Newsnotes. The Vice Province of Our Lady Star of the Sea. A Capuchin Franciscan Publication

Transcription

1 Special Marianas Islands-Hawaii Edition Newsnotes A Capuchin Franciscan Publication The Vice Province of Our Lady Star of the Sea held their Chapter Gathering at the Friary of Saint Fidelis in Agaña Heights in Guam from Tuesday, 27 January-Friday 30 January [Seated]: Paulo Kosaka, Anthony Apuron, John Gallagher, Joseph English and Felixberto Leon- Guerrero. [Standing]: Ivo Sinaga [guest], Michel Dalton, George Maddock, Michael Tenorio, Robert Maher, Gordon Combs, Randolph Nowak, Jose Villagomez, Daniel Cristobal, Agustin Gumataotao, Eric Forbes, Paul Minchak, Brian Champoux, Marvin Bearis, Patrick Castro, Andre Eduvala and John Niland. Not pictured are formation friars Joseph Meno and Nathaniel Santos. Story continues on page two

2 Our brothers of the Vice Province of Our Lady Star of the Sea Faithfully serving the Churches of the Marianas Islands and Hawaii joyfully announce the election of their new leadership team Joseph English- Vice Provincial Felixberto Leon-Guerrero-1 st Councilor Paulo Kosaka-2 nd Councilor Joseph English Felixberto Leon Guerrero Paulo Kosaka Thursday, 29 January 2009 Brothers who have been called to serve Joseph Milton English was born to Kenneth Milton and Lourdes Aguon Crisostomo-English on 14 April 1960 at the Naval Regional Medical Center in Agaña Heights, Guam. He was baptized at St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Sinajaña by Kieran Hickey, O.F.M. Cap. ten days later on 24 April Joe along with his three brothers [Kenneth, Michael and Melvin] and two sisters [Elizabeth and Leslie] were lovingly nurtured, educated and raised in the village of Sinajaña. Joseph cites his mother s faith and motivating example as the origins of his vocation. My mother was the person in my early years as a child who nurtured interest in attending Mass regularly. I was also greatly inspired by her great works of charity. She was very involved in our parish of St. Jude with the Christian Mothers, parish council, and a member of the Third Order. Joe continues to say: my father cared for us very much. He encouraged us to develop our faith and understood its importance in our lives. He was always doing things for the welfare of his children and I found him a very understanding and caring person in my life. Joe attended C.L. Taitano elementary school in Sinajaña from it [the school] was about an eighth of a mile from my home. I found this very beneficial because the school, the church and the community center were all in walking distance. I enjoyed serving Mass, especially being involved with the church and its many activities. After six years in elementary school, Joe was accepted to Bishop Baumgartner Junior High School where he attended for the next two years [ ]. From he attended Fr. Duenas Memorial Senior High in Tai, Magilao. During his years in high school he was involved in many school and church activities including sports programs, various clubs and committees, and the Navy R.O.T.C. Program. I made many friends in those years; friends who will always mean a lot to me. 2

3 During his senior year at Duenas, Joe was asked by this pastor David Anderson to work at St. Fidelis Friary. There he was introduced to the Capuchin community. My scope of priesthood was broadened during this year since I was only accustomed to the priest as he functioned in a parish. I always felt an attraction to the religious life, especially to the Capuchin way of life so on 01 June I entered a postulant program. During the next two years Joe was active in music ministry, taught religious education, assisted in the parish setting and enjoyed getting involved in Capuchin community life. Joe began his studies at the University of Guam [Mangilao] in 1978 majoring in psychology. After his first year he worked as a pharmacist aid at Guam Memorial Hospital in Tamuning from He began his novitiate year at St. Francis Friary in Garrison on 31 August 1980 and pronounced his first vows on 23 August 1981 at St. Fidelis Friary in Agaña, Guam. After a short period of adjustment and continuing his discernment process, Joe completed his undergraduate degree and later began his theological studies at the Dominican School of Theology in Berkeley CA [ ]. In the early summer of 1987, Joseph attended the Inter- Provincial Solemn Profession Workshop, hosted by the Province of St. Conrad in Denver, CO. On 01 August 1987, Joseph pronounced his perpetual vows, into the hands of Vice Provincial Jack Niland at his home parish of St. Jude Thaddeus, Sinajaña. Joseph was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron on 16 September The following year on 28 April 1990, Father Joseph was ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Apuron at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Agaña and celebrated his first mass at St. Jude Thaddeus. Following his ordination, his first assignment was pastor of the parochial community of Saint Francis in Yona. For the next nineteen years our brother Joseph had selflessly ministered in several parochial communities serving the Church of Guam as pastor, counselor, teacher and brother. In 2005, Joseph joyfully celebrated his 25 th Religious Jubilee in the company of his family, friends and our Capuchin brothers. You have been told what is good and what the Lord requires of you: only to do right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God Micah 6:8 Felixberto Leon-Guerrero was born in Tamuning, located on the western shore of the island of Guam, to Felix and Lolita Camacho-Leon Guerrero on 05 December He was baptized on 21 December 1958 in St. Anthony s Church in Tamuning by Capuchin Leon Murphy. Felixberto was raised in Tumon Bay, a municipality of Tamuning, along with his three younger siblings Catherine, Doris and Michael. Felixberto attended St. Anthony Elementary School from He continued his education at Fr. Duenas Memorial School in Tai, Magilao and graduated in After finishing high school, as a seminarian for the Diocese of Agaña, he attended the Diocesan College of St. Patrick in Mountain View, CA from Returning to Guam in 1977, residing at Fr. Duenas Seminary, he attended the University of Guam majoring in psychology [and a minor in philosophy] until In the summer of 1977, Felixberto had the opportunity of serving as the bishop s secretary [then, Bishop Flores] at the Chancery office on Guam. During his time [1978] he also took part in a Scriptural program offered by Sacred Heart College of Belmont, NC; participating in Jesuit-taught presentations on Guam. Soon afterwards, Felixberto found himself wanting to join the Capuchin community. 3 This strong desire to follow the example of St. Francis in serving God in the service of God s people was realized in his commitment to participate in an eleven-month postulancy program, residing with the friar community of St. Fidelis in Agaña [ ]. Felixberto began his novitiate year at St. Lawrence Friary in Milton MA in August of 1979 along with his classmates Raynold Thibodeau, Thomas Faiola & Francis Gasparik. He was experienced as respectful, well-liked, genuinely charitable & responsible; he applied himself in earnest to whatever task was given him.

4 Placing his moment within the framework of our provincial history; this was the year of the great move. After nearly 28 years our novitiate, St. Lawrence in Milton, Massachusetts was moved to St. Francis Friary in Garrison, New York under the guidance and supervision of formation director Paul Minchak. Felixberto completed his novitiate year in Garrison New York in August, That summer Felixberto returned to Guam and joyfully celebrated his first profession on 17 August 1980 at St. Jude Thaddeus Church in Sinajaña, Guam. Following his profession, he continued his undergraduate studies at the University of Guam and was awarded a BA in psychology, graduating in After renewing his vows on 23 August 1981 he joined his classmates at Mary Immaculate Friary, Garrison to begin his theological studies at the Mary School of Theology in Ossining NY. Felixberto found his first year of studies very beneficial. He writes: Although the work was very challenging, much of what I ve experienced in studies will take shape in and through life s experiences. During his year at Maryknoll his ministerial field placement was at St. Christopher s Inn at Graymoor. In 1982, Felixberto returned to Agaña for continuing discernment and offered a year of service to the friar community of Saint Fidelis; serving as cook and his assistance in house maintenance. Felixberto pronounced his perpetual vows into the hands of Capuchin James Gavin on 18 August 1983 at St. Jude Thaddeus in Sinajaña. Following perpetual profession, Felixberto continued his theological studies at Berkeley, residing with the community of San Buenaventura in San Francisco. He was awarded his Masters in Divinity from the Theological Union at Berkeley in Felixberto was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Capuchin Archbishop Anthony Apuron on 25 January As a deacon he ministered at St. Francis in Yona under the guidance of Michel Dalton. Fr. Felixberto was ordained to the priesthood on 09 August 1986 at Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral- Basilica in Agaña. He celebrated his first mass at Blessed Diego parish in Tumon the following day. For the next twenty-three years, Felixberto has been a committed parochial community minister serving in Merizo/Umatac, Yona, Sinajaña, Agaña Heights and Chalan Pago. He has also offered his services as a school administrator, vocation promoter and to the Archdiocesan Chancery Office. At the Vice Provincial Chapter of January, 2000 Felixberto was elected 4 th Councilor. Following his term in office, Felixberto joyfully celebrated his 25 th Religious Jubilee in He continues to offer his gentle and faithful presence to the friars and to the parochial communities of the Church of Guam. 4

5 Paulo R. Hara-Kosaka, the first son of Cecilia Hara & Manuel Borja-Kosaka was born on 02 June 1955 and was baptized the following day in Sacello BMV Lourdes in Ito-City, Japan. Paulo resided in Japan until the age of eight when in 1964 his family moved to the village of Talofofo, Guam. His immediate family would flourish to twelve having seven sisters and two brothers; lovingly nurtured in the shadows of their parish church of San Miguel. Paul began his education at Talofofo Elementary School, Talofofo [ ] and Saint Francis Elementary, Yona [ ]. Paulo recalls: As a nine year old skinny kid, I was invited to become an altar server by Capuchin Fulgence Petrie, then our parish priest. Although I was a complete nervous wreck my first time serving, I was quickly calmed by his smiling face and warm presence. Later, I had the opportunity of accompanying Fulgence on Fridays, distributing the Eucharist to the sick and poor in the village. It was a wonderful and moving experience. He attended Fr. Duenas Memorial High School as a seminarian from During those four years he fondly remembers his rectors: Capuchins James Gavin and Anthony Apuron. While back in my early teens, together with my father, I became involved in the Holy Name Society in our parish of San Miguel. I attended Holy Name Society rallies and other prayer gatherings on our Island. These reflections bring back happy memories of joys we ve shared. Paulo entered our novitiate program at Saint Francis Friary in Milton MA on 31 August He was experienced as sincere and well-liked; spending a great deal of time in prayer and considered it an important aspect of our life. In preparation for his first profession he wrote: This total commitment of permanency is the seed of one s desire and call from God to live as a Capuchin daily, in growing within the framework of the evangelical counsels, the Rule and the Constitutions of our Order. I believe that vows are the means of consecrating oneself totally to God, giving us that freedom to address those obstacles which may prevent us from loving perfectly and bearing witness to Jesus in a very special way to the entire world. Paulo pronounced is first commitment with his classmates on 16 August 1977 at St. Pius X in Middletown, CT. Following his profession Paulo returned to Guam to pursue his undergraduate degree at the University of Guam. During his college years, he gleaned valuable ministerial experience assisting in several parish-based ministries, supervised by our Capuchin pastors. He ministered in religious education, parish outreach, liturgy development, youth programs and visitation of the sick in the parochial communities of Chalan Pago, Yona, Agat, Sinajaña and Agaña. In 1981, after his very successful course of study and ministerial development he was highly recommended to begin his theological studies at the Maryknoll School of Theology, residing with our friar community of Mary Immaculate in Garrison, NY. The following year [1982] Paulo participated in the Inter-provincial Solemn Profession Workshop sponsored by the Province of Our Lady of the Angels in Burlingame CA. He pronounced his perpetual commitment on 22 August 1982 at the parish of St. Jude Thaddeus in Sinajaña. Following his profession, he returned to Garrison to complete his theological studies. He received the ministries of Lector and Acolyte and was awarded his Masters of Divinity on 11 April 1984 from the Maryknoll School of Theology. Fr. Paulo was ordained to the priesthood on 21 November 1985 by Archbishop Felixberto Flores in the Cathedral of Dulce Nombre de Maria. The following day [Thanksgiving] he celebrated his first mass at his home parish of San Miguel in Talofofo. Over the years Pablo faithfully served as pastor, youth minister, vocation promoter and religious educator in the many church communities of Guam, Saipan and Hawaii. In 2000, he was elected to vice provincial leadership as first councilor. On the occasion of this 25 th religious jubilee, provincial minister Bernard Smith wrote: Your faithfulness and dedication to the Church and the Order deserve to be commended and celebrated, not just personally, but for all of us and all of the people you have affected in your ministry. Thank you Paulo, for your joyful witness and willingness to serve the Vice Province in so many ways! Our brother Pablo presently ministers at our newest parochial commitment as pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Kaneohe, Hawaii. 5

6 In 1981 Ronnie San Nicolas, a postulant at St. Fidelis Friary, told me to call Father James Gavin, the Capuchin Superior Regular. Others had heard that I was in the diocesan minor seminary and that another religious order was interested in my vocation. Ronnie knew my heart was set on the Capuchins. For me, how could it be otherwise, as I was raised all my life in the Capuchin parish of Saint Jude in Sinajaña? Kieran Hickey, Canice Cartmell, James Gavin, Paul Toschik, Cornelius Murphy are names and faces that come to mind. Living just down the street from the friary, I knew many of the other friars as well. With some nervousness, I approached James Gavin and he graciously welcomed me into the community. In 1984, I was invested. A new adventure commenced during which I came to know Donan Hickey, Antonine Zimmerman, Mel McCormack, Marcian Pellett, Ferdinand Stippich, Alexander Feely, Ferdinand Pangelinan, Timothy Kavanagh, Patrick Nolan, Lee Friel and all those who still remain. They all graced me in their own ways. Their human idiosyncrasies were re-assuring as I brought my own into the community. Their ordinary dedication and commitment pointed me in that direction. Pray together, live simply and work with the people; that was as attainable a life project as any, and I was up for it. It's been twenty-five years; where did the time go? I have made little progress, but these friars also taught me: Keep reaching for the ideal, even when the feet drag. Eric Forbes, O.F.M. Cap. Celebrates Twenty Five Years of Capuchin Dedication Si Yu os Ma ase Pale Eric! Eric Forbes was born to John and Rosalind Limtiaco Forbes on 15 March 1962 in Sinajaña, Guam. Eric was introduced to the Capuchins during his early education. He attended the Capuchin s St. Francis Elementary School, followed by Bishop Baumgartner Junior High School, and finally Fr. Duenas Memorial High School where he graduated in Eric attended the University of Guam in 1980 and continued his studies at San Francisco State University where he graduated with a BA in History in Eric received the habit on 25 July 1984 and began his novitiate at Saint Fidelis Friary in Agaña Heights. Following his First Profession on 22 August 1985 at Saint Jude s Church in Sinajaña, Guam he ministered as a teacher living with the friar community in Agaña. In 1987, Eric began his studies as a theology student in Berkeley, California returning to Guam for his Perpetual Profession on 06 August During the next year he began his pastoral internship residing at Saint Fidelis. Eric returned to Berkeley, CA in 1988, continuing his studies at the Dominican School of Theology. He was awarded a Masters of Divinity degree in Fr. Eric was ordained 08 September 1990 by Arch. Anthony Apuron, O.F.M. Cap. in the Cathedral-Basilica. His first assignment was as acting pastor at San Dimas Merizo/San Dionisio, Umatac and also ministered as pastor at San Rogue, Saipan until For the next two years Eric served as Director of Vocations and Formation at Saint Fidelis in Agaña. He returned as pastor at San Dimas in From , Eric once again ministered as a Formation Director. In 2000, Eric was elected Vice Provincial of Our Lady Star of the Sea VP. During his first term, among his many projects, he organized the Centennial festivities, joyfully celebrating one hundred years of Capuchin presence in the Marianas. In 2004 Eric was re-elected to serve a second term as Vice Provincial. Through much hard work and untiring dedication, he oversaw the massive project of rebuilding the new Saint Fidelis Friary in Agaña, dedicated in

7 We offer our fraternal Congratulations to Eric Forbes who at a joyous Eucharistic Celebration on Friday, 30 January 2009, celebrated his 25th Religious Jubilee in the presence of our brothers, his family and the parochial community of St. Jude Thaddeus in Sinajaña 7

8 Previous page- Newly-professed Eric Forbes in Agaña Heights- 1985; St. Jude Thaddeus-Sinajaña; Paulo Kosaka congratulating Eric Forbes This page top to bottom- Family and parishioners of Saint Jude Thaddeus; John Gallagher, Eric Forbes, Felixberto Leon- Guerrero & John Niland; Eric renewing his vows into the hands of provincial John Gallagher Senator Eddie Calvo of the Guam Legislature presenting Eric Forbes a congratulatory resolution while Archbishop Anthony Apuron looks on; Jack Niland offers a homily during the celebration 8

9 Pictured left: Fulgence Petrie, O.F.M. Cap. San Miguel, Talofofo-1966 Herbert Petrie was invested with the Capuchin habit on 26 August 1939 at St. Felix Friary in Huntington and received the name Fulgence. [His eastern classmates included: Agnellus Proppe, Virgil Mullen, Ernest Reardon and Rufin Kuveikis]. He made his first profession a year later and went on to continue his studies at Garrison, New York. He finished his college work in 1944 and continued on in theology at St. Anthony in Marathon. He was ordained at Marathon by Bp. Treacy on 02 June 1948 and celebrated his first mass at Holy Cross in Mt. Calvary. Fulgence Petrie, Capuchin: In a letter dated 18 September 1974, George Maddock related the details of the death of Fulgence Petrie. Fulgence was living at Saint Fidelis Friary and ministering as hospital chaplain for Guam Memorial Hospital when his life came to an abrupt end. On Saturday morning, 14 September, George noticed that Fulgence was not awake for his early cup of coffee in the dining room, so he checked his room to see whether he was okay. He was still sleeping. When Fulgence did not appear for lunch George returned to check once more and found Fulgence on the floor as if he had fainted while dressing. On closer examination he found that Fulgence was dead. Medical examinations revealed that he had died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Fulgence was 52 years old and exactly half of those years had been spent in Guam. The story of his life began back on a little Wisconsin farm. Herbert Francis Petrie was born in Calvary, Wisconsin on 07 July He was the second of the seven children of Urban and Mary Schmitz-Petrie. They were members of Holy Cross Parish in Mount Calvary where Herbert was baptized by Capuchin Christopher Hafner. The Capuchin friars and the parish at Mount Calvary played a significant part in the life of Herbert Petrie. He attended Holy Cross Elementary School until 1935 and later attended St. Lawrence Seminary. During his junior year he was quarantined for scarlet fever and as a result was somewhat behind in his studies. It was doubtful whether he would be able to make his studies but through determination and hard work he succeeded. 9 Minister provincial Edmund Kramer was present during Fulgence s oral exams and asked Fulgence whether he would be willing to go to Guam. He asked Fulgence to let me know the next morning. Fulgence had tentatively planned to attend Western Reserved University to take a course in library science. The following morning, Fulgence responded: I don t know any more now than I did last night but if you want to send me, I will go. A few months after his ordination, Fulgence was off to a destination he never expected. Gerald Walker preached an inspiring sermon for Fulgence s departure ceremony at Holy Cross on Sunday evening, 18 July. In a little over a week, Fulgence had joined Patrick Nolan and his classmate Rufin Kuveikis in San Francisco where they left by Navy ship to Guam. They arrived on 15 August Fulgence s first assignment in Guam was as an assistant at St. Jude Thaddeus in Sinajaña. He did very well in parish work and was loved by all the people. The people of Guam took to his easy and pleasant manner. From 1949 to 1957 Fulgence ministered at Our Lady of Lourdes in Yigo and later in Dededo. This prewar mission became a parish after the war and Fulgence assisted in building Santa Barbara School. In June of 1957 when Fulgence was about to return to the States for his triennial leave, Bishop Apollonaris Baumgartner asked him to remain in the States for a year and get a degree in Education. So after a brief vacation Fulgence started summer school at Notre Dame University working on his graduate degree. He completed his course work in Educational Administration in September, 1958 and returned to Guam. Upon his return, the bishop appointed him Superintendant of Catholic Schools. One year later, when the Stimatines relinquished Fr. Duenas Memorial School, Fulgence became the first Capuchin principal. Pictured left: Senan Brody, Gratian Zach, Agnellus Proppe, Fulgence Petrie, Virgil Mullen, Delbert Will, Rufin Kuveikis, Gordon Garske, Crispin Weinberger, Ermin Bantle and Ernest Reardon -Marathon- 04 June 1947

10 Pictured left Fulgence Petrie, O.F.M. Cap. San Miguel, Talofofo-1966 In June, 1961 he returned to parish work serving at Our Lady of the Assumption in Piti and later at San Miguel in Talofofo where he built a new rectory and did an excellent job of organizing the parish. It was also during these years that the friars showed their confidence in Fulgence by choosing him for the position of Discreet to the Superior Regular, Kieran Hickey. He served in that position until In October, 1966 when Alvin LaFeir died suddenly, Fulgence was appointed pastor of St. Francis in Yona. It was during this time that Fulgence began to develop serious health concerns and returned to the States for some much needed rest and recovery. Upon his return to Guam, he was given charge of the chaplaincy at Guam Memorial Hospital, residing with the friar community of Saint Fidelis. He was very faithful in visiting the patients daily and his ministry was very much appreciated by those whom he encountered. Fulgence served in this ministry until his sudden death in The people of Guam showed their love and respect for the ministry of Pale Fulgence during his wake and funeral. His body was brought to Saint Fidelis Friary Chapel on Friday afternoon [20 September] until the following day. Hundreds of people came all during the night and the morning after. At 3:30 p.m. his body was taken to the Cathedral of Dulce Nombre de Maria where Bishop F. Flores concelebrated a Pontifical funeral Mass. The cathedral was overflowing with mourners. Fulgence was buried beside Alvin LaFeir in the cemetery at Yona. Fulgence will be held in loving memory among the people of Guam for many years to come. This edited version of the life and ministry of Fulgence Petrie was offered by Kieran Hickey, written in The full version of the necrology may be found in the Messenger [Special Edition], Vol. 41, No. 5, pp , May About the Author Many friars of our province, especially those who have served in the Marianas Islands will remember our brother Kieran, a member of the Province of Saint Joseph. Kieran was instrumental in the growth & development of our ministry in Guam, serving twelve years as Superior Regular. In addition to his administrative prowess, Kieran faithfully served the friars and the people of Guam as parochial minster, educator, formator and friend. Kieran will celebrate his 88th birthday on 13 March He presently resides with the senior friar community of St. Fidelis in Appleton, Wisconsin. Kieran@ntd.net Pictured right: Father Kieran Hickey, pastor of Saint Jude Thaddeus in Sinajaña blesses palms on Palm Sunday, 22 March

11 Newsnotes A Capuchin Franciscan Publication IN THIS ISSUE Page Two-Brothers who have been called to serve- Joseph English, newly-elected vice provincial Page Three- The life and ministry of our brother Felixberto Leon-Guerrero, newly-elected first councilor Page Five-The life and ministry of Paulo Kosaka, newly-elected second councilor Volume 24 Number February 2009 Newsnotes is published by the Province of Saint Mary of the Capuchin Order. Headquarters are located at: 30 Gedney Park Drive White Plains, New York Voice: FAX: SMPComCap@aol.com Page Six-Eric Forbes celebrates Twenty-Five Years of Capuchin Dedication Page Nine- Fulgence Petrie, O.F.M. Cap: , missionary to the Marianas Islands Picture Identification Page two: Joseph English pronouncing his simple vows into the hands of Fr. James Gavin 31 August Agaña Heights Page four: Installation of new leadership by John Gallagher; view of Tumon Bay, Tamuning Page five: [top right] Paulo Kosaka telling stories to the children of St. Elizabeth School, Aiea, HI; [bottom left] Paulo in Pearl City, HI pictured with Pat Sullivan on his way to Okinawa- September 2005 Page six: Eric Forbes-Provincial Chapter 1999 Future Issue Coverage Newly Elected Leadership Team Paulo, Joseph and Felixberto CYFM Ministries Anthony Apuron celebrates 25 th Episcopal Jubilee Chapter Celebration of the Custody of Japan