Padre Pio

(Saint Fidelis Friary)

Local Celebration of Capuchins

📍 Address: St. Fidelis Friary, Sinajana, Guam

ABOUT PADRE PIO

Dates: September 23, 2026

Location: Sinajana (St. Fidelis Friary)

Time: 5:00 PM

A Capuchin Devotion: The Fiesta of Padre Pio

Nestled within the central village of Sinajana, the St. Fidelis Friary hosts an intimate and deeply spiritual celebration honoring one of the modern era's most beloved saints: Padre Pio. While Sinajana has its own main village parish (St. Jude Thaddeus), this late September fiesta is a special local event hosted specifically by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars. It honors the famed Italian stigmatic priest who belonged to their order.

For visitors and devotees, this event offers a uniquely quiet and profound experience. Removed from the massive scale of island-wide village fiestas, the celebration at the friary provides a space for deep reflection, healing prayers, and a beautiful glimpse into the enduring legacy of the Franciscan friars on Guam.

THE HISTORY OF THE FRIARY AND THE SAINT

The Order of Friars Minor Capuchin holds a foundational role in the history of Guam's Catholic faith. Capuchin missionaries first arrived on Guam in 1901, stepping in to lead the evangelization and spiritual care of the island as the Spanish administration transitioned. Today, the St. Fidelis Friary in Sinajana serves as the residence and spiritual headquarters for the Capuchin community on the island.

Padre Pio (Saint Pio of Pietrelcina) is arguably the most famous Capuchin of the 20th century. Known for bearing the stigmata (the wounds of Christ) for exactly fifty years, he was renowned for his profound piety, his dedication to the confessional, and his miraculous intercessions for the sick. Celebrating his feast day on September 23rd—the anniversary of his passing—allows the local friars to share the spiritual heritage of their globally revered brother with the people of Guam.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: HEALING AND FELLOWSHIP

Because this event takes place at a working friary, the tone of the evening is incredibly serene, heavily focusing on prayer, healing, and intimate community fellowship.

The Friary Mass and Veneration

At 5:00 PM, devotees gather in the chapel of the friary. The liturgical celebration often involves special prayers for the sick and the suffering, echoing Padre Pio's lifelong dedication to bearing the spiritual and physical burdens of others. Following the Mass, it is a common tradition for the faithful to venerate a first-class relic of Padre Pio, which the friary brings out specifically for his feast day.

The Capuchin "Gupot" (Party)

Following the spiritual honors, the friars open their doors to the community for a shared meal.

• Simple Abundance: Reflecting the Franciscan vow of poverty and simplicity, the fiesta table is deeply community-driven. Devotees and local families from Sinajana pool together their culinary talents, offering a humble yet delicious spread of local comfort foods, Empanadas, and warm stews.

  • • Intimate Connection: The "Gupot" here is exceptionally warm. Rather than loud music and massive crowds, the atmosphere is characterized by quiet conversations, the sharing of testimonies regarding Padre Pio's intercession, and the welcoming hospitality of the friars who call Sinajana home.