Guam Catholics mark anniversary of island's liberation from Japanese

Published: 2005-08-01

AGANA, Guam (CNS) -- Guam Catholics marked the 61st anniversary of their island's liberation from the Japanese by U.S. troops by remembering the faith that sustained Guam's people during World War II and the role faith plays in their lives today. "It's important to remember where we came from ... a time of great pain, suffering and evil," said Father David C. Quitugua, vicar general of the Agana Archdiocese. He asked people to remember the pain of the war and to reflect on the many gifts God has given them. "Rejoice that we've been blessed with these 61 years of peace," Father Quitugua said. "Pray also for healing -- healing of the memories, healing of hatred -- and hopefully to follow the example of Christ through the grace of forgiveness he gives us on the cross." On July 21, 1944, U.S. military forces stormed Guam's beaches and recaptured the island from Japanese forces. The Japanese invaded Guam Dec. 8, 1941, and the soldiers imprisoned and tortured many of Guam's people. Many of the people were massacred.

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