“Regalut-a todos para guiya, para uta cosigue ginen este, I langit yan i satbasyon-ta!” These were the words of Saipan’s own poet, Mr. Juan A. Sanchez when Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church was consecrated and dedicated 70 years ago. Referring to the newly built Church, it means: “Our gift to Him so that, from this church, we may gain heaven and our salvation.”
Last Saturday, during the Mass of Thanksgiving in commemoration of the anniversary of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Bishop Ryan P. Jimenez echoed the same words of Mr. Sanchez in his homily, but he added a new meaning in it. “We offer to God as gift not only this church but ‘us’”, says Bishop Ryan, emphasizing that we, the people of God make the living church and that even today, we offer ourselves as gift to God and to the people of CNMI.
In a simple yet solemn liturgy, Bishop Ryan led the Mass of Thanksgiving which was concelebrated by all the priests and deacons of the diocese. The Cathedral was not as packed as the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Concepcion few days ago, but it was a meaningful event especially for the parishioners of Mt. Carmel Cathedral whose grandparents and great-grandparents were actively involved in the building of the very same church they still use even today as a sacred place of worship.
The last major celebration of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church was 20 years ago on the occasion of its Golden Anniversary. At that time, Pali Isaac Ayuyu was still the rector of the Cathedral and he led the committee that coordinate that memorable event. At that time, Mr. Jess R.A. Sonoda, a parishioner of Kristo Rai wrote a book: “Mount Carmel Turns Golden: A Short History of Mount Carmel Cathedral Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands”. In this book was recorded a brief but detailed history of the church in the Northern Marianas, from the establishment of the first mission church until the erection of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
The liturgy last Saturday, was like a brief glimpse in the past on the origin of the local church here in Chalan Kanoa. Bishop Ryan, took time to mention some of the first parishioners of Mt. Carmel Church who were instrumental in the building of the church.
The next important milestone of Mt. Carmel Church will be 5 years from now for its 75th Anniversary.
