CHRISTMAS 2014

CAROLING AT SAINT DOMINIC'S

Remembering how our Lord came to earth as a vulnerable infant, born in the midst of hardship and poverty, we brought the joy of His birth to our senior brothers and sisters who live at Saint Dominic Senior Care Home in Barrigada Heights.

The carolers sang for half an hour, in English, Chamorro and Tagalog.  We certainly did bring cheer to the elderly, who started to clap or move their hands.  Some started to sing along with the carolers and one was given a microphone to really join in.  God bless our carolers!

CHRISTMAS : THE FAITHFUL

O Come, all ye faithful!  And they do!

REFRESHMENTS AFTER MASS

Every year, Dolores Taitingfong makes hot, moist, fresh and delicious buñuelos dågo for us right after Mass.  What a treat!

Photos : Greg Taitague and Father

CHRISTMAS : OUR SERVERS AND SCHOLA

What would we do without their faithful, dedicated service?  God bless you young men!

THE SERVERS

 

Before Mass

"Confiteor Deo omnipotenti...."

THE SCHOLA

Photos : Greg Taitague

CHRISTMAS 2013

THE CHRISTMAS PROCLAMATION

Before Mass

THE ENTHRONEMENT OF THE CHRIST CHILD

Immediately following this, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

 

INCENSATION OF THE ALTAR

Imagine what the heavenly worship is like!

CHANTING THE GOSPEL

The Word of God was made flesh and dwells among us!

THE CONSECRATION

Et Verbum caro factum est.

And the Word was made flesh.

 

ECCE AGNUS DEI

Like St John the Baptist, we say, "Behold the Lamb of God!"

HOLY COMMUNION

He was born in Bethlehem, that is, "House of Bread"

VENERATION OF THE CHRIST CHILD

Venite, adoremus!

 

Photos : Greg Taitague

CHRISTMAS WEEK SCHEDULE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24

11PM - Holy Rosary
1130PM - Caroling
12AM - Missa Cantata

Refreshments after Mass

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26

630PM - Holy Mass (St Stephen)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27

630PM - Holy Mass (St John the Evangelist)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28

1030AM - Holy Mass (Holy Innocents)

CHRISTMAS MIDNIGHT MASS

Before Midnight Mass began, Father chanted the proclamation of the Birth of Jesus.  This tradition takes a passage from the Roman Martyrologium, which briefly tells the story of the martyrs, saints and feasts for each day on the religious calendar.  For December 25, the Martyrologium recounts how many years since the creation of the world, the flood in Noah's time, the birth of Abraham, and so on, Christ was finally born.

Mass begins with Father carrying the Infant Jesus (Niño) to the belen (Nativity Scene or creche).  The schola sings "Ecce Nomen Domini Emmanuel."  Hail, the Lord's name is Emmanuel!

The Kyrie, Sanctus and Agnus Dei for Midnight Mass were taken from the Misa Pastorela.  It was taught to the Chamorros in Saipan by Spanish missionaries and is sung just for Christmas.

As is the custom on Guam, Masses all throughout the Christmas season end with the veneration of the Niño (Infant Jesus).

PHOTOS

The Sermon

The Consecration

The Last Gospel

(Photos and Video courtesy of Bryan Quinata)