on our archdiocesan website https://www.archagana.org/.

Be assured that our priests will be offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass each day in private, that is, alone or with only one or two servers so as to continue to draw upon, and direct the graces contained therein. I encourage everyone to watch and participate in the Mass through radio, KOLG 90.9 FM and via TV {KUAM}, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook Live.  These links along with other resources and prayers during this time are also provided on our archdiocesan website. As you participate in Mass in this way you and your family are encouraged to pray the "Act of Spiritual Communion Prayer:"

My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.

I am entrusting to our priests the prudential discretion of celebrating baptisms, weddings and funerals. Gatherings are not to exceed 50 people in attendance. This directive is given by the local government so that the number of cases of those infected with COVID-19 does not spike.  Holy Communion, except as Viaticum, will not be distributed to the faithful.

Also, at the discretion of pastors, churches may be open for private prayer so that you can approach Our Lord who is fully present in the Tabernacle. Please also receive direction from the pastor (or the one whom he designates) as to the availability of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please contact your parishes directly for more information.

I take this opportunity to request that you enter into the experience of this Lenten Season, to fast and to pray. Pray particularly for those individuals who are on the front lines of the response to this virus, the doctors, medics, researchers, and government leaders tasked with the noble work of keeping our island and communities safe. I ask that you also pray for one another, especially our manamko and those who we are finding are particularly susceptible to this strain of virus. I humbly ask that you keep in prayer all those who have passed. We are a Church universal and where one part of the body suffers, we all suffer.  May the Lord and Santa Marian Kamalen be with them and comfort their families.  It is possible that during a time such as this we might forget that God is with us, even treat one another with a lack of charity. Do not forget the love of Christ for each of us, and allow that to inform your interactions with those around you. May God continue to be with us and that Santa Marian Kamalen may bless us and give us strength.

I remain in Christ,
 
/s/ Archbishop Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.                                           
Archbishop of Agana

click here to download the pdf

March 12, 2020

Archbishop Byrnes' Pastoral Message on COVID-19, faith and perseverance during trying times

My dear brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ,

Fear and anxiety are growing both here on Guam and abroad as people worry about the threat of the Novel Coronavirus known as COVID-19 and its impact on our lives and livelihood.

I find the following scriptural passage very helpful:

“Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer.” – Romans 12:12

Those are short, simple words but they hold much meaning for Catholics and Christians in general. Essentially, we are reminded that no matter the circumstances in our lives and regardless what difficulties may arise locally, regionally or globally, God is with us in every moment of our existence.

Knowing this, how are we to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic? Be Christians! Be courageous. Be strong in Christ and carry his light of love and kindness to others around us. Be confident in a Provident Father who, in all things, works for good for those who call on Him.

As the Shepherd of the Catholic Church on Guam, I encourage everyone to take the proper precautionary measures against the spread of the virus and other illnesses as advised by local public health experts and government officials. Stay updated on the latest news and advisories but please rely on authentic, reliable sources rather than believing or spreading hearsay, unsubstantiated information or fake news

Above all, let the peace of Jesus Christ and good sense guide our words and actions, rather than fear and panic.

The Archdiocesan COVID-19 Leadership Team, collaborating with Public Health officials and the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission has assisted me in developing Mandatory Protocols as a precautionary prevention measure. I ask all Catholics to adhere to these mandatory measures, knowing that they are only temporary. Updates will be made as needed. (See Page 8).

We will continue to monitor the situation closely.  Should the status of our island given by the health agencies change, we will act accordingly.

We pray for all those who have already fallen ill or succumbed to this 2019 Novel Coronavirus throughout the world. We pray as well, for all healthcare workers, emergency respondents and all those caring for those already infected abroad. May the Lord shower them with the grace of the Holy Spirit to protect and guide them in their mission.

/s/The Most Reverend

Michael J. Byrnes, S.T.D.

Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana

March 12, 2020