“It’s a special symbol of the presence of the Filipino community on an island that shares our faith and culture,” said Fr. Ryan Jimenez, the new apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa.
In Nov. 2010, Consul General Medardo Macaraig received the image from Josephine Darang in Manila and personally brought it to Saipan.
The Philippine consulate general collaborated with the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, the Saipan Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) Group and other individuals to organize the statue’s enthronement.
For Father Jimenez, the life of San Lorenzo Ruiz, who died as a Catholic martyr in Japan in 1637, brings a very significant message to all the people in the CNMI.
“Even if you are a mere layperson like Lorenzo Ruiz, it is possible to have a life of holiness. The path to holiness is possible to everybody,” the priest said.
Every person is called to holiness and it is up to us how to respond to God’s calling, he added.
The enthronement ceremony at the cathedral started with a march of children wearing shirts printed with the image of San Lorenzo Ruiz.
Father Jimenez and other priests co-celebrated the Mass as the statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz was officially enthroned at the cathedral at 11 a.m.
Macaraig said the image of the saint was carried by Filipino and Chamorro devotees toward the altar as children scattered fresh rose petals on the floor and waved red flags.
Choirs sang a hymn to the saint composed by a Jesuit priest and arranged by Vir Abueme of the Saipan Simbang Gabi Group.
In his homily, Fr. Celso Magbanua narrated the life and martyrdom of San Lorenzo as he exhorted everyone to draw inspiration from the saint’s unflinching faith in God and dedication to family.
Each member of the Saipan Simbang Gabi Group offered a white rose to the statue of San Lorenzo while Ed Caranzo brought the offerings of the people to the altar.
Macaraig and his wife, Teresa Roselyn S. Macaraig, offered the bread and wine.
Mar Pacson, Saipan Simbang Gabi Group chairman, expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of the enthronement ceremony.
He thanked Father Erno Diaz, Angelina Ricafrente, Josephine Darang and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Global Ministry for donating the image.
Special thanks were also given to the Philippine consulate general, the Saipan Simbang Gabi Group, the United Filipino Organizations, parishes, civic organizations and the island’s various choirs.
