Fitial proud to see Masons flourishing in NMI

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said he is proud to have witnessed the flourishing in the CNMI of the Masons’ organization, affirming “the sound more values” the members upheld centuries ago.

Fitial said the group upholds the best virtues and highest ideals of fraternal friendship, brotherhood, charity, civic responsibility, community, and moral dignity.

“As governor, I respect and encourage these fine values and traditions in the CNMI, and I welcome your organization’s active involvement in the life of our islands,” said the governor in his remarks during the installation of elected and appointed officers for this year’s Saipan Masons held at the Saipan World Resort’s Royal Taga Ballroom on Saturday.

Fitial said he believes that the CNMI, the mainland U.S., and many countries around the world are better off with solid social organizations such as the Free Masons.

The chief executive welcomed the Masons’ visitors from Guam and the Philippines.

Fitial said he is especially pleased to welcome the keynote speaker from Guam, Alfredo D. Leon Guerrero, whom he considered a friend.

“Your organization has been in existence for a very long time, way before our Commonwealth government was ever formed,” he said.

The governor said he also understands that Free Masons existed even before the U.S.A. itself was formed.

“Your organization is among the last of its kind in the 21st century, and yet it is still going strong, even in small communities such as the CNMI,”Fitial said.

Leon Guerrero, the Guam International Airport Authority property manager, congratulated the newly elected and appointed officers of Emon Lodge No. 179.

“Freemasonry’s universality was once again affirmed on this noteworthy event, cherished by brothers of the fraternity. With this, we remain confident the Masonic Light essentially beam not only to contemporary vast lands, but to the traditional Pacific islands as well,” Leon Guerrero said.

In his speech, Leon Guerrero, who at present holds the title of Very Worshipful Noble in the Masonry, discussed the many contributions to the world of the Guam Shriners Association.

Some of the Masons’ charitable contributions go to the Shriners centers in Hawaii and California that treat crippled and burned children worldwide.

Leon Guerrero is president of the Guam Shriners Association. He is the son of former Guam Gov. Manuel Leon Guerrero. He is also the past District Deputy Grand Master for the Grand Lodge of the Philippines.

Businessman Isagani Benoza said it is an honor being installed as this year’s Worshipful Master for the Emon Lodge No. 179 of Masonic District No. 54 under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines.

“It is therefore my will and pleasure, that during this year, a massive outreach program should be launched, blazoning to each and every passer-by of our existence, without sacrificing or even diverting to our ancient principles,” said Benoza, who served as a senior warden last year.

Also installed at the ceremony were Peter Eche as senior warden and Wolfgang Calvert as junior warden.

The other officers intalled were Wilfredo G. Ching as treasurer; Eli C. Buenaventura, secretary; Romulo A. Cayetano, auditor; Peter R. Crisostomo, chaplain; Daniel Banez, marshal; Robert Murdock, senior deacon; Jeffery Warfield Sr., junior deacon; Victor Brana, orator; Casiano Bostre, lecturer; Armando Neglerio, almoner; Sonny Pestanas, senior steward; Celso Gianchand, junior steward; Danilo San Pedro, organist; and Jess de los Santos, tyler.