The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called, “GAUDETE SUNDAY”. Gaudete is a Latin word meaning “REJOICE” in English. Rose colored vestment is worn by the priest at Mass. The joyful sense of the celebration of the Lord’s birth and the joyful expectation of his final coming is set in Philippians 4:4-5; “Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say rejoice!
Also in this joyful season, the people of Guam in particular has special reason to Rejoice for very soon and hopefully if things go well, by Christmas, God willing, per Fr. Dan Bien, pastor of Santa Barbara, we’ll witness the long awaited blessing of the DIVINE MERCY-ST. JOHN PAUL II chapel in Astumbo, Dededo.
It has been envisioned in time and a dream come true for many especially the people in that area to have a church, Mass and other liturgical celebrations right in their neighborhood.
It’s a collective effort and hard work of those who committed themselves to this church mission that led to its completion. But beyond human perspiration is the inspiration and grace of God for nothing happens by accident or coincidence but by Divine Providence.
In the forefront of this providential success is the Archdiocese of Agana, Santa Barbara Catholic Church, the Astumbo Catholic Family Mission (ACFM), the Guam Divine Mercy Apostolate and the Catholic faithful who contributed in one way or another their time, talent and treasure.
The Lord told his disciples; “so also when you have done everything you were told to do, should say; “we are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” (Luke 17:10). We don’t claim ownership of this noble and worthy cause, but we truly believe that God worked with us, In us, and Through us all though towards this most cherished and historic event. In her Diary 301, Jesus told St. Faustina; “All the works of My hands are crowned with mercy.”
The Divine Mercy devotion is widespread in our island, that practically in every Catholic Church on Guam, people pray the Divine Mercy and Chaplet. The Divine Mercy-St. John Paul II chapel is God’s Christmas to us where we can have a special place to celebrate Christmas, the Feast of the Divine Mercy and spend solemn adoration of Jesus, the Divine Mercy. It could also be a site for Divine Mercy pilgrimage on Guam and other occasions. St. John Paul 11 was a strong advocate of the Divine Mercy during his pontificate. His Encyclical,” Dives in Misericordia” tells it all. St. Faustina was the visionary to whom Jesus revealed this great devotion. The Lord said; “Mankind, will not have peace until it turns with trust in the Fount of My mercy. “(Diary 699).
On the flip side, someone said that you never say mean words out of anger. Your anger will pass, but your mean word can scar a person for life. Be merciful and use kind words. Apologizing doesn’t mean you’re wrong and the other person is right. It means you value your relationship more than your ego. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “I pleasure not in large buildings and magnificent structures, but in a pure and humble heart. (Diary 532.) Pray the Divine Mercy prayer every 3 p.m. Daily recite the Holy Rosary and the Chaplet of Mercy for peace in our families and in the world.