Close to a thousand church members participated in the event, according to Fr. Fernando Afalafal, who came from Chuuk to join fellow Catholics on Saipan.
The Chuuk Catholics marched from their church to the Garapan Central Park.
Afalafal said the celebration was very significant since the Chuuk church became a diocese which is now administered by local people.
Although Christianity first came to Chuuk in 1874 with the arrival of Protestant missionaries, it wasn’t until 1911 that Catholicism came to the islands.
“This gathering signifies that Catholic faith is becoming stronger,” Afalafal told Variety.
He said they have more than a thousand members on Saipan.
Chuukese Catholic Association president John Kasiano said some members from Guam joined the celebration.
The Guam delegates were very excited to join a fellowship with their brothers and sisters on Saipan, he added.
The Catholics in Chuuk, Guam and other areas in Micronesia also celebrated the centennial, he said.
There was a presentation of candles representing the parishes of Mortlock, Southern, Faichuk, Weno, Northwest and Fanapi in Guam.
Church member Arlene Cholymay said the celebration also helped Chuuk community members to remain close to each other.
“We are happy that we have not lost our faith even if we are far away from our home. We still practice our Catholic faith, and back home it is very strong and we hope the new generation will carry this same kind of faith,” she said.
Another church member, Francis Joseph, said he was very excited to join other Chuuk Catholics in the centennial celebration.
“This is a big celebration that every Chuukese were anticipating to join,” he said.
