[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 133 (Tuesday, October 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMEMORATING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF FATHER DUENAS MEMORIAL SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2013

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate 
Father Duenas Memorial School on its 65th anniversary as Guam's premier 
Catholic all-male college-preparatory high school.
   Father Duenas Memorial School was established on October 1, 1948, 
four years after the school's namesake, Father Jesus Baza Duenas, a 
Chamorro priest with unwavering loyalty to his faith, parishioners, and 
country, was martyred during the Japanese occupation of Guam. Father 
Duenas was born in the village of Hagtna on March 19, 1911, and 
ordained a Catholic priest in 1938.
   As enemy forces began the occupation of Guam in 1942, American 
priests were taken as prisoners of war, leaving Father Duenas and the 
late Father Oscar Calvo to tend to the spiritual needs of more than 
22,000 Catholics who remained on the island. Father Duenas was 
appointed Pro-Vicar of the Vicariate on Guam, putting him in charge of 
all Church affairs during World War II. Throughout the occupation, 
Father Duenas inspired many Chamorros to remain hopeful that Guam would 
be liberated from enemy occupation.
   Four years following the Liberation of Guam by American forces, 
Bishop Apolinaris W. Baumgartner established Father Duenas Memorial 
School as a minor seminary for young men preparing to become clerics 
and a college preparatory education for others. FDMS opened on October 
1, 1949 near the site where Father Duenas was executed.
   Throughout its history, FDMS has educated many of Guam's young men 
who have made numerous contributions to our community. These young men 
continue a strong tradition of excellence and their work has 
contributed to Guam's growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Many FDMS 
alumni have succeeded in their chosen careers. Today, many of Guam's 
church and government leaders, business and medical professionals, 
military officers, and leaders of charitable organizations are 
graduates of FDMS. The school promotes in its students a strong sense 
of public service and commitment to improving the communities they live 
in. A key characteristic shared among FDMS alumni is their dedication 
to improving the quality of life for our people and our community.
   Again, I join the FDMS community in celebrating its 65th 
anniversary. I wish FDMS continued success, and I am confident that 
this institution of faith and learning will continue its commitment to 
providing a high-quality education to the young men of Guam. May they 
always remain ``Strong in the Faith.''

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