San Dimas Church, Malesso, Guam

Hafa Adai! As part of my commitment to continue to share cultural poems relating to our beautiful island of Guam and its people, here’s Korasón Poem #39 titled Catholic Church Gatherings. Enjoy!

Catholic Church Gatherings

Every Sunday morning we attend the early mass
With parishioners that fill up the pews in minutes.
It is a well known fact that if you come too late
You’ll often find yourself standing
Sometimes at the back of the church.
During mass you’ll see all sorts of people, rich or poor
Single or married with children.
You’ll also see both old and young alike
Who have been brought up going to church
And have made it a ritual of theirs.
You’ll find old women in their mestisa*
Who often wear rosary beads
And you may even hear some nenis* crying.
But no matter who we see or what people wear
Everyone joins together
As one big Catholic Christian family.
Our people have been Catholics for generations
And it is evident that no one can take away
Our strong Catholic faith.
© mnrivera and ltgumataotao

*mestisa: cultural outfit usually worn by elder women for religious or formal ceremonies
*nenis: babies

Source: Our Native Daughters’ Reflection of Guam and Its People by Dr. Matilda Naputi Rivera and Lois Taitano Gumataotao