The Archdiocese of Agana announces that three of five Capuchin-operated churches which were originally closed have been cleared to reopen by the Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS).
Masses are resuming immediately at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Agana Heights, San Miguel in Talofofo and Santa Teresita in Mangilao. They had closed as a precaution against COVID-19. Public Health officials notified the Archdiocese of Agana today after conducting research through contact tracing.
St. Francis in Yona and St. Jude in Sinajana remain closed and Masses temporarily suspended until further notice while their pastors and staff self-quarantine.
Pastors of the five parishes took the precaution of closing facilities, quarantining themselves and suspending Masses after another priest from the Capuchin Franciscan order had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. The friar tested positive while being admitted to Guam Regional Medical City (GRMC) on Tuesday, Jan. 19.
The Archdiocese continues to work closely with Public Health and appreciates its work.
Father Patrick Castro, Custos of the Provincial (Custody Star of the Sea) Order of Friars Minor Capuchin of Guam & Hawaii, and the community of friars express gratitude to everyone for the love and prayers they have shared for their Capuchin brother.
##
