Chapels of the Cathedral-Basilica

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.)

Chapel of St. Therese

In 2002, the relics of St. Therese of Lisieux made its first visit to Guam as part of a Worldwide Pilgrimage of Peace. During the visit, thousands of the island’s faithful flocked to the various churches to be in the holy presence of one the greatest saints of our time. As a result of the visit, several faithful sought the help of Msgr. James Benavente to construct a chapel in her honor, most especially to commemorate the historic visit.

In August 2006, ground was broken for a new chapel as well as an adjoining structure for the new National Museum of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica. The chapel has been designed to aesthetically fit the existing structure of the main church and can accommodate about 250 people. The atmosphere of the chapel aims to promote a spiritual experience like no other with marble, granite, bronze, and wood finishes. Catholic faithful who come to celebrate various liturgies in this worship space can look forward to a memorable time in prayer and jubilee with our Lord in the spirit of St. Therese .
The chapel was dedicated on October 10, 2007 by His Excellency Anthony S. Apuron, OFM Cap., D.D. in the year of grace, joy, and gratitude, marking the 50th Jubilee of the Cathedral-Basilica.