SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012
VOL. 66, NO. 16
www.umatuna.org
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Guam Archdiocesan World Youth Day 2012
Youth Experience the Passion of Christ
By Jennifer Louise Dulla
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For the U Matuna Si Yu’os
n Palm Sunday, April 1, 2012, the Archdiocesan World Youth Day (AWYD) event gathered about 850 youth on Guam for a spiritual and enjoyable celebration. A strong group of youth and from Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey in Chalan Pago along with their pastor Fr. Santiago Flor Caravia and island wide volunteers put their faith, energy, and ideas together in preparing to
TOKEN
FA I TH
“What better thought could we hold in our hearts? What better words to utter with our mouths? What better thing to write than Deo Gratias (Thanks be to God)! There is nothing in the world briefer or easier to say or hear, nor is there anything better understood or more spiritually fruitful, for the mere saying of these words bears fruit.” St. Augustine
celebrate the youth of Guam's Archdiocese. The theme of the event was “Rejoice in the Lord!" The AWYD was a great meeting for the youth of Guam gathered to celebrate and learn more about their Catholic faith. The event began with registration at the Father Duenas High School Phoenix Center in Mangilao. The youth were then transported nearby to the Our Lady of Peace and Safe Journey Catholic Church in Chalan Pago where they were able to witness and live the Passion of Christ beginning with a play put
together by the youth of the hosting parish. The play highlighted the welcoming of Jesus and his betrayal. 15 year-old AWYD participant Jerome Meneses of Yigo was inspired by the activities. He said, "I'm glad I came because now I look forward to celebrating Holy Week instead of just staying home during my Spring break." The event continued with " The Way of the Cross" where the youth actively took See YOUTH, Page 4
Photos by OLOPSJ & Jennifer Louise Dulla
Feast of Divine Mercy Spratly Islands PHILIPPINES
By Fr. Joel de Los Reyes For the U Matuna Si Yu’os
Today, April 15, 2012 is the Feast of Divine Mercy. In her Diary entry no. 699, St. Faustina wrote; On one occasion, I heard these words: “My daughter, tell the whole world about My inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are
open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach he Fount of My Mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which graces flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet. My mercy is so great that See DIVINE MERCY, Page 6
Standoff Continues (UCA News) The Philippines and China today traded barbs as a Philippine gunboat remained locked in a standoff with two Chinese vessels off a disputed archipelago in the South China Sea. “If the Philippines is chal-
lenged, we are prepared to secure our sovereignty [over the Spratly Islands],” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told reporters in a press briefing today after a meeting See STANDOFF, Page 6
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SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012
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Sisters of Mercy Celebrate Jubilees By Sr. Trinie Pangelinan, RSM For the U Matuna Si Yu’os
The Guam Sisters of Mercy began celebrating “Diamond Jubilees” of the Sisters in 1997 with that of the first group—Sisters Mary Damien, Maria Dolores, Mary Roberta—with Sr. Mary Dolores in memoriam. This year, three more diamond jubilarians are celebrating here: Sisters Francis Jerome Cruz, Doris SanAgustin, and Mary Carmelita Peredo. Two members of their group-Sisters Mary Monica Perez and Carmen Cruz—will be celebrating their jubilee in North Carolina. Also celebrating this year as a “Silver Jubilarian” of 25 years is Sister Erencia Saipweirik, one of the first Sisters of Mercy from Chuuk.
Sr. Carmelita Peredo Motto: “To Act, To Love, To Suffer” Sister Mary Carmelita Peredo, also known as Antonia White Peredo, is the daughter of Magdalena Fernandez White and Joaquin L.G. Peredo of Mangilao. She had six siblings, all of whom have passed on to Sr. Carmelita eternal life. Peredo Sister entered the Mercy Community on Guam on July 2, 1952 with a group of sixteen. This year, there are only five Sisters celebrating their sixtieth, or Diamond, Jubilee. Although Sister Carmelita’s ministry has always involved young children, she has had opportunities to minister in different places and settings. She served as the first administrator of the Mercy Hts. Nursery in 1968 for a period of 15 years. Following that experience, Sister worked in the cafeteria at Cathedral Grade School in Agana. She then volunteered for a new mission in Rota at San Francisco de Borja parish for eight years. When the Rota mission ended, Sister was assigned to Infant of Prague Nursery and Kindergarten, where she is currently ministering to precious infants and toddlers. Despite her many years of service, Sister still wants to remain active. Her preference is to continue to reside “in the missions” so to speak, unless her health requires her moving elsewhere.
Sr. Mary Francis Jerome Cruz Motto: Thy Will be done! Born as Maria to Jose Farfan Cruz and Josefina Camacho Cruz, Sister Mary Francis Jerome had seven siblings: Antonio (who became a priest), Jose, Rosa, Ann, Juan, Teresita and Mary Lou. All of them experienced the ill effects of World War Sr. Mary Francis II especially Jerome Cruz that of the concentration camp in Mangengon. Sister summed up these experiences as those of “uprootedness, fear, injustice and poverty,” which helped her develop wisdom and understanding as an adult. These, coupled with the simple lifestyle of her village in Mangilao, were a source of enrichment in her life journey. It was during her high school years that Sister heard the call to religious life, and it was on July 2, 1952 that she pursued the call and entered the Sisters of Mercy on Guam, remaining faithful to that call for the next 60 years. Like the other Sisters in the community, Sr. Francis Jerome taught CCD in a number of parishes on Guam, but her main ministry was to become teaching as well as administration in Cathedral Grade School and the Academy of Our Lady, where she presently serves as president. To prepare her for her education ministry, Sister received her college education at College of St. Mary in Omaha, Nebraska, St. Louis University in St. Louis, Missouri, and Boston College in Massachusetts. Many of her students credit their success in life to Sister’s excellence as an English teacher. In her community of Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Francis Jerome served as Regional Superior for eight years beginning in 1980, and likewise as a member of the leadership team for many years. Reflecting on her life as a religious, Sister reiterated her Golden Jubilee sentiments: “I am totally committed to the charism of the Sisters of Mercy, which I believe is most relevant for the future of the Church.” As her motto dictates, Sister has become more discerning now to the will of God through per-
sonal prayer, reflection and responsible freedom.
Sister Doris SanAgustin Motto: “Deus Cordis Mei Domine ”
Sister Doris SanAgustin, daughter of Ramon Sanchez SanAgustin and Dolores Mendiola SanAgustin, entered the Sisters of Mercy at an early age. From her earliest memory, Sister Doris and her siblings— Olympia Rippel (deceased), David, Mary S.A. Ogo and Anthony were brought up with a strong Catholic faith. Sister Doris was received as a Novice in 1953 and in 1961 made her final profession of vows. “I thank God daily for the gift of my vocation and His call to minister in Sr. Doris the Spirit of SanAgustin Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy,” she said. Following her final profession, Sister Doris began her quest for higher education at St. Mary’s College in Omaha, Nebraska, where she received a bachelor’s degree in History and Elementary Education in 1964. Sister’s various ministries include teaching at St. Agnes Elementary Catholic School in Greenport, Long Island, New York, CCD at various parishes on Guam, Cathedral Grade School in Hagatna, Santa Barbara Catholic School in Dededo, Saint Anthony Catholic School in Tamuning, where she currently ministers, and the Academy of Our Lady in Hagatna. She also served in administration at Santa Barbara, Academy of Our Lady and Saint Anthony. After serving as Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Agana for eight years in the late 1980’s, she resumed the position of principal at Saint Anthony Catholic School from 1996 to the present. She has also served in various capacities in her community, including her current position as Asst. Local Administrator for Guam. In whatever ministry she assumes, Sister Doris finds joy in her work and does her best. She remarked, “This is the life to which we are called. This is our deeper ministry, and we are truly energized by those to whom we minister. My motto, ‘You are the God of my heart, O Lord,’ is a constant reminder that God will always be the center of my
is an entity of the Archdiocesan Development Group 207 Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores Street Hagåtña, Guam 96910 PUBLISHER
Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron O.F.M. Cap., D.D. DIRECTOR
life, in good times or bad. To live sixty years as a religious has only deepened my love and understanding of what it means to be a spouse of Christ, Sister Doris said.
Reverend Monsignor James L.G. Benavente
Sister Erencia Saipweirik: Silver Jubilarian Motto: Jesus My Life!
Sedrick S. Serisola
Sister Erencia Saipweirik comes from a large, devoted Catholic family of ten children. Her parents, Basilio and Sita Saipweirik raised their children on the outer island of Houk in Chuuk State. Erencia, the third eldest of the siblings, entered the Sisters of Mercy community Sr. Erencia on September Saipweirik 8, 1986. Sister Erencia’s happiest moment as a Sister of Mercy is when she is sharing her love of service with her sisters and the community of the faithful. She is grateful to God for her vocation to the religious life and loves her community which enables her to be a better servant of Christ. Since she entered the Mercy community, Sister Erencia taught for many years at Infant of Prague Nursery/Kindergarten, Mercy Heights Kindergarten, and currently at Saramen Chuuk Academy, a coed high school in Weno, Chuuk. Her favorite apostolates include teaching confirmands, instructing first communicants, visiting the sick in the hospital and home-bound, visiting prisoners, ministering to the Appalachian Mountain people in Kentucky, and just providing service to people in need. Sister believes that her life in community brings her closer to God, which enables her to live out God’s love for all creation. Her advice to young women is, “If you hope to enter a religious community and to share in the hopes, joys and sorrows of vowed life, listen to God’s invitation and pay attention to your heart. If you are inclined to throw in your lot with a group of sisters, go for it. This is faith in action. It can be a great life. Be the best human being you can be along the way, and you will know God’s love through your experiences with others.”
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GOSPEL & REFLECTION
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012 ANNOUNCEMENTS ACADEMY OF OUR LADY OF GUAM Apr. 19: Early Dismissal, 1:45 pm Apr. 21: Placement Test, 9:00 am to Noon. $35 Application Fee and $45 Placement Test Fee are due prior to testing. Applications available at AOLG Business Office of download online at www.aolg.edu.gu. Payments must be made at AOLG Business Office. Apr. 23 - 27: Fine Arts Week & Incoming Freshmen Parents’ Open House Apr. 27: Early Dismissal, 1:45 pm; Staff Development, 2:00 pm
Join the AOLG Advancing Women Educationally (AWE) Program to help prepare for the G.E.D. test. Program open to women 18 years or older who do not have a high school diploma and who qualify. Classes to be held on Saturdays at AOLG campus. An appraisal test must be taken to determine math and language skills level prior to attending classes. For more information, contact Marilyn Magofna at 734-7407/email: tonlyn123@guam.net or call the school at 477-8203. Application available online at www.aolg.edu. Please visit the school’s website at www. aolg.edu.gu or call 477-8203 for more information. NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL Apr. 24: Junior & Senior Prom Apr. 21: Placement Test for Incoming 9th Graders 9 am - noon
MASS FOR AN INCREASE OF VOCATIONS All those interested in the vocation to the priesthood or religious life are invited to attend a weekly Mass for Vocations offered every Wednesday, at 7 pm at Santa Barbara Catholic Church. For more info, please contact Fr. Paul Gofigan at 488-0613. Those interested in the permanent diaconate ministry are also invited to attend. KOLG.9FM is temporarily not airing regular programming. We are currently upgrading our system. We regret the inconvenience. Si Yu’os Ma’ase for your patience and understanding.”
Please send all announcements to news@umatuna.org or contact 472-6201 or 989-6391.
ARCHBISHOP
Anthony Sablan Apuron, O.F.M. Cap., D.D.
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rothers and Sisters: True to his character, Thomas does not believe his fellow disciples when they tell him they have seen the Lord. Maybe he is just being defensive or practical. It is bad enough that Jesus has met a tragic death, with the disciples failing miserably to stand by him. Thomas himself, who earlier declared that he was ready to die with Jesus, was nowhere in TODAY’S GOSPEL sight during John 20:19-31 the Master’s trial and and crucifixion. But there is no use covering up these failures by a lie, like saying that Jesus has risen from the dead and has appeared to them. No. Thomas will have nothing to do with this preposterous idea. Now, after eight days, Jesus appears in the same room and at the same time and circumstances. And Jesus, who knows what is in the human heart, now addresses Thomas precisely on the condition of his coming to faith: to see the mark of the nail marks and to put his hand into Jesus’s side. He turns the table on Thomas and the latter’s defense crumbles to pieces. He knows why the Master has singled him out. We can well imagine that when Thomas cries out, “My Lord and my God,” he is on his knees, asking forgiveness for his unbelief. Did Thomas probe Jesus’ risen body before professing his faith? In all probability, he did not.
Had Thomas examined and touch Jesus’ body, he would have been unworthy of being a disciple. Earlier in the gospel Jesus has condemned faith that rests on miracles: “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” Scripture Scholar Raymond Brown comments on this: “The Jesus of John does not reject the possibility that miracles lead to faith, but does reject miracles demanded as an absolute condition.” There is a fine touch of irony in Thomas’ words: the disciple who doubted the most gives expression to the highest praise of Jesus uttered in the gospels. The crowd and the disciples consider Jesus to be a prophet, a man of God. Peter, inspired by the holy Spirit, proclaims Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the living God. But Thomas proclaims the risen Jesus “Lord and God,” the title addressed to the one and only God of Israel. At the beginning of the gospel, St. John tells the readers that the Word was God. Now, by inclusion, he presents the disciples as coming to that insight, difficult though the process may have been. Thomas believes when challenged by Jesus to probe the marks on his body. He does not persist in his unbelief. Jesus certainly appreciated Thomas for this, but his final praise is for those who will come to believe without seeing his bodily presence. No greater praise can be given to Jesus’ followers than this: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Today, the sanctuary of Mary in Lourdes, France, continues to attract pilgrims from all over the world. there are reports of miraculous cures that are examined by physicians and scientists. But the majority of pilgrims do not need to witness miracles before pronouncing themselves blessed by God. They do not need to “see” the actual miracle in order to believe that Jesus and the Blessed Mother grace that blessed spot. This gospel reflection is taken from St. Paul’s 366 Days with the Lord. May your day be filled with
Archbishop’s Easter Message 2012 My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ: Continuing my recovery from a recent Quadruple Bypass, I send you this Easter Greeting in the hope that the Risen Lord whose victory over sin and death once more gives us all the glorious hope that we shall rise with him in glory if we faithfully die for him in this life. I thank you all very much for your continuing prayers, concern and help. As soon as I am fully recovered, I shall return home. May God bless you all and Happy Easter to all because Christ is truly risen, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!! Mane’lu-hu gi Kristo: Hu kuntinuha humomlo’ ginen i ti apbmam na “Quadruple Bypass”, hu na’ hanao este na Saludun Pasgua gi inangngoku na i Luma’la’ ta’lo na Kristo ni gumanna’ i isao yan i finatai un biahi ta’lo ha na’i hit todu i gloriousu na inangngoku na siempre mangahulu’ hit yan guiya gi gloriha yanggen mamfiet hit manmatai para guiya guini na lina’la’. Sen dangkulo na si Yu’os ma’ase’ para i ma kuntinuha na tinayuyot-miyu, kunsiderasion-miyu yan ayudun-mikyu. Gigun ha’ sen homlo’ yu, siempre matto yu’ tatte. Si Yu’os infambinendisi todu yan Filis Pasgua para todu sa’ sen lumala’ ta’lo i Kristo! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
love and may Almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Pinagat Atsubispo Anthony Sablan Apuron, Kapuchinu
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ane’lu-hu, komu i magahet na karaktet, si Tomas ti ha hongge i pumalu mandisipulu annai ma sangani gue’ na mali’e’ i Saina. Buente ha difiefienden mamaisa ha gue’ pat prumaktikakat. Baba’ ha esta na si Jesu Kristo dimalas finatai-na, ya i mandisipulu ti manachu put guiya. Si Tomas, ni guiya mismo dumiklara la taftaf na esta listo gue’ `para u matai yan si Jesu Kristo, tumaigue ha duranten i masentensia yan maklaban i Ma’estro-na. Lao taya bali-na i para matampe este siha na pineddong gi mandagi, tat komu i masangan na luma’la’ si Jesu Kristo ginen i finatai ya umannok giya siha. Ahi, ti malagu’ si Tomas sumaonao ni este i ti fa’hongge na ideha. Lao, despues di ochu dihas maloffan, matto si Jesu Kristo gi mismo kuatto, gi mismo tiempo yan gi mismo situasion. Ya si Jesus Kristo ni tumungo hafa gaige gi halom i korason taotao, ha adingnaniyi si Tomas gi mismo kundision ni para u fatto gi hinengge: i para hu li’e’ i matkan lulok yan para u po’lo i kannai-na gi kalaguak Jesu Kristo. Ha talabira i lamasa gi as Tomas ya ma disgrana i difensot-na. Ha tungo’ ha hafa i Saina na ha ayek gue’. Ya sina ta gof kumprende annai kumati huyong si Tomas, “Saina-hu yan Yu’os-hu,” dumidimu, mangagagao asi’e’ put i ti manhongge gue’. Kao ha dekka’ si Tomas i luma’la’ ta’lo na tataotao Jesu Kristo antes di ha prufesa i hinengge-na? Buente ahi. Sa yanggen ha eksamina pat ha pacha i tataotao Jesu Kristo, ti diknu gue na ufama’disipulu. La taftaf gi ibangheliu ha kundena si Jesu Kristo i hinengge ni uma’akalayi gi milagru: “Solu hamyo in li’e’ sinat yan manna’manman siha, ti infanmanhongge.” Si Pale’ Raymond Brown ilek-na: “Si Jesu Kriston San Juan ti ha richasa i pusibilidat na i milagru gumigiha i taotao guatu gi hinengge, lao ha richasa i milagru komu man dimamanda sen tatkilo’ na kundision.”Kulan guaha atlibes-na i palabras Tomas: i disipulu ni mas manduda muna’i sinangan i mas tatkilo’ na tininan Jesu Kristo ni masangan gi ibangheliu. I linahyan yan i mandisipulu makunsidera si Jesu Kristo komu un prufeta, un taotao Yu’os. Si Pedro, iniga ni Espiritu Santo, prumuklama si Jesus komu i Mesias, i Lahen i lala’la’ na Yu’os. Lao si Tomas ha pruklama i luma’la’ ta’lo na Jesus “Saina yan Yu’os,” i titulu ni masasangan i uniku ha na Yu’os Israel. Gi tutuhon i Ibangheliu, si San Juan ha sangani i manmananaitai na i Finiho’ si Yu’os ha’. Pa’go, gi imbrasa, ha prisenta i mandisipulu komu manmafatto guennao na minenhalom, maseha mappot matto guennao. Manhongge si Tomas annai chinagi gue’ as Jesu Kristo para u dekka i matkan i tataotao-na. Ti sumaga ha ti manhongge.
Ha agradesi si Jesu Kristo si Tomas put este, lao i uttimu na tinina para ayu siha i para u fanmatto manmanhongge sin mali’e’ i ginaigen i tataotao-na. Taya mas dangkolo na tinina sina mana’i i mandisipulun Jesu Kristo ki este: “Matuna ayu siha i ti lumi’e’ lao manmanhongge.” Pa’go i santuariun Santa Maria giya Lourdes, Fransia, ha kuntinunuha muna’fanmatto piligrinu siha ginen todu i tano. Guaha sinangan put milagrosu siha na hinemlo’ ni ma’eksamina ni manmediku siha. Lao gi mineggai-na na piligrinu ti manisisita milagru antes di ufanma’agang siha mandichosun Yu’os. Ti manisisita lumi’e’ i mismo milagru put para ufanmanhongge na si Jesu Kristo yan si Nana-na ha bendisi ayu na lugat. Este na pinagat machuchule’ ginen Lepblon San Papblo 366 Dihas yan i Saina. Ohalara ya u bula guinaiya i ha’anen-miyu ya i todu hana’sina na Yu’os infanbinendisi gi na’an i Tata yan i Lahi-na yan i Espiritu Santo. Amen.
Ibangheliu (John 20:19-31)
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i pupuenggen ayu i primet na ha’ane gi simana, maseha makandalu ni mandisipulu-na i pettan ayu na lugat annai manestaba siha put i manma’anaoniha ni Manhudios, matto si Jesus ya tumohge’ gi me’nan-niha. Ilek-na, “I pas u gaige giya hamyo.” Annai monhayan ha sangan este, manfinan’nu’i siha ni kannai-na yan i kalaguak-na. Manmagof i mandisipulu annai mali’e’ i Saina. Ilek-na ta’lo, “I pas u gaige giya hamyo. Taimanu ha’ na hana’hanao yu’ si Tata, taiguennao ha’ na guahu bai na’fanhanao hamyo.” Pues manhinagungi siha ya ilek-na: “Risibi i Espiritu Santo. Yanggen in asi’e’ i isao taotao, u fanma’asi’e’ siha; yanggen ti in asi’e’, ti u fanma’asi’e siha.” Humuyong na si Tomas (kumeke’ilekna “Dinga”) unu gi Dosse taigue annai matto si Jesus. Sigi masangani gue’ ni pumalu na mandisipulu: “In li’e’ i Saina.” Lao manoppe gue’, “Ni nunka na bai hongge ennao, solu hu li’e’ i matkan lulok gi kannai-na, ya bai na’halom i kalulot-hu gi dinilok lulok yan i kannai-hu gi kalaguakna. Un simana maloffan, manestaba ta’lo i mandisipulu gi kuatto, ya pa’go na biahi estaba si Tomas. Maseha makandadalu i petta siha, matto si Jesus ya tumohge gi entalo’-niha. Ilek-na, “I pas u gaige giya hamyo.” Pues ilek-na as Tomas: “Maila ya un rikunosi i kannai-hu ni kalulot-mu. Na’halom i kannai-mu gi kalaguak-hu. Cha’-mu mumahehettok ti manhongge, lao fanhongge!” Manoppe si Tomas ya ilek-na, “Saina-hu yan Yu’os-hu!” Despues ilek-na si Jesus nu guiya: “Manhongge hao sa’ put i un li’e’ yu’. Manmatuna ayu siha i ti lumi’e’ yu’ lao manmanhongge. Ha cho’gue si Jesus meggai otro na sinat siha---sinat siha ni ti manmatuge’ papa’ guini--gi me’nan i mandisipulu-na. Lao este siha manmatuge’ para in faninayuda humongge na si Jesus guiya i Mesias, i Lahen Yu’os, kosaki ginen este na hinengge in fangailina’la’ gi na’ana-na.
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Tickets Now Available for Seminary Gala Dinner April 12, 2012, Yona, Guam - The Redemptoris Mater Seminary will be hosting the 10th Annual Seminary Gala Dinner on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Guam. The Seminary is joining Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron OFM Cap, D.D. in honoring Mr. Pedro Palomo Ada and Mrs. Fe Perez Ada for their Christian witnessing and exemplary generous service they have and continue to render to the Church and to society. This Gala Dinner is the only fundraising event for the seminary –an opportunity for businesses and individuals to show their support for this essential institution in the Archdiocese. Ten priests, formed in this seminary, have been ordained for the Archdiocese of Agana and one more will be ordained later this
year. There are now forty seminarians being trained, a good number are locals, and others come from different parts of the world, who will remain here for the service of our island. The Seminary lives solely on Divine providence and does not have a stable source of income and so the generosity of the people of God is its lifeblood. You could help the seminary by becoming a sponsor by placing an advertisement in the commemorative booklet and/or simply buying tickets for the Gala Dinner ($160 per person or $1500 a table of ten). For more information, please contact Fr. Julio César Sánchez, who is the Vice Rector of the Seminary of Guam at 789-2400 or 988-4655.
ARCHDIOCESAN
Youth CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 part of a prayerful pilgrimage from the Chalan Pago Church to the FD Pheonix Center in Mangilao. Within the pilgrimage, the youth would stop at various Stations of the Cross where information of a specific station was transmitted to them as they also received AWYD memorabilia that pertained to a station such as a AWYD cross and rosary. A station which many youth were excited about was the station where Veronica wiped the face of Jesus. At this station, the youth received their AWYD shirt that had the face of Jesus in the front and the words "Rejoice in the Lord" at the back. During the pilgrimage, the station that stood out most to Mikaela Oliva, 14, from the parish of Chalan Pago was the station where Simon of Cyrene helped carry Jesus' cross. In pairs of two, the youth were asked to discuss what and who they pray for with their friend for the rest of the journey back to Mangilao. "It was really interesting to hear what my friend had to pray for. I was really touched by what she had shared with me." Oliva noted how good it was to have many youth praying together for the one person who suffered for our sins. Once the pilgrims arrived back to the Pheonix Center, their day continued with the "Death and Resurrection of Jesus" through a video presentation of the death of Christ in today's world depicting sufferings such as poverty, suicide, abortion, homosexuality, and more. The youth heard witness talks from Edward Garcia and Melanie San Agustin who provided testimony before the hundreds of youth on how Jesus had saved them individually and continues to provide for them in many aspect of their lives. The AWYD winded down toward the evening with a Liturgical Celebration led by the Archdiocese's Vicar General Monsignor David C. Quitugua who was representing Most Rev. Archbishop Anthony Apuron, OFM, Cap, D.D. It is tradition that at the end of each AWYD, an announcement is made of who the next hosting parish is. The southern parishes of San Dionisio in Umatac and San Dimas of Malesso will be the hosts of AWYD 2013. After the solemn prayer, the transfer of the Guam WYD cross was passed on from the Chalan Pago to Umatac and Malesso Youth. The whole event throughout the day and night was a true moment of fellowship and communion of the island's Catholic youth. Fr. Santiago Flor Caravia, pastor of OLOPSJ in Chalan Pago was very happy for the youth and of the turn out of the event. "This was a good experience for everyone, the youth, the volunteers, and the parish," he stated, "The Lord was present in all the big and little things, it was beautiful!"
Photos by OLOPSJ & Jennifer Louise Dulla
AOLG Fine Arts Week The Academy of Our Lady of Guam art students are presenting their annual Fine Arts Week art show entitled “The Academy Studio Production Presents: Movie Madness”. Opening Night is Monday, April 23rd, and the show will run through Friday, April 27th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the AOLG cafeteria/auditorium. Pre-sold tickets are available through the AOLG art students for $5 per night, and will be $7 if purchased at
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012 the door. There is a discounted, 5 day bundle price of $20. Each evening has a different theme, including special attire, food and entertainment. The themes for the week are as follows: Monday, Wicked Fairytales; Tuesday, Studio Ghibli; Wednesday, Around the World; Thursday, Superheroes; and Friday, The Hunger Games. For more information, please contact Daniele Menez at 487-9094 or at daniele_m_9@ hotmail.com.
CHURCH & SOCIETY
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012
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5
Why do I Have to Go to Mass? ITE MISSA EST
From the Mass to the Market: Engaging the World Beyond the Church Doors
Catholic Charities Appeal PLACE Agana
Archdiocese of Agana, Guam 2012
DONORS
AMOUNT REPORTED
AMOUNT TURNED IN
1
$3,958.00
$3,958.00
Asan
9
$410.00
$410.00
Barrigada
36
$2,311.63
$2,311.63
Dededo
29
$7,400.08
$7,400.08
Maina
12
$370.00
$370.00
Piti
4
$90.00
$90.00
Tumon
6
$355.00
$355.00
Umatac
2
$225.00
$225.00
99
$15,119.71
$15,119.71
TOTAL
AROUND THE WORLD People stand at the bottom of a hill during a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Christ on Good Friday in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, April 6. CNS photo/Jose Luis Gonzalez, Reuters
A few years ago, an article appeared in a national Catholic publication entitled “Busy Altars, Empty Pews”. As the title suggests, while an increasing number of the laity have been recruited into service for a variety of liturgy-related ministries, an increasing number of the laity have been simultaneously absenting themselves from the liturgy altogether. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The whole idea of an increased “active participation” of the laity was supposed to give the laity a greater stake in their Church, engendering increased enthusiasm and more robust liturgical participation. However, the numbers and empty pews don’t lie. A 2011 Georgetown CARA poll shows that only 22% of Americans who identify themselves as Catholics attend Mass weekly. What happened? We’ve seen no shortage of attempts to staunch the bleeding from the pew: more relevant music, greeting ministries, friendlier homilies, more convenient Mass times, modernizations and updating of every sort, and even an altered architecture which is pushing the sanctuary ever closer to the congregation (which seems to have had the effect of pushing the people right out the back door). We even get a good lecture now and then on the importance of attending Mass and the occasional reminder that to deliberately skip Sunday Mass is a serious sin. But the numbers don’t lie. The people are leaving. Of course there are the exceptions - certain parishes which seem to be teeming with life. But even those seem to depend on a particularly charismatic minister or two who is the engine of the whole deal. And when that person departs, the parish slumps, and we hear such things as “When Father so and so was here”, or “When Mr. what’s-his-name was around...” On Guam, our numbers probably have not yet sunk as low as the rest of the U.S. because of what we could call “residual faith”: we are still benefitting from the deep piety and belief that saw “the greatest generation” through the ravages of World War II and the ensuing poverty and struggle. And so, long as “grandma” is alive, we will probably still see a remnant practice of the faith. But no one has to do a poll to show that Mass attendance amongst the young is declining as rapidly as the elders are passing. So what can we do? I suspect that many of those who no longer attend Mass no longer attend because they have never heard a convincing reason to attend. A generation or two ago, such a reason was not necessary. Today it is. We try of course. We speak of the desirability of giving at least one hour a week to God, keeping holy the Lord’s day, praying,
showing God respect, and all that. But all of those things can be done elsewhere and on one’s own. There is still no reason to go to Mass. Sometimes we even get up the courage to remind our Mass-defecting friends and relatives that to miss Mass is a sin, a serious sin, a mortal sin - something some of us are old enough to remember hearing. But they rightly guess that we are just repeating a phrase and are not prepared to give any evidence for it. So they shrug their shoulders and walk away, and we write it off as “people nowadays”. So what should we say? You may not find my personal reason for faithful Sunday Mass attendance in any catechism, but it is what I’ve taught my own children, so I thought I’d share. Here goes. As we know, on the night before he died, Jesus instructed his apostles to DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME. This is not a recommendation. This is a command. THIS is how Christ desires to be commemorated, memorialized, acknowledged, recognized, worshipped, made present, and received. We also know that he intended this act to be repeated weekly on the day of his Resurrection because this is what we see the first Christians doing in Acts 20:7. “On the first day of the week we gathered together to break bread...” This short phrase tells us a lot. It tells us that worship was weekly, it was on Sunday, it was corporate (“gathered”), and it was not just a prayer meeting, but the celebration of the Eucharist (“break bread”). This is why we can not fulfill our duty to God on our own, when we feel like it, or in someplace other than the Catholic Mass. First, we must be present where the DO THIS is actually done. Second, it must be done weekly. Third, it must be done on Sunday. Fourth, it must be done in community. And the only “place” all four of these things happen is at the Catholic Mass. But, so what if this is true? Why should I care? In Matthew 10:32, Christ tells us why we had better care, when he warns: “He who acknowledges me, I will acknowledge before my Father. He who denies me, I will deny before my Father.” “Acknowledgement” here does not mean some casual recognition of an historical figure. It means publicly acknowledging that Jesus Christ is God. And we do that by participating in the DO THIS, by being where Christ, in the person of the priest, turns bread and wine into his Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity: the Catholic Mass. To not DO THIS, to ignore his command, to not attend Mass, is to deny him. And this is why the Church has always taught that to deliberately and consciously not DO THIS, to not worship him as instructed, to not attend Mass, is a mortal sin. And to die in a state of unrepentant mortal sin means an eternity in Hell. And while we can all hope that one day our attendance at Mass will be motivated by something greater than the fear of Hell, we can at least start there. See you on Sunday. Tim Rohr leads leads a Catholic Adult Study Group which meets every Monday evening, 6pm, at the Basilica Cafe. He can be contacted at timrohr.guam@gmail.com or “friended at facebook.com/timrohr.guam His columns can be found online at www.themassneverends. com
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NATIONAL
SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012
Study Finds New Religious Vocations are Younger, More Educated (CNA/EWTN News) WASHINGTON D.C. — A recent study of men and women who professed perpetual vows in 2011 shows that new members of religious orders are younger and more educated than those in the past. “We are encouraged by the report’s findings that men and women are considering a vocation at a younger age,” said Mercy Sister Mary Joanna Ruhland, associate director of the U.S. bishops’ secretariat of vocations and consecrated life. “As the Catholics recognize their responsibility to build a vocation culture in its parishes, schools and families, children and youth are being introduced to the various vocations in the Church,” she said in an April 5 statement. “This helps them respond to God’s love and will generously and willingly.” A recently-released study, conducted by Georgetown University’s Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, surveyed men and women religious who were incorporated into religious communities in 2011. The survey, commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, found that the average age of women professing perpetual vows in 2011 was 39. This is four years younger than those from the previous year. Men entering religious orders, who were included for the first time
on the 2011 study, averaged 42 years in age. In addition, respondents reported that they first thought about a religious vocation at a younger age than last year’s class. On average, survey participants first considered a vocation to religious life when they were 19 years old, although half did so at age 17 or younger. Those entering religious orders in 2011 were also highly educated. Almost 60 percent had earned at least a bachelor’s degree, and 16 percent had earned a graduate degree as well. Sixty-five percent of survey respondents identified themselves as white, while 19 percent identified as Asian and nine percent identified as Hispanic. The U.S. bishops have recently commissioned a survey on Hispanic vocations, to determine why the group is under-represented. Ninety-four percent of respondents said that they have been Catholic since birth, and almost 80 percent come from families in which both parents are Catholic. Almost half of those surveyed attended a Catholic elementary school, and nearly all said that they regularly participated in some kind of private prayer activity before entering their religious institute. Members of the Class of 2011 come from a variety of backgrounds and have overcome various challenges to make their perpetual
vows. Sr. Emma Calvo, OP, said that she “felt the desire to belong totally to God” since she was eight years old, while Sr. Wanda Szymanko was engaged to be married when she “re-experienced the call to religious life.” Sr. Roseli Oliveira overcame the challenge of initially lacking the support of some her family members in her vocation, while Br. Damien Evangelista experienced a “crisis of faith” and stopped practicing his faith for several years in his mid-20s before finding his way back to Christ. The newly-professed men and women will now use their diverse talents to serve God and his people in a variety of ways. “Religious sisters, priests and brothers are treasured by the Church, and we support their sacred commitment to be poor, chaste and obedient in imitation of Christ and at his service,” said Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis. The archbishop, who chairs the U.S. bishops’ Committee for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, explained that the religious help us “set our heart’s goal not on this life, but on eternal life.” “In a world where human frailty is acutely felt, they remind us of God and bring Christ’s redemptive love to all they meet,” he said.
sus Christ, Divine Mercy is in the heart of His ministry. He felt compassion to the five thousand people at one point who were following Him till late in the afternoon, and since He didn’t want to send them home for something might happen to them, He performed the miraculous multiplication of bread and fish. His compassion saved the woman caught in adultery from being stoned to death. Out of His mercy He cured the ten lepers, the blind man Bartimaeus from Jericho and another blind man of Bethsaida. His merciful love healed Jairus’ daughter, the woman with hemorrhages or twelve years, the paralytic and demoniac in Capernaum. Simon’s mother-in-law, the man with a withered hand in the synagogue, and many more cures Jesus performed. And so are we in our time does the our merciful Lord relieve and heal us of our infirmities and pains. All we have to do is ask Him with trust in our heart. It is Jesus’ desire that the moment of His death on the cross (3 p.m.) be venerated every day, the hour of which he said is th ehour of great mercy for the whole world when mercy triumphed over justice ( Diary 1572). Ay this hour He wants us to meditate upon His sorrowful passion because it reveals most
distinctly the love God has for His people. At this time, Jesus wants us to worship and glorify the Mercy of God, and, by the merits of His passion, to implore the necessary graces for ourselves and the whole world, especially for sinners. At Vilnius in 1935, Jesus dictated the Chaplet of Divine Mercy to St. Faustina, disclosing its value and efficacy, as well as the promises He attached to it. In his prayer we are offering the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ to God the Father. We are uniting ourselves with His sacrifice offered on the Cross for the salvation of the world. By offering God the Father His most dearly beloved Son, we are using the most convincing argument with which to be heard. We are asking mercy for us and for the whole world. Jesus promised, “ It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet (154) and He added if is compatible with My will.” (1731) St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words;” The Feast of My Mercy has issued forth from My very depths for the consolation of the whole world (Diary 1517) and is confirmed in the vast depths of My tender mercies” (Diary 420). HAPPY DIVINE MERCY FEAST DAY TO EVERYONE!!!
THE LIFE OF FAITH
Divine Mercy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 no mind, be it of man or angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns tot eh Fount of My Mercy. While we commonly acknowledge that love is what makes the world go round, but in reality love and mercy are what make the world go round. God created the world, maintains and sustains it with His merciful love. He lavishes His love on us in the form of mercy, otherwise we shall remain in darkness, confusion and chaos. We His love and mercy we can see and have hope despite our failures, setbacks, sins and ingratitude with trust that He will forgive us and will continue loving us. In the life of our Lord Je-
EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria & Italy June 13 ~ 29, 2012
BRITISH ISLES TOUR England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland July 11~ 25, 2012
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
SOUTHEAST ASIA TOUR
St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, Rome
Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia Departure date: July 10, 2012
CANONIZATION OF BLESSED PEDRO CALUNGSOD
with PRAGUE (Sto. Nino), KRAKOW(Divine Mercy &hometown of JPII) Plus ROME, ASSISSI, VENICE, VIENNA and BUDAPEST October 9 ~ 25, 2012 All the above tours include roundtrip airfare from Manila-Europe/Asia-Manila, all hotel accommodations including one night stay in Manila, breakfast and dinners throughout, all sightseeing tours and guides and all transfers
FOR MORE Mario Celis Jr., INFO CALL: Guam Travelplan
Tel: 646-7476 Cell: 788-1628
Standoff CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 with the Chinese ambassador to Manila. He said the meeting with Chinese ambassador Ma Keqing ended without an agreement. “We have reached an impasse in our positions,” he said. After the meeting, the Chinese embassy in Manila issued a statement urging “the Philippine side to stop immediately their illegal activities and leave this area.” “The Chinese embassy hereby reiterates that Huangyan Island [Scarborough Shoal] is an integral part of the Chinese territory and the waters around it is the traditional fishing area for the Chinese fishermen, for which China has abundant historical and jurisprudence backings,” said the statement. China also accused the Philippine navy of harassing Chinese fishing vessels that had taken shelter in the island’s lagoon from harsh weather. It said two Chinese surveillance ships deployed to the area were just “fulfilling the duties of safeguarding Chinese Maritime rights and interests.” Del Rosario, on the other hand, insisted that the disputed area, which is just 124 nautical miles from Zambales province, belongs to the Philippines. “It is clear that the Scarborough Shoal is an integral part of the Philippines. We have sovereignty and sovereign rights over Scarborough Shoal,” he said. He said a diplomatic protest has been filed regarding the incident.
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Also in the press briefing, navy chief, Vice-Admiral Alexander Pama, said the standoff began on Tuesday after the naval ship BRP Gregorio del Pilar was sent to verify a report that eight Chinese fishing vessels were anchored in the lagoon inside the shoal on Sunday. A team boarded the ships “and found large amounts of coral, a sizeable quantity of giant clams
‘It is clear that the Scarborough Shoal is an integral part of the Philippines. We have sovereignty and sovereign rights over Scarborough Shoal’ Albert del Rosario
Foreign Affairs Secretary
and live sharks in the compartments.” They were about to arrest the fishermen for poaching and illegal fishing when two Chinese surveillance ships appeared and positioned themselves between the navy ship and the fishing vessels, Pama said. The two sides established communication and told each other to leave the area but both sides refused to budge. “This resulted in a standoff which is still ongoing even as we speak,” he said.
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The Excitement of Faith
(VIS) VATICAN CITY — The Holy Father dedicated his catechesis during this morning's general audience to the transformation which Jesus' Resurrection brought about in His disciples, also reflecting on the meaning that Easter has for Christians today. Faith in the Risen One, he said, "transforms our lives; it frees them from fear, gives them firm hope, and infuses them with something that provides existence with full meaning: the love of God". Benedict XVI explained how on the evening of the day of the Resurrection the disciples were at home behind locked doors, full of fear and doubt at the recollection of the passion of their Lord. "This situation of anguish changed radically when Jesus arrived. He entered through the closed doors, was among them and brought them peace", peace which "for the community became source of joy, certainty of victory, trusting reliance on God". After His greeting, Jesus showed His wounds to the disciples, "signs of what had befallen and would never be cancelled. His glorious humanity remained 'wounded'. The gesture had the aim of confirming the new reality of the Resurrection. The Christ Who returned among
His followers was a real person, the same Jesus Who three days earlier had been nailed to the cross. Thus, in the shining light of Easter, in the meeting with the Risen One, the disciples came to understand the salvific meaning of His passion and death. Then sadness and fear became overwhelming joy". Jesus greeted them again: "Peace be with you". Yet this, the Pope explained, was not just a greeting, "it was a gift, the gift the Risen One made to His friends. At the same time it was a commission: the peace which Christ had bought with His blood was for them, but it was also for everyone else, and the disciples would have to carry it throughout the world". Jesus "had completed His mission in the world, now it was up to them to to sow faith in people's hearts". However, the Lord knew that His followers were still afraid. "For this reason He breathed upon them and regenerated them in His Spirit. This gesture was the sign of the new creation. With the gift of the Holy Spirit which came from the Risen Christ, a new world began". "Today too the Risen One enters our homes and hearts, although sometimes the doors are closed",
the Pope said, "He enters bringing joy and peace, life and hope, gifts we need for our human and spiritual rebirth". Only He can put an end to division, enmity, rancour, envy, mistrust and indifference. Only He can give meaning to the lives of those who are weary, sad and without hope. This was the experience of the two disciples who were walking to Emmaus, full of foreboding at the recent death of their Master. Jesus came up to them and accompanied them without being recognised, explaining the meaning of Sacred Scripture to help them understand His salvific mission. Later they asked Jesus to stay with them and recognised him as He blessed and broke the bread. "This episode", said the Holy Father, "shows us two privileged 'places' in which we can meet the Risen One Who transforms our lives: ... the Word and the Eucharist". The disciples of Emmaus returned to Jerusalem to join the others. "Their enthusiasm for the faith was reborn, their love for the community and their need to communicate the good news. The Master rose and with Him all life resurges. Bearing witness to this event became an
Father Anthony Spanley holds a crucifix during veneration on Good Friday at Holy Cross Church in Hamlet, Ind., April 6. CNS photo/Michael McArdle, Northwest Indiana Catholic
irrepressible need for them". For Christians, Easter must be a time for the joyful and enthusiastic rediscovery of the sources of the faith. "This means following the same path as that along which Jesus directed the two disciples of Emmaus, through the rediscovery of the Word of God and the Eucharist. The culmination of this journey, then as now, is Eucharistic communion. In communion Jesus nourishes us with His Body and His Blood,
becoming present in our lives, making us new and animating us with the power of the Holy Spirit". In conclusion the Holy Father invited Christians to remain faithful to the Risen One Who "living and true, is always present among us, Who walks with us to guide our lives", and Who "has the power to give life, to make us reborn as children of God, capable of believing and loving".