Author Topic: Hero of the Faith and his Nation - Father Jesus Baza Dueas (Read 738 times)

KevinW · « **on:** July 30, 2010, 09:37:55 PM »

Commentary

There are many that qualify as heroes to their Faith, many as heroes to their country. Some qualify as both. Father Dueñas is one of those.

Born in 1914 on the small American territory of Guam to a simple but hard working and devout family. As a young man, he was called upon by God Himself to be a shepherd of souls. After attending the seminary in the Philippines, the newly minted priest returned to his native land to be only the second ever Chamorro (the race of the indigenous people of the Marianas Islands) priest to serve both God and man.

Undoubtedly, Father Dueñas expected the life of a simple parish priest is what God had planned for him. That was anything but the case.

Dec. 8, 1941

War clouds had been brewing for quite some time all across the Pacific, and on the same day, December 8th (west of the International Date Line) and December 7th (east of the International Date Line), the Empire of Japan brought the horrors of war home to millions upon millions.

In sneak attacks from Pearl Harbor to Hong Kong to the Dutch East Indies, any normalcy in life was changed forever.

And on Guam, "the American pillbox without any guns" wasn't spared. 180 US Marines and a handful of Guamanian Insular Forces troops staged a valiant but brief fight against the 5,600 invading Japanese.

Read more...

Alex · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2010, 10:24:30 PM »

Wow, that's really cool that he's your second cousin, Kevin!

KevinW · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2010, 07:48:10 PM »

Quote from: Alex

Wow, that's really cool that he's your second cousin, Kevin!

I'm glad you enjoyed the article. I telll ya... I just wish I had the courage that flowed through my cousin's veins. May Father Duenas pray for us all!

Trinity · « **Reply #3 on:** August 01, 2010, 08:19:30 AM »

Wonderful story, Kevin. We need more of these to offset the defamation stories. Another good one of a Catholic martyr and saintly soul who served as chaplain during WWII is Merry in God about Fr. Wm Doyle.

These good people uplift our faith, hope and charity. Let's pray that no one decides to destroy their reputations.

MyrnaM · « **Reply #4 on:** August 01, 2010, 08:45:09 AM »

I agree Kevin, with Trinity on this point. You are doing a great service for this forum and your publication for many to read.

KevinW · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2010, 03:03:09 PM »

Thanks ladies. I honestly do approciate that!