The mother church is alive tonight on this vigil of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the eve of the return of the procession for Santa Marian Kamalen at the Agana Cathedral Basilica Friday afternoon.
The peace and serenity of these images remind us of a history of peace interrupted only three times in the last four centuries by war on Guam. Through every occupation, bombardment, earthquake, typhoon, and tsunami – even the destruction of the Cathedral itself – Santa Marian Kamalen has stood behind the Blessed Sacrament and protected our island.
Once a year for centuries we have paid homage to the blessings she has brought upon our people. And for the first time in three years, we are invited to the island’s capital to continue the time-honored tradition.
There is something maternal about these images. Something comforting and resolute. Wherever we are in life and with whatever struggle we are enduring and no matter how far we have strayed, these images welcome us back into the loving embrace of Our Lady of Camarin and for the glory of Her Son.
Monsignor James Benavente, the pastor of the Dulce Nombre de Maria Agana Cathedral Basilica, invites all residents and visitors to the procession. He asks that you gather in Hagatna on the Cathedral’s lawn at 3:15 p.m. The Holy Rosary will be said at 3:30 p.m., followed by the novena, then the procession at 4 p.m.
Biba Santa Marian Kamalen!
[Photos courtesy of Monsignor James Benavente]
