It was a event at the Vatican that is steeped in
tradition.
The 266th Pope selected by
the College of Cardinals is from the same order who brought Christianity to
Guam about 300 years ago. Jorge Mario
Bergoglio emerged from the Conclave earlier today as Pope Francis.
Following the
resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, the first to happen some 400 years before the
very first mission to Oceania, the eyes of the world's 1.2 billion faithful
have been focused on Rome over the past week and in prayer of who will head up
the Catholic Church.
In June of 1668, Diego Luis de San
Vitores arrived in Guam with five other Jesuits. This Mission marked the first contact between the Society of Jesus and the Chamorro people of the Marianas. The 20 year conversion yielded much bloodshed
during the early years of Spanish colonial rule including the deaths of 20
martyrs that later yielded the Beatification of San Vitores and the
Beatification and Canonization of Pedro Calunsod. This is how the start of the Catholic Church
and the Jesuit influence began in Guam.
Much has evolved in that time. Peace mainly has reigned. The strength of the teachings remain evident
across each of the island's villages through the celebrations of their
respective patron saint, the scores of Catholic Schools spreading the word of
God and the perpetuation of ideals that has a positive impact on many other
parts of this island society.
The Jesuits and their teaching have had a profound impact on
so many people here.
The news of a new Pope-a Jesuit-was welcome to many here in
Guam.
“This is a joyful day!," said His Excellency Anthony
Sablan Apuron, OFM Cap. D.D., Metropolitan Archbishop of Agana. "We give
great thanks to Our Lord for the beautiful gift of this most humble and holy
man, our newly chosen shepherd on earth, Pope Francis."
It brought to an end an event not expected to be seen in our
lifetime-though this writer was witness to the three previous.
When the white smoke emerged from the stacks above the
Sistine Chapel, a holy man of the people stepped forward on the balcony above
St. Peter's Square selected by 118 Cardinals.
Father Jorge of Buenos Aires is the successor of the Apostle
Peter-a hero of the faith.
Many look to Pope Francis to stay the course and
maintain the "rock" of the church that has been through much for over
2000 years.