Catholic faithful visit departed loved ones

For many, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are days of remembrances.

“I remember my husband as a very loving and caring man,” said Diana Faisao-Taisacan of her husband, Mark Quichocho Taisacan.

Her husband is among the seven family members buried at the Chalan Kanoa public cemetery that Faisao-Taisacan visits every year, including a 9-year-old relative who died during World War II. This year, she brought them several flower arrangements, both fresh and made of silk, that she herself prepared.

This tradition, Faisao-Taisacan said, is one of the many that she became accustomed to with the help of her ancestors. “We always remember our loved ones. That’s our tradition that’s been passed from generation to generation.”

The mother of five noted, though, that she visits her loved ones’ graves every first Monday of the month as the diocese holds a Mass at the cemetery in honor of the dead.

“I pray not only for their souls but I also ask for protection and safety day and night for us who are still here, that they help us with our financial and health problems,” said Faisao-Taisacan.

All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day are widely celebrated traditional and religious holidays among the Catholic faithful throughout the world, with thousands of devotees visiting the tombs of their departed loved ones.a

As early as 6am yesterday, family members began trooping to various cemeteries throughout the islands, with many attending Mass first before proceeding to the cemetery. Flowers were offered, candles were lit, and prayers were uttered as the CNMI joined the rest of the Catholic community in remembering their departed loved ones.

Maggie Mendiola’s annual visits to the cemetery dredge up fond memories of her mother, Rosa Sablan, whom she described as a woman who has patience and a good heart.

“She’s really loving and caring to her family, even to her friends. She had a heart problem and died of stroke in 1998,” said Mendiola, who was joined by her husband Jose M. Mendiola and her granddaughter Nonisha Flores in praying for her mom and other relatives under the sweltering heat of the Tuesday morning sun.

“It’s one of our beliefs as Catholic, so we come and pray for them. We hope that she’s resting in a peaceful place with God,” added the Chalan Kiya resident.

For some, All Saints Day and All Souls Day can be an emotional time as families remember the pain of losing a loved one.

A teary-eyed Juan T. Camacho related how difficult it is for a father to lose three of his seven sons: John Jr., Christopher Vicente, and Ray Patrick.

“I visit their graveyards to light candles and offer flowers. I never missed a year since they died. I hope that they’re in a better place and I pray for God to take care of all my children who are still alive,” said Camacho of As Perdido village.

Frank Calvo, who lives in Chalan Kanoa, go to the cemetery to pay his respects to a deceased grandfather, aunt, brother, and his mother, Juana C. Calvo, who died of old age in 2004.

“My mom was a loving, understand, and caring woman. Her death was difficult for us but we all had to learn to accept it. My prayer is that come Judgment Day, we will meet them again in heaven,” he told Saipan Tribune.

For others, the solemn holidays were to honor those who paved the way for their growth and success and hopefully pass it on to the next generation, like Mayor Donald Flores who took time off his busy schedule to pay respects to his parents and his great grandfather, the late Judge Juan M. Ada.

“He was the one who raised me up. He died when I was 20 years old,” recounted Flores.

Flores shared that it was Ada, a well-known figure in the Commonwealth, who inspired him to become a leader.

“He was my mentor, my inspiration. He taught to always be on the right path. You don’t forget that easily,” said the mayor.

During his visits to the cemetery on Sundays and on special occasions, Flores said he would bring his grandchildren along.

“When they ask me why, I tell them that I am teaching them about this tradition so that if I’m no longer here, they would be the ones to continue it,” he said.

Some of those who went to the cemetery yesterday joined praying the rosary at noon and at 4pm, which was followed by a Mass. Rosary will be prayed again today at 5:30am and at 5:30pm, followed by a Mass.