Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores

Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores
Author: Francisco Garcia, S.J.
Authored on: 9/30/1999

Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores (1627-1672) Of the Life and Martyrdom of the Venerable Padre Diego Luis de Sanvitores of the Society of Jesus, First Apostle of the Mariana Islands

The Nature of the Islas Marianas, Temperament and Customs of Their Natives.


The islands called formerly de Los Ladrones and de Las Velas Latinas whose name has now fortunately been changed through Religion into Las Marianas, are innumerable and run from north to south, from Japan to Peru. The thirteen discovered and illumined by the Gospel, are the only ones of which I wish to speak, from the information which the ministers of the Gospel (missionaries) have given. They have traveled over them many times, correcting the information of the older voyagers who saw them only from a distance or in great haste. They are situated in longitude 164 degrees from La Palma, Canary Islands and three hundred leagues nearer than Manila on the voyage from New Spain to the Philippines, 13 degrees latitude boreal from Muag which is 22 degrees and is the nearest one to Japan that has yet been discovered in the small boats that the missionaries have had thus far. From the charts and letters it is a matter of six days journey from japan. These thirteen islands are in their position so Marian that starting from the southwest to Northwest they form a crescent, a very appropriate throne for the feet of Mary and a symbol of the protection of this Sovereign Queen, in spite of Mahoma who has united to his crescent many of the islands of this archipelago.

Their names, not as they are confused in some histories but as they were written by Padre Sanvitores who changed the names into sacred ones, since he wished to make even the land itself Christian, are in order (from the south to the north) as follows: Guam, which he called San Juan; Arpana, which he called Santa Ana; Aquiguan, renamed the Holy Angel; Tinian called Buenavista Mariana; Saipan, Saint Joseph; Anatajan, St. Joaquin; Sariguan, St. Charles; Guguan, St. Philip; Alamagan, La Concepcion; Pagon, St. Ignatius; Agrigan, St. Francis Xavier; Asanson, la Asuncion; and Maug, San Lorenzo. The largest are Guam, which is 35 leagues square and Aguigan which is fifty. The latter is more fertile and pleasant than the others. The islands are not far apart, the farthest only a day's journey from another. They have commerce and use the same language, a rare thing among gentiles who are not subject to one dominion.

The climate is healthful and benign, although the last islands (northern) are cooler than the first and in none is the cold or heat excessive. They do not suffer the terrible earthquakes that are known in other islands of the archipelago. The land is mountainous and has great marshes, always covered with a spiny growth, with many trees but none of those of Europe. The most noticeable tree is the one they call in their language "Maria" (Palo Maria) of which they construct their houses and boats. Under the title of "Maria," a harbinger of happiness and of the good tidings which would be theirs through this name(?). The islands have many rivers of fresh water, and on the Island of Guam there are more than thirty. No alligators are found, nor snakes, nor other poisonous animals. There are fish in the rivers, especially eels, but for some superstition, they do not catch them.

On the land there are not found other animals than cats and dogs which are believed to have remained here from the galleon Concepcion when it was wrecked in these islands. In the air are seen birds that resemble turtle doves. The islanders do not eat them, but keep them in cages and teach them to speak. Thus far no mines of silver or gold have been found nor anything of value. That which is most valuable among the natives is iron, for which they trade with the Spanish ships, exchanging the poor products of their soil also tortoise shells, and whoever has the most iron is the most powerful. Nature is parsimonious with these people, and they are content with so little. Certainly a lesson for those who seek after material things to satisfy their insatiable thirst and hunger. It goes to show that very little suffices him who does not seek what is extra and nothing is extra to him who is not content with only the necessary. The islands have many ports where ships can anchor, some of them very suitable for the ships that come from New Spain as well as those from the Philippines, unless contrary winds make entrance impossible which the Servant of God believes is the work of demons because of their fear of losing to the Faith their long held dominion over these Islands. Now we are confident that the Star of the Sea will appease the winds since the Marinas are under Her protection as well as under her title.

In the Island of San Juan there are seven ports; that of San Antonio which is in the western part, across from a town which the natives call Hati, in which port there are two good rivers from which to obtain water. Another port, which was vented by the Dutch for some three months during past years, careening their ships, in half a league from the point that divides the inlet of San Antonio from the southern part and faces a village, called in their language, Humatag. It has a good river where the Dutch obtained water. Proceeding on this side from the south, there is found a third port three leagues distant, at a village called Habadisan. It has some shelter from the west and more from the north, but lacks a river. Traveling three leagues to the eastward two bays are found, separated by a point of land, where there are two rivers. The first bay faces a village called Pipug, and the second more to the east, faces a village called Irig. it is well sheltered from the west and has sufficient protection also from other winds. Leaving the port of San Antonio which we mentioned before, and proceeding along the coast on the north within the distance of a musket shot there is another port at a village called Tarogrichan, with rivers of good water, which has on both sides, the same shelter from the winds as San Antonio.

Continuing more to the north, near the town of San Ignacion de Agadna, where now are located the principal church and house of the Padres of the society in front of a reef which faces West-Northwest at a distance of a shot of an arguebus from said reef, there is found a very good sandy anchorage and land for the length of 18 brazas and at a distance of two musket shots from the reef the depth is of 10 brazas and going in further at a distance of a shot of an arguebus from land the depth of the water is of 22 brazas. It has a good river which flows into the center of the bay. It is protected from all winds and appears to be the best port and most appropriate of the island of San Juan.

On the Island of Zarpana or Santa Ana, which the natives call Rota, or Luta, there is a port in which the Dutch anchored the three ships mentioned above. It faces a settlement called Socanrago and San Pedro, and looks towards the north-east. One league to the south there is another port with good depth and protection from all winds. On the island of Saypan there is a good port, whose entrance faces the east, and is protected by the principal point of the island, which looks to the southeast. The port is near a village which is called Raurau.

In the islands farther north, called Pani, and Los Volcanes. It is said that there are good ports, especially one on the western part of Agrigan, a distance of some fifteen leagues beyond Los Volcanes, which is said to be a suitable anchorage for ships coming from Manila. All these ports nature has opened in these islands in order that the Faith might enter if people would enter through a port other than that of their own interest. Whence came the people of these islands is only surmised but is not known. Padre Colin in his India Sacra, believes that they came from Japan and he makes this seem credible because of their nearness to Japan, the similarity of the people in many ways, expecially in the high regard they have for the nobility, in spite of their own poverty. they have preserved in their memorized history which is confused with many fables a belief that they came from the south or west. The similarity of their skins and of their language, coloring, the teeth, and their mode of governing, or lack of it, makes one suspect that they may have the same origin as the Bisayos of Tagalogs. There are some inhabitants who would trace their history to the Egyptians, according to the reference of Gomara, in his Historia de las Indias as Magellan learned when he came to these islands in 1521. When or how the first people came here is still unknown. It must have been a storm that spared their lives but drove them to a sterile land. The number of inhabitants is large.

In Guam alone there are fifty thousand, on other island forty thousand, and less on others, divided among the town and villages, along the beaches, usually in groups of fifty, sixty or even a hundred and fifty houses. In the mountains there are from six to ten or twenty in a group. The houses are the cleanest that have yet been found among Indios; built of coconut and palo Maria. the walls and the ceiling made in the style of a vault are curiously woven of coconut leaves. They have four rooms, with doors, and curtains of the same matting. one serves as sleeping room, another for storing food, one as kitchen, and the fourth is large enough in which to build and store boats. The Marianos are in color a somewhat lighter shade than the Filipinos, larger in stature, more corpulent and robust than Europeans, pleasant and with agreeable faces. They are so fat they appear swollen. The women wear long hair and in various ways they bleach it white. They color their teeth black, believing this is a great adornment to their beauty. The men do not wear long hair, but shave their head leaving only a small topknot on the crown, about the length of a finger. They remain in good health to an advanced age and it is very usual to live ninety or one hundred years, and among those who were baptized during the first year of the Mission, there were more than a hundred twenty persons who were more than one hundred years old.

It may be due to their robustness, being accustomed to certain distempers from the cradle, or for the uniformity and natural condition of their food, or because of exercise and not too much anxiety, and for the lack of vices and worries, which are roses with thorns, which flattering and then grieving men, finish them off. Perhaps all together contribute to the prolonged age of the Islanders. Since they have few ailments they know few medicines, and treat themselves with a few herbs, of which experience and necessity have taught them the uses and virtues. Their costume is that of a state of innocence although with the vices which sin brings about, but fewer than their nudity and barbarity would promise. Only the women cover as much as modesty requires with an apron called tifis. They live during four months of the year on products of the ground, coconuts, which are abundant, bananas, sugar cane, and fish. the remainder of the year they supplement the lack of fruits with certain roots similar to sweet potato. The little rice which is grown they save for festines. They practice no excess in eating: they have no wine or other intoxicating liquor which as been a great impediment for the Faith in other countries. Their drink is water and thus their commonest ailment is dropsy. Their occupation is the cultivation of coconut groves and banana trees, the care of crops, and sea fishing. As they are accustomed to this from childhood, they appear more like fish than men. Their boats are very light, small and pretty, painted with a kind of bitumen which colors the hills of Guam red. It is mixed with lime and coconut oil, and beautifies their boats greatly. their language is easy to pronounce and to understand, especially for anyone who knows Tagalog or Bisayan. It is reduced to a few rules and much freedom is permitted in variety of vowels and consonants in a single word. This within the same island and within the same town; it causes embarrassment to those who are beginners since the difference of tense is very small. It is an elegance of style to place the noun before the adjective. Thus they called Padre Sanvitores from the time he arrived in the islands Padre Maagas which means Grande Padre. They practice many courtesies, and an ordinary usage, on meeting and on passing in front of another, is Ati Arinmo which means: "Give me permission to kiss your feet." And if one passes by a house they ask him if he will remain to eat, and they bring out buyo (Betel nut) which is a plant they like very much, and keep in the mouth, like tobacco. To pass the hand over the breast of the person one visits is considered a great courtesy.

They rarely expectorate, and do so with great modesty and never near the house of another, nor in the morning, in which there appears to be some superstition, I do not know what. It is unnecessary to ask if they know any letters, sciences or arts, those who are ignorant even of the elements, and did not know of the existence of fire in the world until they saw it lighted by Spaniards who survived the shipwreck in 1638. For all this, they admire poetry and believe poets to be men who perform wonders. We wonder at times how such great ignorance goes hand in hand with their great conceitedness through which they think themselves the wisest and most talented of the world and despise all other nations as compared to themselves.

Their barbarity is not in keeping with the great esteem which they have for their nobility and their observance and discretion of lineage, high, low and middle class, which would seem to point to an origin in some civilized nation. It is seen how pride banished from heaven, lives in all parts of the earth, among clothed people, and the unclad alike. For nothing in the world would one of their chiefs, called Chamorris, marry the daughter of a commoner, even if she were very rich and he very poor as is said of the Japanese. Formerly, parents of the nobility killed sons who married daughters of plebeian families whether it be for love or for riches. In order to maintain their family status with splendor, the first born inherits large estates of coconuts, bananas, as well as other choice properties and it is not the son of the defunct who inherits his father's estate but rather the brother or nephew of the defunct. The heir now changes his name and takes the name of the founder or chief ancestor of the family. Those of low station are not permitted to eat or drink in the houses of the nobles, or even to go near them. If they need anything they ask for it from a distance. These customs exist principally in the town of Agadna, where through the goodness of the water and other conditions which in this location are better than elsewhere, the Principals who came from Japan or from elsewhere gathered. All the inhabitants of the island fear and respect the chiefs of Agadna. There are in this settlement fifty three principal houses. As for the rest up to one hundred and fifty are on separate grounds because they are of low people and would be given no part in the affairs of the town or the court. The nature and temperament, although at first seemed harmless and nude of deceit, as they were of clothing, gained in Europe great praises of the Padres of the Society and of the first Spaniards who dealt with them and allowed themselves to be persuaded by the demonstrations of kindness and hospitality which they saw in them.

Later it has been known to be deceitful, double and treacherous, because they conceal with contrary words and appearances one or two years the feeling of offense which they received until they find the opportunity for vengeance and they never heed promise to do nor not to do whatever seem but to them. They are warriors of the most barbarous, easily disturbed, and easily appeased, hesitant to attack, and prompt to flee. As one town gets ready to go against another with great shouts, but without a leader without order or discipline they are wont to be two or three days in a campaign without attacking, each observing the movements of the other; and when they arrive at the moment of battle they arrange the peace very soon, because on falling dead two or three on one side, it gives itself up as defeated, and sends ambassadors to the other, with the tortoise shells which are the sign or surrender. The victors celebrate the triumph with satiric songs, in which they exaggerate their valor, and make fun of the conquered. The arms which they use are stones and lances in place or irons with long hewn human bones. These are made of three or four shark tines which puncturing easily the flesh, break off and some of the points remain inside the flesh causing certain death. No remedy for this poison has been found although it was tried later in Mexico by a team of doctors. They use these arms from childhood and are very skillful in handling them; moreover, they can throw stones from a sling with such dexterity and strength that they are able to drive them into the trunk of a tree. They do not use the bow, nor arrow, nor sword; they have only some cutlasses and knives acquired from our ships in exchange for their products. They have never used the shield nor any other defensive arm, depending only on the swiftness of their movements to prevent being injured and escape the blows of the adversary. They are by nature jokesters (buffoons) enjoying fun and fiesta. The men get together to dance, to play with lances, to run, leap, wrestle and to test in various ways their strength, and amid these entertainments they retell with great laughter their stories or fables, and a drink composed of gruel, rice and grated coconut. The women have their own fiestas, in which they decorate themselves with wreaths on their foreheads, sometimes of flowers resembling jasmine, sometimes of alvalorios and tortoise shell, pendants of beads made from small pink shells which they value as much as we do pearls. They also make belts of them with which they gird themselves, adding pendants all around of small coconuts over some skirts of strands of the roots of trees, with which they finish off their regalia and finery, which looks more like a cage than a dress. Twelve or thirteen get together and make a circle, without moving from one spot, they sing in verse their histories and ancient things with measured time and harmony of three voices: soprano, contraltos, and falsettos, with the occasional tenor assistance of one of the Principals who attend these fiestas. The movements of the hands accompany the voices, so that with the right they go along forming half moons, and in the left some small boxes of little shells, which serve them as castanets. This is in such perfect time and so well done that it causes no little admiration to see the liveliness with which they learn the things to which they apply themselves. Of their customs I shall not omit saying that although they were given the name of Ladrones because of some little stealth of iron, which they must have done on our ships, they do not deserve it, for all the houses being open, rarely is anything missing from them. The young men, who are called Urritaos are very indecent and live in public houses with the unmarried women, whom they buy or rent from their parents for two or three hoops of iron, and some number of tortoise shells. This does not hinder them from marrying later. The married ones ordinarily content themselves with one woman and do not disturb the others. They abhor assassins; and because of this they did not honor as they usually did, some of the villages of the island of Saipan, because they have found them for several years back cruel, and very inclined to make lances. They are liberal and kind to visitors, as has been experienced by our ships upon passing through their lands, and much more by those who landed there, thrown up by the shipwreck of the Concepcion. In conclusion, although their customs generally are like those of blind people, they are not so barbaric, as are their barbarisms, and like that of other nations.

Blessed Pedro Calungsod

By Francisco Garcia, S.J.
Translation by FELICIA PLAZA, M.M.B.
Micronesian Area Research Center, U.O.G. 1980
BOOK III


Pedro Calungsod, a 17 year old Filipino Visayan martyred in Guam in 1672, together with the Spanish Jesuit priest now Blesse Diego Luis de San Vitores. Blessed Pedro, a native of Cebu, Philippines and a lay Chatechist, left for Guam in 1668 with Spanish Jesuit missionaries at the tender age of 13 to evangelize the native Chamorros. Pedro was known to do frequent confession and always went to confession and always went to Mass and communion before he went out on his missions with Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores who had now chosen him as a personal assistant.

The necessary permission from the Most Rev. Anthony Sablan Apuron, O.F.M. Cap,Archbishop of Hagatna, Guam to instruct the cause for the beatification process of Pedron Calungsod was granted January 6, 1994. All existing information about Pedro Calungsod is contained within the accounts of the last day and hours of Fr. Diego Luis de San Vitores, his mentor prost, his tandem martyr-the day of their martyrdom, April 2, 162. Pedro Calungsod, teenaged martyr and catechist, was beatified in Rome in March 5, 2000 by Pope Paul II 15 years after Blessed Diego was beatified. Blessed Diego was beatified in October 6, 1985.

Santa Marian Kamalen

Introduction


Faith is the gift God engenders in the human heart.  How faith takes root in the human heart remains a mystery.  The Franciscan Brother Juan Pobre arrived on Rota before the end of the sixteenth century and Father Juan de Los Angeles stayed on Guam for a brief period around the same time.  Was the prayer to Mary offered by these Franciscans the seed of devotion for the people of the Marianas?  The arrival of the Jesuits in 1668 brought a devotion to Mary in their hearts, which took root among those they baptized.  Diego Luis de San Vitores, a future martyr, and later “Blessed” of the Church, dedicated the first church built on the island of Guam on February 2, 1669 to the Dulce Nombre de Maria, the Sweet Name of Mary.  These first missionaries fostered a devotion to Mary and introduced the rosary.  Today, this dedication to Santa Maria is inextricably woven into the fabric of our expression of faith and cultural traditions.  Exactly when this Marian devotion in the Mariana Islands became centered on Santa Marian Kamalen is uncertain; however, historical reports and oral tradition tell of her presence for at least three centuries.

Our Lady has come to Indonesia, Japan, and Vietnam, within the Asia-Pacific Region, and a strong and unwavering devotion has arisen among the faithful in these countries.  It is natural that God would foster a particular devotion to His Mother here, where a long-standing devotion was already in place.  Hagåtña, the central village in earlier times, became her final place of honor and devotion.  It is here, in the capitol of Guam, that the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen is enthroned.  Our Lady has responded in accordance with Divine Providence to personal and familial petitions, as well as island crises, with alacrity and completeness.  Her reliance upon the compassion of her Son has withstood the test of time from the Marriage Feast of Cana, found in Sacred Scripture, to the present moment.
In the past, devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe began in Mexico and was carried over the waters to the Marianas and beyond.  In these days, it is carried back over the same waters under the title of “Our Lady of Camarin” to the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C, where a replica of the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen will be enthroned on September 17, 2006.

Origin of the Statue


Historical Tradition

During the exploration of the 16th century, Spain established a transpacific galleon trade route between the Americas and Asia, which lasted from 1665 to 1815.  Since the voyage from Acapulco to the Philippines spanned nearly six thousand and seven hundred miles of ocean, an intermediate port was needed to replenish provisions for the ship and its crew.  The Mariana Islands were established by the Spaniards as an intermediate port for the Spanish ships en route to Asia.  During this transpacific galleon trade, that lasted nearly two hundred and fifty years, only three shipwrecks were recorded in the Mariana Islands.  Of those recorded shipwrecks, in 1695 the Nuestra Senora del Pilar, a Spanish galleon en route to the Philippines, was shipwrecked off the northern tip of Danu’, Malessu’ (Cocos Island, Merizo).

It was the Spanish tradition that, when sailing the high seas, an image of a religious statue became an integral part of the ship and was dedicated as the guardian and protector of the ship and its crew.  It is then quite probable that the statue, known to the people of the Marianas as Santa Marian Kamalen, was designated as the protector of the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora del Pilar.  The tragic event of the shipwreck of this galleon prevented the salvage of most of her contents.  However, one principal recovery from this wreckage, as accounted through oral tradition, was the statue of the Virgin Mary by a Chamorro fisherman from Malessu’ (Merizo).

Another plausible theory is that the statue was “brought to Guam in 1668 by Father San Vitores.”  This is supported by several references in Father Francisco Garcia’s 1683 History of the Life and Martyrdom of Fr. San Vitores, to the fact that Father San Vitores had a statue of the Blessed Virgin in his possession in Acapulco before the departure of the galleon for Guam, presumably the same statue which he had brought with him from Manila and which had been blessed by the Archbishop.  (taken from Guam’s Patroness Santa Marian Kamalen by Marilyn A. Jorgensen)
Oral Tradition

There are two slightly different versions of the oral history of how the statue was discovered.  The Malessu’ account relates that shortly after Christianity was established in the Mariana Islands, a fisherman by the name of Babang went fishing off the reef of Malessu’.  While fishing he saw an image of the Virgin Mary erect on the ocean floor with two golden crabs (Panglau di Oru), each holding a votive candle, flanking the statue.  His attempts to retrieve the statue were futile because the statue seemed to move to avoid being caught.  Upon his return to shore and determined to return to the site where the statue was, Babang contemplated his failures.  He came to the realization that his view of life was in contradiction to what the Virgin Mary signified and, therefore, he must embrace Christianity before attempting to recover the statue.  After changing his ways, he returned to the site, guided and aided by the two lighted votive candles, held by the golden crabs, flanking the statue.  When he arrived at the site where he saw the statue, he immediately sighted the Virgin at the bottom of the ocean floor.  He dove into the ocean, and this time the statue remained stationary.  When he reached the statue, he embraced her and brought the Virgin Mary to the shores of Malessu’.

In 1826, the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen was transferred to Hagåtña, and this explains the existence of the second oral tradition of her recovery from the sea.   The alternate account that circulated in Hagåtña relates that Babang sighted the statue floating in the waters of Malessu’.  In addition, Babang’s attempts to recover the statue were foiled because he was not properly dressed.  His success to recover the statue only came about after he went to shore to put some clothes on, only then was he able to retrieve the statue.  The miracle of recovery of the statue, according to both accounts, was made possible by the two lighted candles in the water, which signified the light of faith.

All known accounts agree that the statue was recovered from the sea at or near Malessu’ and was turned over to the parish priest, who surrendered it to the Spanish Governor.  As the story goes, the Governor placed the statue in the barracks of the insular guard.  Since “camarin” is a Spanish word for a long, narrow, thatched structure or shed used as a soldier’s barracks, the statue came to be known as Nuestra Senora del Camarin, Our Lady of Camarin or, in Chamorro as Santa Marian Kamalen.

Whatever her origin, Santa Marian Kamalen serves as a tangible, steadfast reminder of a people’s resilience and enduring hope in all things possible; through her intercession we are forever strengthened in faith, with the promise, that God will never leave his people and that His love never fails. The statue of Santa Marian Kamalen stands about twenty -eight inches high and weighs about sixty pounds.  However, her presence is far from insignificant.  It has always been Mary's role throughout history to lead people to God and Jesus.  She calls us to conversion and shows us what it means to be a humble disciple and follower of Jesus.

Our Patroness


Who is Santa Marian Kamalen and why is she so special to the people of Guam and the Northern Marianas? She is our heavenly Queen Mother and the earthly Mother of the King of Kings. Who wouldn’t be struck by the awesome majesty of the Queen of Heaven? For Chamorros, the indigenous people of the Marianas, Santa Marian Kamalen embodies the ultimate Maga’Haga, the highest ranking female in our matrilineal lineage. It is easy to understand why, in our mother-centered culture, Santa Maria holds such an honorable place. She is at once our Patroness and our Protectress.

Today, you may find Santa Marian Kamalen high above the Archbishop’s throne, in the apse of the Agana Cathedral- Basilica. As the Patroness of Guam and the Mariana Islands, she is the oldest religious icon of the Church on Guam and has survived wars, fires, epidemics, typhoons, earthquakes, and even theft.

According to archival documents, the statue has been repaired, repainted, and redecorated several times in the past hundred years. Between 1894 and 1930, the statue underwent three minor restorations in the Philippines. The Vicariate in 1963, and then the Diocese in 1971, commissioned Father Marcian Pellett, OFM Cap., to refurbish the statue.  In recent times, the Archdiocese commissioned Mark Dell’Isola, a resident artist, to do some minor touch-up on the statue in 1983 and in 1992.  On December 28, 1992, the statue was stolen from its niche at the Cathedral-Basilica for over a month, and at its recovery, a major repair was needed to fix the damages that were incurred because of the theft.  It was during this last repair that artist Mark Dell’Isola, after unwrapping several layers of paint and gesso and arriving at the wood base, discovered that royal blue over peach and gilded gold with a bit of silver were the original colors of the statue. After her repair our Lady once again emerged, now with a new look. She was re-enthroned in the apse of the Cathedral Basilica on May 30, 1993 on the Feast of Pentecost.

In 1971 the Eleventh Guam Legislature unanimously voted to Amend Section 200 of the Government Code of Guam to declare December the 8th a Territorial Legal Holiday. It was on December 8, 1941, that Guam was invaded by the Imperial Army of Japan. This day marked the beginning of the three long years of Japanese occupation. At the time, Guam was the only American community to suffer an occupation during the Second World War. As cited in the Guam Law, this day was to serve as an eternal commemoration of celebration and remembrance of the struggles of our people.  On this day, we celebrate faith and we remember those whose lives were sacrificed for their country, their people, and their home.

It has been a long-standing tradition that once a year, on December the 8th, the Statue of Santa Marian Kamalen comes down from her niche high above the sanctuary in the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica for the people to come in touching distance of her.  On this day, thousands of people from all over Guam, the neighboring islands in the Marianas, and even from abroad, come to gather in prayer and faith, united by her presence, to give glory to her Son Jesus Christ.  For this one special day out of the whole year, Our Lady is placed on a karosa or float, and is ushered in an island-wide procession around parts of Hagatna.  However, on December 8, 2002, Guam’s history would be rewritten.

December 8, 2002


On the evening of December 7, 2002, Guam was visited by Super Typhoon Pongsona.  The United States of America Department of Commerce, Service Assessment Team documented that Super Typhoon Pongsona was one of the worst typhoons to have ever struck the island of Guam.  It was reported as Guam’s third most intense storm, with sustained winds of 144 miles per hour (mph), and gusts over 180 mph.  Other super typhoons that rivaled Pongsona’s intensity were that of the Super Typhoons Karen in 1962, Pamela in 1976, and Paka in 1997.

On December 8, 2002 Monsignor James L.G. Benavente, Rector of the Agana Cathedral-Basilica, made an unprecedented, but crucial decision to act on behalf of the safety of Our Lady of Camarin.  Santa Marian Kamalen was immediately removed form her niche, in the nave of the Agana Cathedral-Basilica, and taken to a more secured location.  At that point, the church had started to take on severe damage, as even the most secured windows held powerless against the ravages of the storm’s fury.  Despite the raging wind and relentless rain against him, Monsignor Benavente was able to battle the elements and bring Santa Marian Kamalen into safety, up to the Pastoral Center’s second floor.

It was there, in the solitude of the Pastoral Center, that two candles stood vigil while the Holy Rosary was prayed to Santa Marian Kamalen—interceding, once again, for the protection of Guam and her people.  Those moments of prayer seemed to last for what seemed an eternity.  But in those solemn moments of profound faith, one couldn’t help but feel that our Holy Mother was there with us, listening to the prayers of her people and asking for the grace of God, the Father.

In the height of the super typhoon, the Cathedral-Basilica suffered major damage, some of which included broken doors, numerous shattered windows, excessive flooding and heavy water damage.  During the clean-up of the Cathedral-Basilica, Santa Marian Kamalen was under the close watch of the Cathedral-Basilica’s personnel and the Knights of the Altar.  They included Evan Borlas, Jon Junior Calvo, Joseph Iseke, Richard Kidd, Mark Mesngon, Matthew Pangelinan, Joshua Perez, and John Joseph Rivera.  For three days, these gentlemen stood vigilant, in rotating shifts, to ensure her safety, until she was returned to her rightful place in the Cathedral-Basilica.

This was the year that Santa Marian Kamalen did not walk the streets in procession of the Feast of the Immaculate Concepcion, though she was in constant solidarity with her people who suffered.  For the first time in Guam’s history, the mass and procession were cancelled because of the massive devastation brought about by Pongsona.  However, as soon as conditions permitted—even without power, water, and some with no homes—people still came to the Cathedral-Basilica in thanksgiving to God for the true gift received, the gift of life.  

With the steadfast spirit of Guam’s faith and the resilience of the people on January 1, 2003, the Feast of Mary the Mother of God, with permission from His Excellency Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron, the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen was permitted to once again adorn the sanctuary of the Cathedral-Basilica. In joyful celebration, Santa Marian Kamalen was presented to the people for personal veneration after all morning Masses. In known history, this was the only time that she was brought down from her niche outside her normal appearance to the public on December 8.

The Chamorro Tradition of the Kamarera


To share the story of Santa Marian Kamalen is to tell of the life of +Mariquita Torres Souder or Mama Tita, as she was more affectionately known. Mariquita served as Kamarera, the official caretaker of Santa Marian Kamalen, for 75 years until her death in 2003.  The following are excerpts from an interview by Ro Underwood, which appeared in two issues of TV Guam during the time that the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen was last stolen from the Agana Cathedral.

Tita Souder can’t remember a time when her family wasn’t involved with the statue of Santa Maria’n Camarin. As teenagers, Tita and her sister, Chong were members of the Sodality of Mary. They were privileged to have been able to help their father, Jose Martinez Torres, care for the statue. When Chong got married in 1928, she handed Tita her responsibilities for the care of the statue. This began a lifetime of mutual care between the statue and Tita.

Up until World War II, Tita had only to worry about preparing the statue for processions and novenas. The real test came two weeks after the war started.

“Father Duenas came to my house and asked my father if we could take the statue to our two-story ranch house in Jalaguac (now known as Maite). Father Duenas told my father that the Japanese had taken over the Cathedral and were using the altar as a stage for hula dancing and suggestive dances. My father offered the use of one of the bedrooms to store the statues and church documents.” She went on to say that they were allowed to place the statue of the Blessed Mother with the throne in the family living room.

“We were watched very carefully by the Japanese soldiers. When they discovered that Fr. Oscar Calvo was saying a daily mass at our house, we were ordered to stop the masses. They were suspect of every small crowd.” She went on to say that a month later, a Japanese bishop and priest came to pick up the statues and church documents. “They were going to store them at a chapel in San Antonio (near where Ada’s Commercial Complex is in Agana).”

“When they got ready to take the statue of Santa Maria’n Camarin, I told them that the statue belonged to us and that it should be left at our house. I made up a story that the church borrowed the statue for novenas and processions. The Bishop looked at Father Duenas and asked him if what I said was true. Fortunately, Father Duenas went along with my white lie and agreed that indeed the statue belonged to our family.” Tita reminded me that she, the priest, and other members of her family would have been killed if the truth were known.

Not long after the Torres family “acquired’ the statue, the Japanese forced the family from their home, which became a hospital for the Japanese.

“We had to move to a smaller ranch in a rugged valley that could only be reached by foot or by cow-driven cart. My brother Jose held on to the statue as a helper drove the cart. After we were settled into the ranch, he went back for the throne.” The throne was hand-carved by Jesus “Bejong” Crisostomo.  It was a gift paid for by my father and Pedro Martinez (brother of Ana Martinez Underwood). She went on to say that the family held nightly prayers.

“The Japanese painted their jeeps black so that we couldn’t see them spying on us after dark. Whenever we held our evening prayers, a person stood outside keeping watch.” She recalled that nearby neighbors, B.J. Bordallo’s family, used to attend those nightly prayers.

It wasn’t until the war was coming to an end that the statue and throne were placed in a bokongco, or basement-like room. “There was no way that we could carry her on that march to Manengon. We had to trust that she would be safe in that room.  We wouldn’t know until after the war when we were living at the Agat Camp that the Americans had bombed the house as they tried to liberate the island.”  Tita recalled how her brother, Felix Torres (father of Geraldine Guiterrez), made friends with a Marine officer. “He asked if they (the Marines) could take him to look for the statue. Unfortunately, the officer advised that such a journey was dangerous. Several weeks later, my brother was escorted to the house by some 48 or so Marines. It was then that he discovered that our home was demolished, with the exception of the room where the statue was. Not only did we lose our ranch but we lost all our heirlooms. All the family jewels were stolen but the earrings and necklace on the statue were left untouched.” She added that her family was living in a pup tent when her brother returned with the statue. Several months later after the family returned to a makeshift home, Felix returned for the throne which remained unharmed. The throne can still be seen at the Agana Cathedral.

December 8th, 1945 marked the first island-wide procession. “Lagrimas Untalan and I had this idea to build a carosa (float) using a silver moon in the background. We asked the nurses to get cotton from the hospital so that we could spray bluing on it to make clouds for the candlelight procession. During that time, the temporary church was too small to accommodate the people so it ended at the Kiosko at the Plaza de España. It was then that an old woman got too close to the statue causing it to get burned. Ricardo Bordallo and his cousins Rufo and Elo Calvo took their coats off in order to put the fire out, but the flames were so intense that their jackets turned to ash, buttons and all.” When the fire was finally put out, it was discovered that the statue was unharmed. Not one single strand of human hair caught fire. “Bishop Baumgartener told me to put her hair away since what happened was miraculous. Two years later, he put it with other church relics.” An earlier miracle was when an earthquake destroyed the Cathedral [in 1902] and the statue was totally unharmed.

Since 1945, Mariquita Torres Souder has performed a labor of love caring for the statue and overseeing the creation of the carosa (float) every December 8th celebration.”  It takes about a week of intense work to get the carosa together. The original carosa (which is still used) was built by Jesus Torres. These days, Mark Pangelinan donates manpower and material for the carosa. I usually begin the plans for the next year’s procession directly after we’ve dismantled the carosa.” She described how she enjoyed shopping in Chicago for this year’s carosa.

The statue has been taken before. Tita recalled how she felt when Bishop Baumgartner called to tell her that the statue had been stolen. “As soon as I heard the news, I immediately had this empty feeling.” She recalled the day when a Filipino knocked at her door. “Without thinking, I opened the door. The man asked if the bishop was home. I told him that the bishop lived next door.” She walked him over to the bishop’s driveway. She would learn later that the person had called the bishop, ordering him to remove everyone from the home. The man advised that he was returning the statue and that if there was anyone else in the house that he would harm the statue. The thief sealed the conversation by adding that the call was a confession—to be their secret forever.

The statue was stolen the second time by a mentally impaired man. After he returned the statue, he told the bishop that he was walking toward his home when it began to rain. “As he was walking up San Ramon Hill, the statue seemed to make his feet so heavy that he could barely walk. Not knowing what to do, he put her in the nearest cave at the bottom of the hill. After the statue was brought to the church, Monsignor Flores called to ask if I could come to arrange her hair since it had been matted. Unfortunately, she was muddy as well and her arm was broken.” She didn’t have to say that she was elated and sad at the same time.

Tita Souder recalled how sad Bishop Apuron was when he called this time to advise her of the disappearance of the statue. The wonderful and refined aunt teared as she asked, “I’m asking the person or persons who took her to please return her. There will be no questions asked, Please, the people of Guam miss and need her.”

A lifetime of mutual care, the Lady of Camarin and the lady Tita, each caring for the other, is on hold, as others with their own stories pray for her speedy return.

Mama Tita saw the return of Our Lady and continued to care for her until her death on October 12, 2003. It is most fitting that on the anniversary of Mama Tita’s birthday (September 4th), Santa Marian Kamalen will witness and bless the elevation of four Guam sons into the ranks of Monsignori.

However, the story doesn’t end there.  Mama Tita’s daughter, Laura, a second generation Kamarera (caretaker), has taken up her mother’s life-long devotion and has made a lifetime commitment to continue her mother’s promesa.  We asked Laura to share memories of her mother’s dedication and reflect on the role of Kamarera that she has inherited from her mother.

I don’t have a single memory of my childhood, which does not include Santa Marian Kamalen being central to our family life and celebrations. Our schedule revolved around church activities. Dad, who was very talented at designing, always drew out mom’s ideas for the karosa or church decorations. Whenever we took a family trip, we visited shrines to get inspirations for the karosa. We were always shopping for beautiful fabric and flowers. Mom was relentless.

Since we were children, mom has included us in her battalion of helpers, along with Geri, Auntie Tina, Auntie Titan Steban, my ninan Ama, Auntie Danda,  Auntie Lina, and numerous cousins and aunts.  For mom, preparing for the annual celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception was tantamount to planning a wedding. All of us who surrounded her would assure her that the karosa would be gorgeous, as it always was. Nonetheless, mom would worry herself to exhaustion.  I can still hear her saying, famakilu’ when I would try to distract her with “Mom, don’t worry.  Santa Maria is in charge.”

As mom grew older, we became her hands and feet, she was still coordinating everything though. She would sit and give orders. The year before her death, mom was with me in Chicago. She couldn’t make the long journey back to Guam for December 8th. She was already preparing me for delivering on her promise when she would not be around. At age 90 and in her deathbed, she and I discussed how we would use the heavenly garden theme for the karosa that year. Her last words to me were, “I’m tired hija, I want to go home. Let me go. It’s up to you and the others now to take care of Santa Maria. Whatever you do, Loling, don’t ever fail Santa Maria. This is how we show our love to her Son.” No matter where I am on earth, for as long as I am able, I will make my annual pilgrimage home to lead the novena as Techa and prepare the karosa for the December 8th  Procession.

So, that awesome honor and responsibility continues. Just as women in the Torres family have done for generation after generation, it is my privilege to make the promise for my lifetime. Many have wondered how the task of caring for Santa Maria rests with the women in my family. It is my understanding that the tradition of Kamarera began when Santa Marian Kamalen was transferred from Malessu’ (Merizo) to Hagåtña in the early 1800’s, it was then that one of my foremothers made the promesa to care for Santa Maria in a very personal and intimate way.  Simply put, this is our sacred obligation. It is without question the most enduring of our family heritage traditions.

I loved to listen to mom’s memories. She often recalled the time when she and her family hid Santa Maria and her throne during the Japanese Occupation of Guam during World War II, so that she would not be destroyed or defaced by Imperial Forces. The bombing of the Cathedral and our capitol city of Agana caused total destruction. Had the family not risked life and limb to shelter Santa Marian Kamalen, her throne, and other Church statues and documents, all would have been lost. Mom feigned being crazy, when the soldiers would venture near their family ranch, so that they would fear her and not get near the hiding place where the family kept the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen hidden. 

This willingness to do anything and everything that it takes to care for the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen strikes at the heart of being a Kamarera.  I will never forget the look in my mother’s eyes the day Santa Maria’s statue was missing from the Cathedral. I saw a sense of loss that I am only now beginning to comprehend. Such profound feelings as these characterize the devotion that our people have to Santa Maria.

Except for the short period of time when she was taken into hiding, Santa Maria Kamalen has stood guard against all forms of disasters that have toppled kingdoms to the ground.  Nothing—winds in excess of 250 mph, an earthquake of 8.2 magnitude, thieves, the invasion and bombings of World War II, countless other catastrophes both natural and human caused, and most especially the slack in faithfulness to her Son—nothing has succeeded from deterring her vigilance.  This is the unrelenting and indestructible quality of her care as our Protectress.  

As I reflect on my role as Kamarera at the beginning of this new century, I smile at the thought that all Queens have ladies-in-waiting; Santa Maria is no exception. The traditional role of Kamarera, which I have inherited from my mother, has been passed down through the centuries by women in my family for as long as can be remembered. Our enduring legacy of love is as alive today as it has been in the generations of our foremothers. Along with my sisters, cousins, nieces, aunts, and other devotees who lovingly care for Santa Marian Kamalen in a myriad of ways, we are humbled and honored to serve Our Lord’s Mother in this way. We are sure that the world will come to know and love her through her presence in the National Shrine, as we, the people of Guam and the Northern Marianas, have been blessed and privileged to know and love her. Biba! Santa Marian Kamalen, Biba!

Contributors to the composition of this write-up are: Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, Very Rev. James L.G. Benavente, Rev. Fr. Thomas J. McGrath, Rev. Fr. Eric Forbes, Rev. Fr. Anthony Perez, Dr. Laura Souder, John Joseph Rivera, Gerald and Frances U. Taitano, Jon Junior Calvo, and Abigail Casimbon.

The Image


The image is also called "Mary of the Shed", "Mary of the Cupboard," and "Santa Marian Kamalin." When first found, the image was placed in the chapel of the barracks at Umatac where the native militia was quartered. It remained there until removed for the Dulce Nombre de Maria Iglesia in 1825 where it was kept on a small tabernacle that had two small doors. It is said that when the men of the militia were about to retire, and particularly after having indulged in more tuba and aguadiente than they should have done and while saying their prayers, some would fall asleep.

The doors of the tabernacle would slam shut violently thereby making such a noise that the sleepy soldiers would be awakened, and they would finish saying their prayers. Some years ago it was decided to send this image to Manila for renovation and when the workmen began to scrape her face preparatory to repainting, the places scraped began to bleed, and they discontinued and returned the image to Guam, without completing their work.Some time later, the Reverend Joachim Olaiz, OFM Cap. Bishop of Guam, desiring to discontinue the use of this old and worn out image for processional purposes, suggested to the congregation that a new one be procured which would be in better keeping with the furnishing of the new church but the committee representing the congregation would not hear of such a thing. The chairwoman of this committee stated that this image had been very good for the Chamorro for many years, and that it had been instrumental in performing many miracles. They wanted no new one to replace this one which was loved by all, the old one must remain, and it does.

According to recorded documents, the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen has been repaired, repainted and redecorated numerous times in the past hundred years. It underwent three minor restorations in the Philippines between 1894 and 1930. The Archdiocese of Agaña (then Vicariate of Guam) commissioned Father Marcian Pellett, OFM Cap., to refurbish the statue in 1963, 1968 and again in 1971. In 1983 and again in 1992, the Archdiocese commissioned another artist, Mr. Mark Dell’isola to do some artistic sprucing up. According to recorded documents, the statue of Santa Marian Kamalen has been repaired, repainted and redecorated numerous times in the past hundred years. It underwent three minor restorations in the Philippines between 1894 and 1930. The Archdiocese of Agaña (then Vicariate of Guam) commissioned Father Marcian Pellett, OFM Cap., to refurbish the statue in 1963, 1968 and again in 1971. In 1983 and again in 1992, the Archdiocese commissioned another artist, Mr. Mark Dell’isola to do some artistic sprucing up.

The Cathedral-Basilica Pastoral Center
207 Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores Street
Hagatña, Guam 96910

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday
8:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. and 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Phone: (671) 472-6201
(671) 477-1842

Fax: (671) 472-1729

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Most Reverend Anthony S. Apuron, O.F.M.,Cap.

SERVUS TUUS

The word Servus Tuus (your servant) are the motto of Auxiliary Bishops Anthony Sablan Apuron, O.F.M., Cap., D.D. They describe well the life of a young boy helping in the community of the family, the community of the church as altar boy and choir member, and later as a seminarian. He became a member of the Capuchin Franciscan community and learned service in the spirit of St. Frances. This service has grown in stature and dimension through his years as a Friary and Pastor. Now he is called to render service from the depths of his being as he responds to the invitation of the Vicar of Christ to be member of the episcopate.

EARLY YEARS


Anthony Sablan Apuron springs from the soil of Guam. He breathes the language, culture, and faith of the island community. Life began on November 1, 1945 at 11:00 am for Anthony, the tenth child of the late Ana Santos Sablan and Manuel Taijito Apuron. Through his mother, a member of the Sablan Ramas de Deda, he is related to the first priest of the Marianas, Padre Jose Palomo. A short time later on November 12, he received the Sacrament of Baptism from the hands of Fr. Alvin La Feir, O.F.M. Cap. The Godparents were Maria Sablan Borja (later Sr. Maria, Dolores R.S.M.) and Juan Sablan Borja.

The young child grew up in Mongmong, where his parents moved from Agana after the devastation of the Second World War. He learned to play with homemade tops, batu or bottle caps, marbles, and sling shots. The boy heard novenas prayed by his mother to Santa Teresita, San Pedro and San Pablo, and to the Nino. His sister Severina taught him to sing his first song “Tammy” from the film of the same name. In time he would sing with his sister as his brother Paul played the ukulele. His love of the Chamorro language grew during these days. Years later he always wrote to his mother or father in the language his first heard from their lips.

In 1952 at the age of seven he entered Mongmong Elementary school, where he was greeted by Mrs. Agueda Roberto, his first grade teacher. He continued his education there under Mrs. Linda Topping, Mrs. Maria P Talavera, and Mrs. Plomondon. These teachers found him an excellent student, well disciplined, highly organized, and very dependable. During this time he received his First Holy Communion from Fr. Timothy Kavanagh, O.F.M. Cap. On December 8, 1953 and a year later on May 5, 1954 the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Apollinaris Baumgartner, O.F.M. Cap. His god parents were Antonio Duenas Roberto and Henedina Pereira Roberto.

For a decade after the war Manuel Apuron worked with the Navy both at the Naval Station near the former village of Sumay and the Naval Air Station. In 1954 he became quite ill and was forced to retire for medical reasons. Ana, his wife, redoubled her efforts to bake potu and tortillas to supplement the family.

In 1957 he attended Cathedral Grade School where Sr. Francis Jerom Cruz, R.S.M. taught him in the fifth grade. By this time his brother Jose had taught him the altar boy responses to the prayers of the mass. The young boy rose early and served mass for Fr. Antonio Cruz at Mongmong Church, and then returned home to finish his chores before going to school. He continued his close attachment to Mongmong Church and the Cathedral both as an altar boy and a choir member. He returned to Mongmong Elementary School for the next two years where Mr. Kriegal and Mr. Rathbone taught him in the sixth and seventh grades. Sr. Mary David, R.S.M. taught him in the eighth grade at the Cathedral Grade School. For some time he had been thinking about the seminary and Fr. Antonio Cruz encouraged him to follow this invitation from God. After his graduation from the Cathedral Grade School on June 1, 1960, he made plans to enter the seminary at Father Duenas High School in August.

During these formative years he continued to receive encouragement from Fr. Antonio Cruz now his teacher, and Fr. Antonine Zimmermann O.F.M. Cap., and Fr. Donan Hickey, O.F.M., Cap., the director of seminarians. In alter years he would hold this same post of director at the seminary. Among his teachers were Pedro A.E. Manibusan, John Forbes, Fr. Juan Camacho, and the Capuchin Fathers, Fr. Antonine Zimmermann, Fr. Donan Hickey, Fr. Alexander Feeley, Fr. Marcian Pellett, Fr. Daniel Cristobal, and Fr. Mel McCormick. The young seminarian thought of being an Augustinian for a time. But Bishop Baumgartner discouraged him in this because the community was not established on the island and so he would not be able to work for the people of Guam. Before the second world way another seminarian, Felixberto C. Flores, thought for a time of being a Jesuit. Bishop Miguel Olano discouraged him for the Jesuits were not then established on the island. The hand of Providence altered this situation in 1968 when Fr. Gerald KErnan, S.J. became the first Jesuit assigned to Guam itself in two centuries. The Augustinian Recollects have served in the Marianas for two and a quarter centuries. They returned in 1974 after an absence of 75 years, the same year the future Bishop completed his graduate studies at Notre Dame University and returned himself to the Marianas.

In his junior year typhoon Karen struck the island on November 10, 1962. In the aftermath of the storm he took counsel Fr. Donan Hickey, O.F.M., Cap. about the path of his vocation. Another typhoon, Pamela, fourteen years later would signal his return from Saipan to Guam to take up his first permanent pastorate there. The decision became clearer he would request entry into the Franciscan Capuchins. He did well in his studies during his senior year, won an island wide oratorical contest sponsored by the Governor’s Committee on Youth, and graduated as Salutatorian of his class on June 1, 1964.
The next month, July, he left Guam for the Capuchin Novitiate at Milton, Massachusetts. In 1964 the Most Reverend Clementinus a Vlissingen was elected the Minister General of the Capuchins. Less than twenty years alter this Capuchin novice would be in Rome as a delegate to the General Chapter to elect the present Minister General Flavio Roberto Carraro.

YEARS OF STUDY


He entered St. Lawrence friary in Milton on July 31, 1964 to begin an intense study of the life of St. Francis and the Capuchin Franciscan Rule. The life of this novice would be evenly divided over the next two decades – one decade for spiritual formation and study on both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and the second decade for pastoral community activities within the Diocese of Agana for the faithful and the members of the Capuchin mission of the Vice Province.

The life of a novice and religious is marked by a series of milestones on the path to the priesthood. These include the Profession of Vows, Graduation with the awarding of academic degrees, and Ordinations. Throughout this time of preparation he continued to write to his parents affectionately in his native tongue, while he wrote to others in his second language.

The future Bishop made his First Profession of Vows on September 1, 1965 upon completion of his Novitiate year. Reflecting on the experience years later he mused: “We view the world as being both sacred and profane and teach the candidates that in order to be more effective in such an environment one has to become a religious in a secular world.” For the next four years he studied at St. Anthony Capuchin College majoring in Scholastic Philosophy. In the fall of his senior year, four years after entering the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, three years after his first profession, and two months short of his twenty third birthday, he made his short profession on September 1, 1968 at St. Anthony’s Friary, Hudson New Hampshire. The next summer St. Anthony Capuchin College awarded him a Bachelor of Arts Degree on June 1, 1969.

The next five years would be dedicated to the study of theology and liturgy, first at Garrison, then at Maryknoll, and finally at Notre Dame. Sorrow would be mixed with joy in these years as Ana Santos Sablan, his mother, passed to her eternal reward without seeing him reach the altar of ordination. He would share a touch of his closeness with his mother during his first sermon as a deacon and at her burial.

Classes for the first year of theology, starting in the fall of 969, were taken at the Capuchin Theological Seminary in Garrison, New York. For the final three years of theology the Capuchin students went to Maryknoll School of Theology in Ossining, New York. The second year went by swiftly. The third year of theology would mark his ordination after the ancient custom of Religious Orders.

The next milestone on the path to the priesthood would be the deaconate ordinations scheduled for December 4 in New York. The parents of Anthony Sablan Apuron eagerly looked forward to that day when they would be with their son. Before the day arrived his mother Ana was found to be suffering from cancer. The disease followed its course more rapidly than expected, so plans to go to New York were revised and Anthony returned to Guam. He was with his mother when she died at Guam Memorial Hospital on the evening of December 6. Her Capuchin son continued with plans for his ordination, so that he might assist at her funeral as a deacon. While the traditional rosary was being said nightly, her son was ordained to the subdeaconate St. Fidelis Friary on December 11, and the next day to the deaconate at the Agana Cathedral on December 12. The newly ordained deacon spoke about his mother on that day in these words:

“I believe that my mother who fostered my vocation at home and allowed it to grow in the church is now with the Lord receiving her hundredfold not in this life in her present eternal life. And I will believe that if we too do the will of the Father, we shall also receive that hundredfold if not in this life in the next.
She bore and labored to see her son up on the altar some day soon was granted her wish not as she wanted but as God wanted. And so, just as Christ died that others might live, just as my mother died that I might live. May I too lay down my life daily that might live. May I live the trust I show you here today. And may God’s blessings be upon you for the work, the sacrifices you did to see me to this day.”

On December 14, he delivered the eulogy at the funeral of his mother. He shared his remembrance of his mother as a young boy at home:

“She was a faithful wife to her husband and a devoted mother to her nine children. She knew no bounds to selfless giving and sacrifice – many of which were over and beyond her normal call of duty as mother. She though nothing, for example, of spending hours on ed before her well-used outdoor oven baking her own brand of bread or else roasting pigs all requested by friends and relatives for a festive occasion.
Many were the time she accompanied me to weekday masses, walking to church at times amidst pouring rain.”

As a loving son he remembered her in the final moments:

“We bring her to church for the last time as we are about to put her body to rest. Our tears are tears of sorrow for we have lost a faithful and devoted and loving mother. But our tears are also tears of joy and hope for we know that she is seeing the Lord, not like in a mirror, as St. Paul says, but face to face. In losing our earthly mother, we have gained a heavenly one.”
The young deacon returned to Maryknoll to complete his third year of theology. He was assigned to work at a home for girls staffed by the Good Shepherd Sisters as part of his deacon training. The girls were honest and sincere, asking him at times for proof of what he said. In this apostolate he found the more actively involved he became the more they became interested. For example in Penance Liturgy he “had four girls dramatize a Gospel reading, pick out songs and choose slides for them. They did so well that the rest were to moved they cried during the ceremony and a number went to confession in preparation for Easter.” In reflecting later on this experience he said: “This is one example of how working with people has enabled me to be sensitive to them and not to take them for granted.”

In May 1972 he received his Master of Divinity Degree from Maryknoll Sschool of Theology, and began preparations for his ordination to the priesthood. His mother had given him her gold ring and a gold piece for his chalice. He asked the other members of his family, including his father, to contribute equally to the chalice. On the ordination invitation was the Jerusalem Cross generally recognized as the Crusader’s Cross. It is composed of four smaller crosslets indicative of the four corners of the world with the larger cross in the center indicating the spread of the Christian Gospel of Salvation.

Bishop Flores ordained him to the priesthood on August 26, 1972 in the Agana Cathedral. The new priest became the first to receive sacerdotal ordination from the hands of Bishop Flores. A little more than a decade later this same priest would be the first to receive Episcopal ordination from the same Bishop.

Fr. Anthony Apuron left Guam for an additional two years of study, the final year of theology and a graduate program in Liturgy. The fourth year of theology again saw the integration of the Apostolate with formal studies. He went regularly on the weekends to St. Barnabas parish, in Bellmore, Long Island, assisting as curate, as moderator of the fold group, and in conducting services for the grammar CCD children. He wrote of this experience:

“My life has been continually renewed because of the many efforts and interests of people I love, know and work with and for all this I am very grateful to God daily. My ministry so far has been enriching and self-fulfilling because of those who continually share their lives with me.”

During this year the pastoral heart began to grow within the new priest. Over the Christmas holidays he enjoyed the company of the teenagers in the folk group at St. Barnabas, took time to enjoy some four part harmony singing with his fellow friars in the city, then visited with families and former CCD students from Milton. Looking back over this first Christmas as a priest he reflected: “I felt relaxed and self-fulfilled in being able to share my life intimately with some of these individuals and families because they do not realize how much they mean to me, how much they help me grow and mature as I work and pray for them.”

The work of the spring semester for a fourth year theologian at Maryknoll was the preparation and defense of his thesis. Fr. Apruon wrote his thesis on the “Structural Analysis of the Concept of Myth in the Thought of Mircea Eliade.” The successful defense too place over a period of two hours before three examiners on May 15. After it was all over he said: “What an ordeal that was. The one who directed me in the thesis project…was more helpful not only during the defense but during the entire work. I am eternally grateful to him for his patience and endurance.”

A little while after receiving his Master of Arts Degree in Theology from Maryknoll he went to Hudson for the wake of the father of a former CCD student. He spoke a few words of comfort to the family of the late David Snell assembles in the funeral home and later wrote of it this way:

“I spoke of him simply as a man who in his quiet and simple way was able to exhibit love and concern for his wife and his child, as a good and loving father and husband, was generous of this time and talents to all who came upon him. I called for the faith and support of those present during their period of mourning in the hope that by the consolation and mine we would be able to lighten the heavy cross laden upon them at this time.”

The young priest left the east coast for the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana to begin an intense year of study in Liturgy. He took up residence at St. Joseph’s High School and served as chaplain to the Holy Cross Brothers and Holy Cross Sisters on the faculty. As he assisted in St. Barnabas parish, Bellmore, while at Maryknoll, he went to Holy maternity Parish Dowagiac, Michigan on weekends. During the year he worked closely with the parish youth and in the spring conducted a retreat for them. At the May Commencement in 1974 he received his Master of Arts Degree in Liturgical Studies from Notre Dame. In a short while he made plants to return to Guam after a decade of preparation for his ministry.

PASTORAL YEARS


The year (literally, to the shores) of return, 1974, marked the first ad limina (to the shores) visit of Bishop Flores to Rome. He returned with the good news that four priests were given Papal Honors by Pope Paul VI. The late Msgr. Jose Leon Guerrero was raised from Chaplain to Honorary Prelate of His Holiness, while Fr. Zoilo Camacho, Fr. Tomas Camacho, and Fr. Vicente Martinez, were also made Honorary Prelates. The Augustinian Recollects returned the same year after an absence of 75 years. For over two and a quarter centuries the Augustinian Recollects had labored in the field of the Marianas. Today a decade later a select group of men serves in various parish ministries on the island of Guam. Two members of the original band to arrive in 1974 continue their apostolic work here today. These men are Re. Julio Espinosa Martinez, OAR of Maina and Rev. Thomas Devine, OAR of Inarajan, now the Superior of the Augustinian Recollects.

The next decade of the life of Fr. Anthony Apuron would be filled with pastoral and community service for the people of the Marianas. Upon his return he received an appointment as Rector of the Seminary at Fr. Duenas Memorial School, and an appointment to the Diocesan Liturgical Commission. He continues to be a member of this committee today. In the same year he assisted with the translation of the Sacramentary and the Lectionary for the first two cycles. Since boyhood he had loved his native language, and as a seminarian and priest continued to write home to his parents using his first language. As a member of the commission he advocated one Mass on Sunday be in the vernacular with Chamorro hymns. During the same year he prepared occasional columns in the vernacular for the Pacific Voice, the newspaper of the Diocese.

In August 1975 he became an Associate Pastor at Mt. Carmel in Saipan with the responsibility for the parishes of San Jose and San Vicente. As part of his pastoral responsibility he took the Militobi on a field trip to the Northern Islands of Anatahan, Alimagan, Pagan, and Agrigan. They journey became an inspiration to him and the natural beauty proved to be awesome. He wrote: “I noticed their yearning for things spiritual because of their closeness to nature and thus to God, grateful to the priest who came to visit them. It made me feel good to be of service to them.”

During the Spring of 1976 the Capuchin Friars of the mission in the Marians held an election. On March 16, Fr. Anthony Apuron became the First Councillor of the mission. Plans were developed to send him to Mt. Carmel in Agat on the first of June. Typhoon Pamela ripped through Guam during May 21 and 22 causing extensive damage throughout the island to Agat as well. Some 14 years before Typhoon Karen became the occasion of his serious of his vocation to be a Capuchin priest, and Typhoon Pamela became the occasion of return to Guam to take up his first permanent pastoral post.

He continued to serve the Capuchin Friars, as First Councillor and the people of Agat, as Pastor, during the next two years. From the start he took an interest in the altar boys. He listend to them, made arrangements for off-island trips during the holidays, and found new ways to demonstrate their importance to the parish.

On June 19, 1978 he became the Rector of the Cathedral in Agana. He brought five years of experience as a priest to this new post. The church in Agana was the place he walked to with his mother, where he served mass, sang in the choir, preached his first sermon as a deacon, received his sacerdotal ordination and in God’s time would receive his Episcopal ordination. From the first moments he coomunicated a deep pastoral love to all he met. They knew they had a pastor who had grown up in the parish. Blessed with a special talent for singing he too a great interest in the choir and in congregational singing. The altar boys experienced his warmth and concern. They also enjoyed going away on trips with him too. The Guam Legislature appointed him Chaplain in July 1978 and he continues to serve in this capacity until the present day.

The people of Agat remembered his deep pastoral love for them. On November 1, 1978 two buses filled with former parishioners came to the Cathedral to celebrate his 33rd birthday. So many were impressed by this genuine display of affection and admiration.

In the Spring of 1979 he completed his first term as First Councillor of the Capuchin mission and continued as Rector of the Cathedral. During 1980 he became a member of the Chamorro Language Commission and began to give a Sunday homily in Chamorro during the Catholic Hour on KUAM and KSTO. The Pacific Voice also published the homily.

For the Papal Visit to Guam in February 1981 he served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Diocese. During the Eucharistic Liturgy he assisted the Pope in practical and helpful ways. Little did he realized that within a year and a half they would meet in Rome for the Capuchin General Chapter and that the year following the same Pope would send notice naming him a Bishop. In the same year word came from Cambridge, England that Fr. Anthony Apuron was placed on the International Register of Profiles for 1981.

The Capuchin mission in the Marianas became the Vice Province of the Star of the Sea in January 1982, and Fr. Anthony Apuron was elected as the first Councillor. He was also elected as to the Diocesan Board of Consultors in the same month. The Capuchins held a General Chapter in Rome to elect the New Minister General during the summer of 1982. One delegate could be sent from Oceania and the new Vice Province would represent the region. They chose their First Councillor to go to Rome for the General Chapter, which elected Very Rev. Flavio Roberto Carraro the new Minister General.

Fr. Anthony Apuron returned home to resume his duties at the Cathedral and in the Vice Province. Late in 1983 on the Feast of Our Lady of Camalin, December 8, Bishop Flores made the announcement that Fr. Anthony Sablan Apuron, O.F.M. Cap. was the new Bishop Elect. He would be an Auxiliary Bishop in the Dicoese of Agana and Titular Bishop of Muzuca in Biscena, an ancient region of Africa. The date of the Episcopal Ordination was February 19, 1984. This day coincides with the eve of the third anniversary of the visit of Pope John Paul II to the Diocese.
Before the end of the year the Pacific Jaycess of Guam recognized his outstanding achievements and named the Bishop-Elect to the list of the 1983 Three Outstanding Young People.

Monsignor James Leon Guerrero Benavente
Chaplain of His Holiness

Ordained Priest: July 16, 1994
Served as Rector: July 1994 - Present
Current Vice Chancellor & Director of Catholic Cemeteries

From humble beginnings, Msgr. James Leon Guerrero Benavente was born to †Joaquin Borja Guerrero Benavente and Ester Lujan Leon Guerrero Benavente on May 6, 1963. He is the youngest of seven siblings and is preceded by his sisters †Joyce and Mary, and his brothers, John, Kin, Joseph and Peter, the eldest.

While growing up in his home village of Dededo, Msgr. James attended Santa Barbara Catholic School, Wettengel Elementary School, and Dededo Junior High School, which is now Dededo Middle School. He is credited for the establishment of the Dededo Drug Free Organization.  He then moved to the state of California, where he completed his middle school education and graduated from John H. Still Junior High School, in Sacramento.  Later he returned home and, in 1981, graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, in Tamuning.

At an early age, Msgr. James was an avid churchgoer. He devoted much of his time and energy to his home parish of Santa Barbara Catholic Church, in Dededo. His siblings note that he was always dedicated to the parish. Aside being an altar server, he also managed to assist with faith formation and other parochial programs. Since then, his family saw his inevitable future as a priest.

Msgr. James’ desire to go into the priesthood led him to enter St. Joseph’s College Seminary in Palo Alto, California, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities (Psychology) with a minor degree in Philosophy in 1990. As a diligent learner, Msgr. James furthered his education by attending St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California and received his Masters of Divinity degree in 1994.

As a seminarian on Guam, Msgr. James assisted his home parish of Santa Barbara Catholic Church in Dededo, as well as Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Tamuning, and the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica in Hagatña. In the summer of 1992, he was also appointed by Archbishop Anthony Apuron as Pastoral Associate of Our Lady of Purification Catholic Church in Maina.

As he studied at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California, Msgr. James was assigned to three distinct parishes under the Archdiocese of San Francisco. They include: Saint Gabriel parish in Sunset District, 1990-1991; Saint Andrew’s Church in South San Francisco, 1991-1992; and again at Saint Gabriel parish in Sunset District, 1993-1994. Under the Archdiocese of San Francisco in 1992 to 1993, he was also assigned to the Office of Communication and dealt with issues in management, finance and personnel in the Archdiocese of San Francisco Chancery Office.  On December 18, 1993, Msgr. James was ordained deacon for the Archdiocese of Agana at the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica.

After due preparation and extraordinary assignments as a seminarian and ordained deacon, Msgr. James was ordained into the priesthood on July 16, 1994, the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, by Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap., D.D.  He is the 23rd native son of Guam to be ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Agaña.

Since becoming a priest thirteen years ago, Msgr. James has gained many pastoral and secular experiences and responsibilities. Many people have sought his advice as friend, confidant, and spiritual director. Msgr. James is acknowledged for having a persona that has attracted young people, married couples, and the most treasured generation – our man’amko.

The July 10, 1994 issue of the Pacific Voice stated that “After due preparation and an extraordinary assignment as Deacon-in-Charge of the Cathedral-Basilica in May of 1994, Deacon James Leon Guerrero Benavente will be ordained priest for the Archdiocese of Agana.” Immediately following his ordination in 1994, in an unprecedented appointment, Msgr. James was appointed as Rector of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, where he still serves in that capacity. In 1998, Msgr. James was responsible for the successful renovations and restorations in preserving the Cathedral-Basilica, one of Guam’s most historic and sentimental edifices. In addition to his fundamental role as the Rector, he continues to serve as a member of the Archdiocesan College of Consultors and Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council since being appointed in 1994. He also presently serves as Advocate in the Archdiocese of Agaña’s Tribunal Office since being appointed on October 7, 1996, and is the Vice Chairman of Archdiocesan Finance Council since 1999.

Amongst his many tasks, as the current Director of the Archdiocese of Agaña’s Catholic Cemeteries after being appointed in 1999, Msgr. James is acclaimed for the renovations and improvements made to Guam’s local Catholic Cemeteries, which include Pigo, Holy Cross, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Cemeteries. Msgr. James’ vision was made a realization through the construction of an indoor mausoleum, private family mausoleums, and more garden crypts to accommodate the needs of the Catholic community. Msgr. James is currently a member of the National Catholic Cemeteries Conference and is also an Archdiocesan Delegate of the same Conference.

In past roles and duties, Msgr. James has committed himself to the well-being of the local Church and community. He has served as an appointed member for the Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission from February 2001 to 2005, appointed Chaplain from 1994 to 2000 for the Guam Legislature, appointed Spiritual Director for the Catholic Educational Radio Station from September 1995 to 1999, and Vocation Director from 1995 to June 2003.

In evidence to his commitment to the progress of the local Church and community, Msgr. James has accepted two appointments on June 13, 2005. He now serves as the Vice Chancellor for the Archdiocese of Agaña and Chaplain for Guam’s finest protectors, the Guam Police Department.

Some of the most highlighted events in Guam’s history have also been contributed to the leadership and direction of Msgr. James, one of which includes his chairmanship for the extraordinary visit of the Relics of Saint Therese in August of 2002. The visit to Guam showcased Guam’s participation in world-wide pilgrimages and devotion to the Saints with the universal Church. Even though that has passed, Msgr. James’ efforts continue as he completes a special assignment and responsibility for bringing an exact replica of Santa Marian Kamalen to the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. this September 2006.

As a native son to the island of Guam, Msgr. James is an avid speaker and promoter of the island’s unique Chamorro language and culture. One of his major contributions in promoting such a passion was the establishment of the local Church’s first museum on June 16, 1998, 330 years after Christianity was brought to Guam by Blessed Diego Luis de San Vitores. Presently, Msgr. James is the Executive Chairman of the Board for the National Museum of the Archdiocese of Agaña. In this capacity, he has recently announced the construction of a new museum that will hold and feature various religious and local artifacts. As part of the construction effort, the museum will be conjoined with a chapel.  The chapel will serve as an additional worship space suitable enough to accommodate 250 individuals.  In addition, Msgr. James is credited for the establishment and the opening of the Cathedral-Basilica Gift Shop, the only Archdiocesan-owned gift shop in the Archdiocese. The gift shop is recognized for having an array of statues, religious books, devotional material, and other items that cater to the needs of the Catholic faith community.

With much ahead of Msgr. James, his recent conferral of honor as a Monsignor for the Archdiocese of Agaña has only encouraged him to do more for the Archdiocese and her people. As a Chaplain of His Holiness, Msgr. James aims to embody the spirit of Jesus Christ in a wholehearted fashion. As Monsignor, he will pursue the late Pope John Paul II’s call to continually live out his true priestly vocation--“to become more holy, more joyful, more impassioned in the exercise of our ministry.”

Inspired by God and in Christ’s invitation to “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17), Msgr. James continually commits himself to proclaiming the Gospel of Christ to those who will listen, responding to the pastoral needs of the local community, and opening the hearts and minds of those who have yet to experience the faith of Christ in their lives. He exemplifies that in our earthly trials and successes, all things are possible because of God and through the spirit of prayer.
 

Vice-Rectors

The Cathedral-Basilica currently has two Vice-Rectors assigned to the parish. They are Rev. Fr. Danilo "Danny" Ferrandiz and Rev. Fr. Domingo "James" Bejer, SSP. While this is the firt time Fr. Danny has been assigned to the parish, Fr. James has previously served as a Vice-Rector in 2004 before returning to the Philippines.

What is a Cathedral-Basilica?

A Time Line of Our History

March 6, 1521: Ferdinand Magellan sails across the Pacific Island chain during his voyage from Spain and calls it the "Isles of the Lateen Sails."

1662: Jesuit Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, stops in Guam on the way to the Philippines and makes a resolve to return.

1665: King Philip IV of Spain and Queen Maria Ana of Austria order a decree to provide for the establishment of a mission in Guam due to the insistence of Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores.

MARCH 23, 1668: Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores and a party of missionaries set sail from Acapulco to Guam. He names the Mariana Islands in honor of the Queen Mother of Spain, Maria Ana of Austria, and the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom Padre Diego called "the first missionary to the Marianas."

FEBRUARY 2, 1669: Padre San Vitores establishes the first Catholic Church in Agana and dedicates it to the sweet name of Mary, "Dulce Nombre de Maria."

1767: An edict of King Charles III bans the Jesuits from all colonial possessions. This suppression was motivated by envy for the Jesuit society on the part of the enemies of the church. The Augustinian Recollects replaced the Jesuits and supplied missionaries to Guam until the American seizure of the island in 1898.

1807: The Marianas mission was placed under the Diocese of Cebu, Philippines.

1859: Jose Torres Palomo completes studies in San Carlos Seminary, Cebu, and is the first Chamorro to be ordained to the priesthood.

1899: The Treaty of Paris ceded Guam to the United States of America. The other islands of the Mariana group and the Carolines in the south were purchased from Spain by Germany. The American governor, Capt. Richard Leary, ordered the removal of the Augustinian Recollects.

1901: The first group Spanish Capuchin missionaries arrived at Apra Harbor.

1907: Guam was removed from the Diocese of Cebu, Philippines and placed under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Prefecture Apostolic of the Marianas.

1911: The Holy See, through Pope Pius X, erected the separate Vicariate Apostolic and committed it to the Spanish Capuchin Province of Catalonia. The Most Rev. Francisco Javier X. Villa y Mateu, OFM Cap., was consecrated Titular Bishop of Adraha and Vicar Apostolic of Guam.

1914: The Guam mission was handed over to a new Province, the Capuchins of Navarre, Spain. The Most Rev. Joaquin M. Olaiz was appointed Vicar Apostolic of Guam and Titular Bishop of Docimio by Pope Benedict XV.

1935: Most Rev. Miguel Angel Olano de Urteaga, OFM Cap., was consecrated Titular Bishop of Lagina and Vicar Apostolic of Guam.

1938: Ordination of Father Duenas, second priest of Guam, by Bishop Olano. Father Oscar Calvo was ordained two years later.

December 8, 1941: On the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Sumay and Agana are bombed. Shortly thereafter, the US Governor signs a document of surrender and Guam is passed over to Japanese rule.

August 15, 1945: The war which started on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception ended on the Feast of the Assumption. On this day, President Harry S. Truman announced the surrender of Japan.

September 18, 1945: Most Rev. Appollinaris W. Baumgartner, OFM Cap., is consecrated Titular Bishop of Joppe and Vicar Apostolic of Guam.

1946: Three Sisters of Mercy from Belmont, North Carolina arrive at the request of Bishop Baumgartner.

1948: Bishop Baumgartner secures the services of Stigmatine Fathers of Waltham, Massachusetts to open a minor seminary.

1949: The School Sisters of Notre Dame, with headquarters in Milwaukee, sent a contingent of seven sisters to Guam.

1955: The Franciscan Missionary Sisters from La Crosse, Wisconsin arrive in Guam.

October 14, 1965: The Vicariate is elevated to a Diocese, as suffragan of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. Bishop Baumgartner is appointed as the first Bishop of Guam.

May 17, 1970: Most Rev. Felixberto Camacho Flores is consecrated Titular Bishop of Stonj. Succeeds to See on May 15, 1971.

February 22-23, 1981: Pope John Paul II makes historical visit to Guam.

December 8, 1983: Most Rev. Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap., is appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Agana and was consecrated Titular Bishop of Muzuca on February 19, 1984.

May 20, 1984: Most Rev. Felixberto C. Flores is elevated as the First Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana. The Diocese of Agana is elevated to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana, with suffragan Sees: the Diocese of Caroline and Marshall Islands and the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa (subsequently added on January 13, 1985).

October 1985: Diego Luis de San Vitores is beatified.

May 11, 1986: Most Rev. Anthony Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap., DD, is elevated as Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana.

Monsignori History

Becoming a Monsignor in the Roman Catholic Church

Backgrounder on the Papal Honor Bearing the Title “Monsignor”
By Benedict T. Nguyen, M.T.S., J.C.L. Chancellor, Diocese of La Crosse

The title of “Monsignor” is a title of distinction given by the Pope to certain priests in the Roman Catholic Church as part of a papal honor recognizing the priest’s service to the Church. The diocesan bishop nominates candidates for the honor and submits the names, biographies, etc., to the Holy See. The Holy Father then, if he wishes, confers the honor onto the priest. Once decided by the Pope, the Vatican Secretariat of State issues a diploma designating the new title and rank and recognizing the newly-made monsignor’s service to the Church.

Historically, the monsignorate dates from the 14th century when the papal court operated for a period of time in Avignon, France. At that time, bishops were referred to as “mon seigneur,” French for “my lord.” Priests who worked in the papal curia, the administrative and judicial offices of the pope, were also referred to as “monsignor” and were allowed to wear some of the regalia of a bishop.

Today, there are generally three grades of papal honors that bear the title “Monsignor” – the Protonotary Apostolic, the Prelates of Honor to His Holiness, and the Chaplains to His Holiness. Priests who are monsignors of one rank may be elevated from one rank to another at the will of the Pope.

The Protonotary Apostolic is conferred predominantly on priests who serve on seven specific positions in the Roman Curia. These are referred to as Protonotaries of Number. Aside from these seven, the honor of Protonotary Apostolic can also be conferred on priests outside of the Roman Curia. These are called Protonotaries Apostolic Supernumerary. A Protonotary Apostolic wears a black cassock with red buttons and piping along with a fuchsia sash. A fuchsia cape can also be worn on special occasions.

The second grade of monsignor is the Prelate of Honor to His Holiness. This grade was historically associated with the chamberlain of the papal court and today can also be conferred to priests outside of the papal court. A Prelate of Honor to His Holiness, during liturgies, wears a bishop’s choir cassock, which is fuchsia in color with red buttons, piping and cuffs, and a fuchsia sash. Prelates of Honor to His Holiness may also wear a bishop’s black cassock, which also has red buttons, piping and a fuchsia sash.

The third grade of monsignor is the Chaplain to His Holiness. This honor can be conferred to priests inside or outside of the Roman Curia. A Chaplain to His Holiness wears a black cassock with fuchsia piping and buttons along with a fuchsia sash.

Priests who are given papal honors and thus named monsignors are considered to be members of the papal household and thus are listed in the Annuario Pontificio (the papal yearbook). In 1969, the custom of Chaplains of His Holiness (a subset of the second grade of monsignor) surrendering the title upon the death and burial of the conferring pontiff was suppressed. Today, all monsignors retain their titles upon the death and burial of a Pope.

Monsignor Jose Palomo

On December 11, 1859, Very Reverend Jose Torres Palomo or “Padre Palomo” completed his studies in San Carlos Seminary in Cebu. He was ordained Guam’s first Chamorro Priest, in 1869 at the private chapel of the Bishop of Cebu, the Most Rev. Romaldo Jimeno. In 1909, St. Pius X named Padre Palomo the first Guam priest to hold the title of Papal Chamberlain, with the title of Very Rev. Monsignor, on the occasion of the his Golden Jubilee in the priesthood. This honor was conferred in recognition of the superhuman effort he made to preserve the faith in the island at the beginning of the century. On July 3, 1919, Monsignor Jose Torres Palomo suffered a massive heart attack and died.

Monsignor Oscar Lujan Calvo

Oscar L. Calvo was born on August 2, 1915 in Agafia, the son of Ramon Perez Calvo and the former Isabel Pangelinan Lujan. Calvo was the oldest of thirteen siblings. In 1928, at the age of thirteen years, Calvo departed for Manila to enter the San Jose Seminary. Finishing his studies in 1941, he was ordained a priest on April 5, 1941 at the hands of Bishop Miguel Angel Olano, OFM Cap, the third Chamorro priest in history and the second one ordained in the Agana Cathedral. From then on, he was to be known as “Pale’ Scot,” after the Chamorro pronunciation of the name “Oscar.” In 1947, in recognition of his heroic services to the church during and after the war, Pope Pius XII, at the request of Bishop Baumgartner, elevated Fr. Calvo to the rank of Monsignor by awarding him the title of Honorary Papal Chamberlain. Calvo was the second priest of Guam to be made a Private Chamberlin to His Holiness. His eyesight, which was eventually to deteriorate to near total blindness in later years, was beginning to become a problem. Given permission to retire, Msgr. Calvo took up residence with his siblings in Agana Heights. On July 28, 2000, Msgr. Calvo died at Guam Memorial Hospital, just five days shy of his 85th birthday.

Monsignor Felixberto C. Flores

Archbishop Felixberto C. Flores was born on January 13, 1921. He is the son of Leon Flores, a native of Laoag, Ilocos Norte, P.I. who was among the political exiles sent to Guam after the Spanish-American War, and Ana Martinez Camacho of Agana. He was ordained by the Most Rev. Apollinaris Baumgartner on the morning of April 30, 1949 at the Agana Cathedral. A few days before the tenth anniversary of his ordination, on April 19, 1959, he was elevated to the rank of papal chamberlain by John XXIII. On August 10, 1963, Pope Paul VI named him a domestic prelate, the first Domestic Prelate among the diocesan clergy of Guam. Father Flores, at the time, was also among the first audience to be received by the new pontiff, who was crowned in June, 1963. On May 17, 1970, Most Rev. Felixberto Camacho Flores was consecrated Bishop. On May 20, 1984, Most Rev. Felixberto C. Flores is elevated as the First Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana. The Diocese of Agana is elevated to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Agana, with suffragan Sees: the Diocese of Caroline and Marshall Islands and the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa (subsequently added on January 13, 1985). He died in on October 25, 1985 in San Francisco, California.

Monsignor Jose A. Leon Guerrero

Very Reverend Jose A. Leon Guerrero was born on November 15, 1925 in Saipan. He is the son of Vicente D. Leon Guerrero and Guadalupe A. Leon Guerrero. He studied at the Guam Institute, George Washington High School, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California. He was ordained on June 15, 1955 in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Saipan, by the late Bishop Apollinaris W. Baumgartner, OFMCap. He has been pastor, vice-chancellor, vicar-general, and held many offices like chairman of the Catholic Charities, etc. The Chaplain of his Holiness title was conferred on him by Pope Paul on August 13, 1963. Msgr. Jose A. Leon Guerrero was raised from a Chaplain of His Holiness to an Honorary Prelate of His Holiness.

Monsignor Zoilo L.G. Camacho

Very Reverend Zoilo L.G. Camacho was born November 6, 1910 in Agana. He is the son of Enrique M. Camacho and Emeteria Leon Guerrero Camacho. He was educated at George Washington High School, Aquinas College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California. He was ordained on May 1, 1954 in the Agana Cathedral by the late Bishop Apollinaris W. Baumgartner, OFMCap. He was appointed Vicar-General in April of 1974. He has held other offices like penitentiary chaplain and chairman, parole board, GovGuam. The title of Honorary Prelate was given to Very Rev. Zoilo Camacho.

Monsignor Vicente T. Martinez

Very Reverend Vicente T. Martinez was born on March 16, 1932, the son of Pedro Martinez, and Mrs. Maria Torres Martinez. He studied at Nieves Flores’ Private School, public school in Agana, St. Joseph’s College in Mountain View, California, Fr. Duenas Memorial School, and St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, California. He was ordained on April 26, 1958 in the Agana Cathedral by Bishop Apollinaris W. Baumgartner OFM Cap. He was named assistant pastor and later became pastor of the Agana Cathedral. He held a number of offices among them board member of the Catholic Medical Center of the Marianas and committee member of the Bicentennial Commission of the American Revolution.

Bishops of Guam

On March 1, 1911, Guam was made a Vicariate Apostolic, separate from the rest of the Marianas by Pope Pius X.

+Most Reverend Francisco Xavier Ricardo Vilá y Mateu, O.F.M. Cap. Appointed 1st Vicar Apostolic of Guam around 1911

+Most Reverend Bishop Agustín José Bernaus y Serra, O.F.M.,Cap. Appointed 2nd Vicar Apostolic of Guam around 1913

+Most Reverend Joaquin Felipe Oláiz y Zabalza O.F.M.,Cap. Born: in 1872 - Pamplona, Spain Appointed Titular Bishop of Docimium (Docimea) & 3rd Vicar Apostolic of Guam: 1914 Consecrated Bishop: November 30, 1914 Died: December 8, 1945 – Pamplona, Spain

+Most Reverend León (Miguel) Angel Olano y Urteaga, O.F.M.,Cap.,D.D. Born: September 29, 1891 - Alzo, Spain Ordained Priest - Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin: December 18, 1915 Appointed Titular Bishop of Lagina & 4th Vicar Apostolic of Guam:1934 Consecrated Bishop: May 5, 1935 Died:1970 - Tumon, Guam

+Most Reverend Apollinaris William Baumgartner, O.F.M.,Cap.,D.D. Born: July 24, 1899 – College Point, New York Ordained Priest - Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin: May 30, 1926 Appointed Titular Bishop of Ioppe & 5th Vicar Apostolic of Guam: 1945 Consecrated Bishop: September 18, 1945 Appointed First Residential Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Agaña: October 14, 1965 Died: October 18, 1970 – Agaña, Guam

+Most Reverend Felixberto Camacho Flores, D.D. Born: January 13, 1921 – Agaña, Guam Baptized: January 21, 1921 Ordained Priest - Diocesan: April 30, 1949 Served as Rector: July 1955 – May 1970 Consecrated Bishop: May 17, 1970 Installed Archbishop: May 20, 1984 Died: October 25, 1985 – San Francisco, Californ

Most Reverend Anthony Sablan Apuron, O.F.M.,Cap.,D.D. Born: November 1, 1945 – Agaña, Guam Ordained Priest - Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin: August 26, 1972 Served as Rector: June 1978 – 1986 Appointed Titular Bishop of Muzuca in Byzacena & Auxiliary Bishop: December 8, 1983 Consecrated Bishop: February 19, 1984 Appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Agaña: October 27, 1985 Installed Archbishop of Agaña: May 11, 1986

The Rectors

Post-WWII Rectors of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica

+Most Reverend Felixberto Camacho Flores, D.D.
Ordained Priest: April 30, 1949
Served as Rector: July 1955 – May 1970

Reverend Manuel Q. Cruz
Ordained Priest: May 25, 1965
Served as Rector: June 1970 – December 1971

+Very Reverend Jose A. Leon Guerrero
Ordained Priest: June 15, 1955
Served as Rector: January 1972 – March 1974

Most Reverend Tomas A. Camacho
Ordained Priest: June 14, 1961
Served as Rector: April 1974 – June 1976
Third Chamorro consecrated Bishop: January 13, 1985
First & present Bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, Saipan NMI

+Very Reverend Vicente T. Martinez
Ordained Priest: April 26, 1958
Served as Rector: June 1976 – June 1978

Most Reverend Anthony S. Apuron, O.F.M.,Cap.
Ordained Priest: August 26, 1972
Served as Rector: June 1978 – May 1986
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Very Reverend David C. Quitugua, JCD
Ordained Priest: January 7, 1984
Served as Rector: May 1986 – May 1987
Current Vicar General of the Archdiocese & Vice Rector of the Cathedral-Basilica

Reverend Raymond F. Cepeda
Ordained Priest: June 30, 1979
Served as Rector: May 1987 – October 1990

Reverend Adrian L. F. Cristobal
Ordained Priest: September 30, 1989
Served as Rector: October 1990 – July 1994

Very Reverend James L.G. Benavente
Ordained Priest: July 16, 1994
Served as Rector: July 1994 – Present
Current Vice Chancellor & Director of Catholic Cemeteries

Chapels of the Cathedral-Basilica

The Blessed Sacrament Chapel

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.)

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.

A Rector’s Vision

“The Church over the history of civilization has been a guardian of artistic works, both secular and religious. Using the museum space as a gallery for local artists is the least we can do to continue this form of stewardship. We also want our community and visitors alike to enjoy the talents of our local artists in an environment befitting their inspirational works.”

Msgr. James L.G. Benavente
Rector

The Museum…

The National Museum of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica covers 7,000 square feet above the Chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux. The split level interior sports black granite flooring, is painted with subtle colors, and has been outfitted with built-in directional lighting. Cathedral windows frame views of the Plaza de España and provide a quite and meditative setting for patrons.

Visiting the museum…
To make an appointment for a showing or for more information, contact keiko Hoshijim at (671) 472.6201 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .