Guam marks 60th anniversary of its liberation from Japanese forces

Published: 2004-07-30

AGANA, Guam (CNS) -- Words of peace and ceremonies full of prayers marked activities held on Guam to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the island's liberation from Japanese forces during World War II. The pain still lingers heavily for many of the indigenous people -- the Chamorros -- who suffered at the hands of Japanese soldiers from 1941 to 1944. However, focusing on the faith and Jesus Christ's own ultimate sacrifice for humanity helps heal the pain, said Deacon Joe Barcinas, who as a child survived the brutality of the time. He talked about the war in an interview on KOLG-FM, the official radio station of the Agana Archdiocese. "When you look at the cross every day of your life, you just have to understand that you're made with goodness," said Deacon Barcinas, who has served a long time as a deacon ordained for the Agana Archdiocese. "And that crucifix takes out all the aches and pains that you're holding in there."

Copyright (c) 2004 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .