To report another typhoon seems like old news. Three years ago it was Mawar, a wimp of a typhoon compared to the four I experienced while living in Chuuk during the 70s and 80s. I suppose that the typhoon this past week, Sinlaku, might be dismissed as no stronger than Mawar here on Guam. Wind speeds never made it beyond 90 mph, and the damage to buildings seems to have been minor, at least as typhoons go.
Read More
Long time, no post! There was a time when I felt bound to observe production schedules and meet deadlines, but that has been lost—along with so much else—with age and senility. Still, welcome back to those of you who have had the patience to keep checking my site.
Not long ago I made a three-day trip to Saipan. It’s only a half-hour flight to an island just north of Guam. The ticket that once cost $50 now goes for ten times that. But that’s not all that has changed.
Read More
With the years goes the memory, we old-timers (or “senior citizens,” if you prefer) might say. So much of what I might have shared with you here has slipped away. But all the better for those of you who are skimming through this catch-up letter. Let me spare you the details. The year has been the usual procession of parish Masses, visits to the hospital, prayers alongside caskets in funeral parlors and homes, handouts to people who said they needed food or bus fare, and all the rest.
Read More
I seem to get the jitters whenever I go on-line these days. Who will it be this time, I wonder. Which of my former students has died and left that familiar sinking feeling in my heart as I read through his obituary?
There have been a multitude earlier this year, but in recent weeks three high-profile Xavier High School graduates have passed away. All of them were not just former students who became FSM notables, but they were also good friends.
Read More
Last week, Micronesia marked a major regional church event held on Yap, drawing attendees from across the islands. Dickson Tiwelfil, the last remaining Jesuit from the islands, was ordained as a priest before a congregation that nearly filled the large stadium temporarily converted into a church. Local Yapese chiefs attended—some in traditional loincloths—alongside visitors from Palau and other neighboring islands.
Read More
Yap. That mysterious state, home to legendary masters of magic and artisans of spells, known for its people who keep to themselves, a population divided between the Yapese and those of the surrounding atolls, who speak completely different languages and observe other customs.
On May 1st, a few dozen of us gathered at Yap Catholic High School to attend the formal opening of the new Micronesian Seminar library. The library, once the pride and joy of the institution after which it is named, contains not just paper documents like books and articles, but a remarkable collection of images (photos and videos) that date back to the 19th century. As a bonus, the library also boasts a collection of music that numbers 20,000 pieces—everything from ancient chants and dance music to modern love songs—all in island languages. You’ll have to forgive me for beating my chest about a library that I regard as the best on Micronesia, anywhere in the world.
Read More
When Cuthbert Yiftheg began high school at PATS, he came across as a modest individual from a modest background. Bert, as he was then known, was not from one of the higher strata in Yap, an island where clan determines social status. He was not a stand-out student, perhaps because of his limited educational background. But, long afterwards, the young man was remembered not just for his modesty but his interest in studies. Not only did he always turn in the homework carefully and on time, but he would regularly ask for help from his teachers in the early evening. So often that a teacher might excuse himself from the dinner table a bit early with the side remark that he had to be in his room to help Yiftheg when he made his inevitable visit. It all proved effective for Bert, who graduated near the top of his class.
Read More
Thanks to all of you who have sent birthday wishes—by phone, email, and every app known to humankind. It’s a reminder that birthdays aren’t just for counting years; they’re for counting friends. And really, what greater blessing do we get to enjoy than the friends who make life richer? So, thank you for being one of mine.
Read More