Auntie Mary, as she is very well known to many of us, would be standing at the front of the altar as the commentator to lead us in praying the Angelus before the Mass. Every Tuesday she would lead the San Antonio Prayer prior to the Mass. On Wednesdays she would either lead or guide the children pay the Perpetual Help Novena. Immediately following the Perpetual Help Mass, Auntie Mary would be in the Sacristy to lead the Legion of Mary in their weekly prayers. Her knowledge in virtually all church activities was a prime example of her devotion and dedication.
Every Sunday morning she would come as early as 5 a.m. to open the doors of the Church, turn on the lights, the air-conditioners, light the candles, bring out the wine and host, find lectors to read and many more. However, before she started doing any of the above, Auntie Mary would first go to the Blessed Sacrament and spend at least an hour praying.
Auntie Mary served our Parish as the C.C.D. coordinator for more than a decade, was involved in other ministries such as the Legion of Mary, Christian Mothers, Lectors and Commentators, Eucharistic Lay Minister, Nino Leader bringing Baby Jesus to our homes during the Christmas Season and was always leading the Station of the Cross Prayers during the Season of Lent.
Following the death of her husband, Auntie Mary chose to follow the Lord God in serving San Antonio Parish Church. Every Saturday, she would be at the church very early in the morning to meet and greet the C.C.D. students and prepare them to receive the Sacrament of First Communion, Confirmation and couples to receive the Sacrament of Matrimony, something that she dedicated her life until a few months prior to her death.
Auntie Mary is survived by her three wonderful daughters, Dee, Helen and Velma, together with numerous grandchildren and we hope and pray that someone in her family will follow their Mom’s footsteps.
Prior to her death, Auntie Mary shared with me how her health had affected her coming to church daily. Sometime in Oct. 2010, while in the church sacristy Auntie Mary shared with me for the first time about her battle with cancer. After a while her presence at the church began to be numbered as her health worsened.
Then came Christmas and New Year 2011 and Auntie Mary never again set foot at San Antonio Church. Auntie Mary’s contributions to San Antonio Parish reminded me of the saying, “There are many who wanted to serve, but only a few were chosen,” and I am sure that Auntie Mary is one of those few chosen ones. Although Auntie Mary will be physically missed, her spirit will remain in our hearts for years to come.
Auntie Mary was a role model to all the mothers in the CNMI for her compassion, dignity and dedication to San Antonio Parish Church and with this we ask our Patron Saint, San Antonio de Padua, to accompany her in her journey to eternal life.
Sen Dankulu Na Si Yuus Ma’ase yan Adios and May You Rest in Peace.
HERBERT S. DEL ROSARIO
San Antonio, Saipan
