The Making of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel
In the great Cathedrals of the world, tradition has always placed the reservation of the Blessed Sacrament in a special chapel set aside for Eucharistic Adoration and prayer. In this way, the faithful may adore the Lord in a way that promotes a peaceful, meditative conversation between the soul and the creator. Archbishop Anthony S. Apuron, O.F.M.,Cap.,D.D. had the construction of a Blessed Sacrament Chapel in mind for the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, and awaited the movement of God to make a dream come true.
This movement of God came in the from of an inspiration which came from Mrs. Rosario Calvo. Like many of the faithful, she enjoys spending time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. One day she noticed that a roof and four poles were constructed to the right of the Cathedral-Basilica. The though came to her that these four poles and roof could easily be turned into a chapel where he Blessed Sacrament could be reserved and where the faithful could pray. She mentioned this possibility to Archbishop Apuron, who readily gave his blessing to the idea.
She and her husband, Mr. Thomas J.M. Calvo, embarked on a mission to start and complete the project, using their own personal resources and money. Soon thereafter, they decided to offer their construction of this Chapel to the loving memory of Mr. Thomas Clavo’s father, the late Mr. Eduardo T. Calvo, and as a loving gesture to his mother, Mrs. Veronica M. Calvo.
Despite the difficulties and sacrifices that usually are a part of any worthwhile undertaking, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Calvo have seen this project through to a joyful completion. Today they offer the Cathedral-Basilica parish and to the entire People of God of this Archdiocese this Chapel as a gift of love and prayer. The stones which make up this edifice were put in place by living hearts and hands. We echo the song of the Psalmist, “Let us go rejoicing into the house of the Lord!”
Dedicated on the 30th day of December 1994 on the Feast of the Holy Family.
(Taken from the Dedication of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel commemorative booklet.)
|
