On the recordOctober 24, 2011
We recently celebrated an important anniversary in the Northern Mariana Islands for one of our longest- serving spiritual leaders. Reverend Father Isaac Masga Ayuyu has led the island faithful for 25 years. Pale' Ike, as he's fondly known, is the first ordained priest from the island of Rota, and the fifth local person to join the priesthood. He serves today as Parochial Vicar of Mount Carmel Cathedral on Saipan, and as Director of Worship for the Diocese. Pale' Ike has had many mentors on his way to the priesthood, in particular, his parents, Francisca Masga Ayuyu and the late Corbiniano Songao Ayuyu, whose support he recalls each time he celebrates mass with the chalice that was a gift from them. In our faith-based community, priests are ever in demand. Pale' Ike baptizes the newly born and conducts funeral rights for the recently departed. He tends to the spirit of those who are homebound or in hospitals. And he conducts weddings, he hears confessions, he says mass. Outside of this tradition of priestly duties, he also has a lead role in community functions. Where there is a large family gathering, he is expected to attend. When someone builds a new home, Pale' Ike is called upon to bless it. For your 25 years in the priesthood and as part of our daily life, thank you, Pale' Ike. ____________________
