Monsignor David Cruz Quitugua was born on January 29, 1956 to Sylvester L. and Rosario C. Quitugua. He is the third eldest in a family of four boys. Msgr. David is blessed with two nieces, a nephew, and a grandniece.
As a youth, Msgr. David grew up in Mangilao, and was greatly inspired by the late Pale’ Juan Camacho, Pastor of Santa Teresita Catholic Church. Pale’ Juan encouraged the young David to lead the Parish Altar Servers, be a dynamic lector, and generally serve as parish assistant. It did not take long for Msgr. David to be given possession of all the spare keys to the Santa Teresita Catholic Church and Rectory. Msgr. David had aspirations of becoming a doctor. However, it would be Pale’ Juan’s prediction that he would be a priest, that would prove true.
Msgr. David also sought inspiration in the lives of the saints. One of his favorites is Santa Teresita of the Little Flower, who has a special love for priests. Msgr. David explains that she is the patroness of missions, and therefore especially cherished in Guam as the Archdiocese of Agaña is a missionary Archdiocese. He adds that Santa Teresita of the Little Flower exemplifies how one could become a saint by the simplest of means, i.e., by just doing little things, doing them well, and dedicating them with love to God. Msgr. David continues to seek the intercession of Santa Teresita of the Little Flower in his priesthood. His favorite prayer is the Memorare, a prayer dedicated to Mary, Our Mother, and a prayer cherished by Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. It is a prayer that Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta would ask her congregation to pray when launching a new project.
Msgr. David has held many challenging positions in the Archdiocese of Agaña since his ordination. He is currently Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Agaña and has served as Moderator of the Curia; Judicial Vicar, Metropolitan Tribunal Member; Rector / Vice-Rector of the Agaña Cathedral-Basilica; Archdiocesan Finance Council Member; Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council Member; Member, Archdiocesan College of Consultors; Guam Comitium (Spiritual Director) of the Legion of Mary; Vice Postulator for the Cause of the Canonization of Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores; Professor Redemptoris Mater Seminary; Member, Association of Clergy of the Archdiocese of Agaña; Archdiocesan Director of Vocations; Director of Formation, Father Duenas Seminary; Pastor of Blessed Diego Parish; Chancellor; San Vicente School Teacher; Academy of Our Lady of Guam School Teacher; and Chaplain of the Guam Legislature.
When Msgr. David was in Rome, he concelebrated mass with Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron and the other Bishops of CEPAC (Pacific Conference of Bishops) in the Pope’s private chapel. Msgr. David treasures that experience as his most memorable, as Pope John Paul II and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta were both in attendance.
Msgr. David also remembers his most embarrassing moment, and is forever thankful that it only lasted a moment. It was many, many years ago when the young David was in high school and serving mass for the late Bishop Martin Neylon, S.J., at Santa Teresita Catholic Church in Mangilao. It was time to bring the chalice from the side table to the altar. As he was walking to the altar, the chalice slipped from his hands. The host went rolling down the steps of the sanctuary and David had to go chase after it. To make matters worse, the paten hit the floor with a loud crash and continued to make noise as it spun, and spun, and spun around until it came to a rest. Time stood still, and he was horrified! But, Bishop Neylon just looked at him with his ever gentle and forgiving eyes, patted his shoulder, and whispered that everything was alright. David’s emotions went from horror to relief in seconds. Bishop Martin Neylon, S.J., eventually became Bishop of the Diocese of the Caroline Islands, and a dear friend to the Archdiocese of Agaña.
In a recent interview, Msgr. David said that he is greatly humbled by his elevation to Monsignor and Chaplain of His Holiness. He is thankful for the prayers, support, assistance, and love of so many people. Msgr. David continues to be inspired by the truth that Pope John Paul II wrote in his last book, Memory and Identity. It is the truth that evil has a limit and that the limit is the cross. Monsignor David’s life continues to personify the truth that Jesus has conquered all by transforming the scandal of the cross into the victory of the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life. |
