Rain or shine, it’s cleanup time at cemeteries

It was a cloudy and damp Saturday but As Matuis resident Doris Dueñas and her family trooped early to the Chalan Kanoa cemetery to prepare the tomb of her father, Emilio Tudela Torres, for the upcoming observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

“Rain or shine, we’re here every year to come and prepare his grave at least the weekend before Nov. 1 and 2,” said Dueñas. “We want him to be very happy, wherever he is, just by cleaning his grave.”

The Dueñas family was among the several families seen at one of the island’s public cemeteries over the weekend, putting in order their deceased loved ones’ graves for the Catholic holiday that honors the departed. The CNMI being a predominantly Catholic community, it marks the occasion with the longstanding tradition of offering flowers, candles, and prayers as they visit their dead at various cemeteries.

A young Garapan resident, who declined to be identified, said this annual tradition for their family is both religious and personal.

“Even though they’re not here, their spirits remain here with us so we always make it a point to come and visit them especially during this occasion,” he said. “It’s our way of honoring them, their lives, and what they’ve given us. We still remember, love, and care for them.”

Doris Dueñas, who was joined by her husband Luis, and her children Luis Jr. and Lorenza during Saturday’s preparations, emphasized the importance of getting the whole family involved, particularly her offspring.

“It’s one of the traditions that my children will be able to carry on when the time comes,” she told Saipan Tribune. “I want them to realize the importance of observing this tradition.”

Fortunately, her children do, says Doris, as they have chosen to help her in the activity instead of spending their time doing other things.

“I care for my family more than other people,” said Doris’ daughter, Lorenza. “Even though they’ve already departed, I believe we should continue to care for them.”

As Teo resident Tanya Concepcion agrees, saying that this tradition has been passed on by the older generations and in turn, she is passing it on to her 11-year-old daughter, Trini Iguel.

“It is important that my daughter gets to know this tradition so when I’m older and not able to come down here in the cemetery, she knows what to do and perhaps get other family members of her generation to do the same,” she said.

Besides her daughter, Concepcion was joined by her sisters, nephew, and other family members as they scrubbed clean the tombs of her father, Julian Attao Concepcion, and other kin who were laid to rest in the same burial site.

“We dearly miss him and wish that he’s still here,” said the nostalgic Concepcion, referring to her father. “My prayer is that he really is up there in a peaceful place.”

Some 12 employees of the Saipan Mayor’s Office were also at the CK public cemetery over the weekend, cleaning debris and trash that visitors have left behind. Field supervisor Ton Reyes, in an interview, said some equipment were dispatched and used at the cemetery about two to three weeks ago.

“It’s also a tradition for us at the Mayor’s Office to do this cleanup every year,” he said.

Mount Carmel Parish Council member Jeff Camacho, for his part, said that while they try to do the cemetery cleanup before All Saints Day and All Souls Day, “our goal is to do it every month for the entire year.”

“We are asking for more volunteers to come out and step up to the plate. We already have some volunteer groups but we still need more,” he said.

Camacho said several JROTC units, including Kagman High School, Marianas High School, and Saipan Southern High School, have already assisted them since they started the cemetery cleanup on Sept. 17.

“We appreciate that they’ve put in their time to make our cemetery clean and we encourage others to do the same,” he said.

Camacho added that they also receive cash and in-kind donations to help the Parish Council and volunteers to do their task. To volunteer, donate or for more information, call 234-3000.