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Message from the Apostolic Administrator, 16th Sunday Ordinary Time, July 17, 2016
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Agana
July 17, 2016
http://www.aganaarch.org/9162/may-father-duenas-who-loved-god-inspire-us/
The past Tuesday July 12, I had the privilege to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Father Jesus Baza Dueñas at St Joseph’s Church, Inarajan. Before beginning the Holy Eucharist, I paused a moment in front of the picture of this priest, who died heroically at the age of 33 – the age of Our Lord.
My thought went back to the time of the 2nd World War. When the invaders came to Guam, Fr. Dueñas stood up fearlessly to defend the oppressed and spoke up against all sort of abuses inflicted by the ruthless marauders. Later accused of treason against the Japanese imperial regime, he was arrested in Inarajan on July 8, 1944 and brutally tortured, together with his nephew, Eduardo Camacho Dueñas. He could have escaped, but not wanting any eventual punishment by the Japanese soldiers against his family or other innocent people, he decided to stay upfront. It was for the people he cared and loved that he paid a high price of torture and decapitation.
Ever since then, he has become a remarkable figure in Guam history and in that of the Local Church. He was the 2nd Chamorro to be ordained a Catholic Priest and, at the time of his martyrdom, he was the first Chamorro cleric to be appointed as the Ecclesiastical Superior of the Church (Pro-Vicar) on Guam. In those difficult years of turmoil and fear, he was considered a good shepherd. He spread hope by words and deeds, and at the end laid down his life for his sheep.
Fr. Dueñas is an inspiring example for all pastors, priests and Bishops. The love of Christ was his strength and reward. For love, and not hatred, his life was offered to God and to His people.
The Archdiocese of Agaña is certainly experiencing difficulties these days: division, anger, mistrust, finger pointing and for many, great sadness. Presently canonical visitations in the parish and seminaries are taking place. I cannot fail to notice that there are pastors, priests and deacons, who day in day out offer their services faithfully to the people of God. They take particular care of the poor and the oppressed. In not a few instances, priests, deacons, and religious, even encourage me, saying such things as: “dear Archbishop Hon we don’t envy your position. You cannot accomplish everything that you would like to but you do have compassion and concern for those who suffer immensely, especially those mentioned in the allegations of sexual abuse. Rest assured that we are trying to extend your sentiments to those who are concerned, by concrete gestures, which you may not be able to provide on your own. With them, and for them, we are organizing prayer meetings, Masses, outreaches, and different kinds of consolation and support for those who are in pain.” One priest even said, “We may not meet their expectations, but we weep with those who weep.”
In this vein, I can see how Fr. Dueñas really left us a very rich spiritual legacy. I admire him, because from him the light of Christ shines forth. At the same time I am proud of my brothers, priest and deacons, and sisters in consecrated life, because they keep the same light shining.
Over five weeks have passed since I arrived on Guam. They have been truly challenging in my mandate given by the Holy Father to promote unity, harmony, and stability to this local Church. My way of proceeding is that of collegiality and collaboration, starting with the clergy, then, gradually through them extending to all Catholics on the island. My actions and decisions may be far from perfect, but are motivated jointly by solidarity, goodwill, and a profound sense of the unity of the Church.
I continue to invite you to pray and walk towards the goal of healing, reconciliation, and unity in the Archdiocese. May Fr. Dueñas, who loved God, loved the Church, and loved Guam, be for us an inspiration and powerful intercessor!
God bless you all.
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