By Julianne Robyn Castro
Santa Barbara Catholic School both celebrated and exemplified the meaning of
Mercy for the Mercy Day celebration last September 23, 2015. They greeted the day
and the arriving Sisters of Mercy with a Eucharistic celebration. A special luncheon
in the faculty lounge followed. In the afternoon, the students prepared a short
program for Sister Jeanette Marie Pangelinan’s Feastday and Birthday on the 24th.
The school was filled with a festive cheer and the spirit of gratitude.
Special guests who attended the school’s celebration were the Sisters of Mercy who
previously ministered at SBCS. Fifteen Sisters of Mercy came – Sr. Francis Marie
Blas, Sr. Orlean Pereda, Sr. Oliva Benavente, Sr. Agnes Palacios, Sr. Brigid Perez, Sr.
Doris San Agustin, Sr. Mary David Richard, Sr. Mary Cecilia Camacho, Sister
Elizabeth Ann Uncangco, Sr. Marian Arroyo, Sr. Trinie Pangelinan, Sr. Mary Jeanette
Leon Guerrero, Sr. Bernadette Leon Guerrero, Sr. Angela Perez, and Sr. Dorothy
Lettiere.
Prior to Mass, Guest speaker Sr. Dorothy Lettiere, RSM shared her vocation story
and experience as a Jesuit volunteer at Santa Barbara in 1974 upon the invitation of
principal, Sr. Callista Camacho. “The arms of mercy were around me when I came to
Guam,” she added. Six months after arriving to teach 3rd graders, she entered the
Sisters of Mercy.
The students all sang Bernadette Farrel’s “Jubilee Song” as the Gathering Hymn led
by the school’s Honor Choir, mentored by Ms. Dolly Diaz, Honor Choir director,
along with faculty and parents. Sr. Orlean Pereda, RSM read the First Reading, and
Ron Coloma from 8A led the singing of the Responsorial Psalm.
Fr. Dan Bien’s homily focused on the theme of Mercy in light of the declaration of the
Church’s upcoming Jubilee Year of Mercy.
In explaining the meaning of mercy, Fr. Bien gave relatable situations as examples,
such as their teacher forgiving their wrongs, and helping a classmate with difficulty
in Math. “It is an action word,” he urged, as simple as listening intently to another’s
story. “You can talk, you can preach about mercy, but unless you show compassion
and kind treatment, then your words would be meaningless,” he said.
The blessing of the Sisters of Mercy who served Santa Barbara Catholic School in the
past followed. It was a touching moment as the entire school family extended their
arms in blessing the Sisters while singing Lori True’s “May the Road Rise Up to Meet
You.”
Juliana Lacson from 6B led the Universal Prayer. Sr. Agnes Palacios, RSM, and Sr.
Jeannette Maria Pangelinan, RSM offered the bread and wine at the Presentation of
Gifts.
After communion, the Sisters of Mercy presented the Catherine McAuley Scholarship
to Kayla Badar of 3B. Sister Mary Cecilia Camacho, Guam Mercy Administrator, led
the presentation of the scholarship award, assisted by Sister Trinie Pangelinan,
president of Mercy Action Marianas, Ltd. (MAML) and Sister Marian Arroyo,
chairperson of the board of MAML.
The Eucharistic celebration ended with everyone singing Dolores Nieratka, RSM’s
“Celebration” while waving red and white ribbons.
A special program to honor the Sisters of Mercy serving at SBCS and to celebrate the
birthday and feast day of Sister Jeanette Marie took place at 2:00PM at the Petrie
Gym. On stage the K4 students sang the opening prayer, Michael Smith’s “Here I Am
to Worship,” with actions. The 6th graders then presented their song-writing
projects, where they rewrote the lyrics of popular songs for themes of Sacrifice,
Faith, and God’s Mercy and Love. 6B’s song borrowed the melody of Bruno Mars’
“Grenade.” They presented this at the Archbishop’s visit to the school last month.
6A’s “Faith Song” was adapted from Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song.” As an interlude,
sisters Juliana and Marianne Fernando of 2A and KA respectively presented a ballet
number to Cupid from Don Quixo in matching tiaras and tutus.
The Youth Crime Watch (YCW) formally presented gifts to the Sisters, followed by
student representatives from each level. Finally, everybody sang a Birthday song for
Sister Jeanette Marie.
“I thank God for you everyday. My prayer is for you is that you really enjoy loving
God everyday,” she said. She asked the students do this through listening to their
teachers and parents, and to recognize Jesus’ constant presence in their lives. She
thanked the students for their prayers and gifts. “Just loving each other is a big gift,”
she said.
Sister Maria Rosario followed, sharing how the Mercy Sisters were impressed with
the liturgy in the morning, “Your singing, your participation at the mass this
morning. Beautiful! Beautiful!” Thanking the teachers and students for the making
the day “a real special one,” she offered her prayers as a gift in return.
To wrap up the program, Raisa Adriano of 7B led in the singing of the Santa Barbara
Catholic School hymn.
The yearly celebration of Mercy Day remains new. The Sisters received greetings,
food, and gifts, but the message of giving and loving resounded throughout the day.
They called the students to be God’s listening ears and arms of mercy on earth. As
Fr. Bien concluded previously, “Let the seeds of love, mercy, and compassion
planted in your hearts grow and bear fruit.” The trumpet has sounded, and the time
is here.