The Archdiocese of Agaña celebrated another blessing as Archbishop Ryan Jimenez ordained Judge John Terlaje as the island’s newest permanent deacon on Saturday, March 1 at the Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña.

Terlaje is among 11 siblings raised strongly in the Catholic faith in Guam by the late Vice-speaker Edward S. Terlaje and educator Shirley Coulter Terlaje, who were longtime, devout parishioners of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Yona.

Judge Terlaje practiced law for many years and was an invaluable help to the Archdiocese of Agaña as its legal counsel, mirroring the service and dedication of his dad who assisted the Church as legal counsel for decades.

Terlaje was sworn in as a judge in the Superior Court of Guam in 2023.

Like his parents, Terlaje has been strong in his faith, contributing his time and service to the Church in many ways.