Biba Santa Marian Kamalen

FAITHFUL: The island’s patroness Santa Marian Kamalen, or Our Lady of Camarin made a historic visit to U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) as part of an islandwide visit to Catholic churches and other significant sites Dec. 8. While at NBG, Santa Marian Kamalen passed by areas including the NBG Headquarters, Sumay Cemetery, NBG Chapel, Camp Covington Chapel, and the newly opened NBG USO. NBG Sailors, families and personnel lined the streets joining the faithful throughout the island to catch a glimpse and pay homage to the 300-year-old revered icon. Every year on Dec. 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated, and Guam Catholics turn out by the thousands in Hagåtña to honor Santa Marian Kamalen in a procession around the island’s capital. However due to COVID-19, instead of the traditional procession, which usually draws thousands, the historic statue was driven throughout the island. Following her visit to the base, NBG Chaplain Fr. William Brunner led a mass in honor of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Photo courtesy Naval Base Guam.