Vigil for the late Brother John Maingag

On March 17, 2023, at 6:30pm members of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew gathered for a Vigil Service at Avalon Surrey Memorial Home for the late Brother John Maingag. The Vigil was attended by 19 brethren and led by the local chapter president, Brother Pablo Wigwigan, Brother Ceasar Castro and the chaplain, Brother Bart Alatan. It is customary for the Vigil to take place during the last night prior to burial or cremation. The focus of the worship is to give thanks to God for the life of the departed brother, and to pray that the deceased is welcomed into God’s kingdom. The service is also held in order to share the grief and bring some comfort to the family.

The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is a ministry for men and boys in the Anglican Communion with chapters worldwide. With a focus on prayer, study, and service, the goal is to equip men and boys for faithful discipleship, to promote their spiritual development, and to encourage fellowship and participation within the church and community.

The principal chapter of the Brotherhood in the Diocese of New Westminster is based at St. Mary the Virgin, Sapperton. In May of 2017, former Archbishop of the diocese, the Most Reverend Melissa Skelton presiding as the Installing Officer admitted the members and officers to the Brotherhood of St. Andrew at St. Mary’s.

(Article prepared with files from Arvin Amayag)

Photos submitted by Brother Ceasar Castro.