By Tony C. Diaz |  The Pacific Voice

The International Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima during her first visit to Guam Nov. 18-Dec. 10, 2006 as chronicled in this beautiful image taken by the late Guam photographer, Eduardo C. Siguenza.

Like a mother stretching out her loving arms to her weary, troubled children, a historic statue of Our Blessed Virgin Mary will make a return visit to Guam in October.

Archdiocese of Agana officials have confirmed that the International Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima will return to the island October 1-21.

Thousands filled Guam’s Catholic churches the last time this particular symbol of our beloved Blessed Mother came to the island in 2006. The statue was on Guam November 18 to December 10 of 2006 and visited 23 of our Catholic churches as well as the Redemptoris Mater Archdiocesan Missionary Seminary, St. Dominic’s Senior Care Home, the Skilled Nursing Unit and Archbishop Anthony Sablan Apuron’s residence at the Chancery.

Many Catholics followed the statue wherever it went on Guam and organizers expect the same kind of response – perhaps even larger – this next time, given hardships and challenges so prevalent on Guam and the world today.

“Fatima’s revisit to Guam is a simple and humble reminder of God’s constant presence amongst his people!” said Palé Mike, Director of the Archdiocese’s Office of Youth, Young Adults and Newman Center Campus Ministry.

“What will be a highlight during her visit is an evening with her ‘beloved sons’ — our priests and deacons of the archdiocese,” added Palé Mike.

The Office of Youth, Young Adults and Campus Ministry is coordinating the statue’s return pilgrimage entitled “Fatima Revisits Guam”.

The statue travels throughout the world bringing Mother Mary’s message of peace, prayers and unqualified obedience to our Lord Jesus. Its caretaker, Carl Marlsburg, is expected to accompany the Fatima statue once again and will be speaking to Guam’s faithful during the pilgrimage.

Places of visitation will be announced once the overall schedule is completed, said Palé Mike.

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Editor’s note – The Office of Youth, Young Adults, which includes the Newman Center Campus Ministry, is part of the Archdiocese of Agana’s Division of Pastoral Ministries. Our work and ministries receive valuable support and grant funding by the Catholic Church Extension Society. This is their Mission Statement: “The Catholic Church Extension Society strengthens the Church’s presence and mission in under-resourced and isolated communities across the United States.” This defines our purpose and gives meaning to what we do. This mission statement succinctly outlines what we do and who we serve. At the same time it remains consistent with the intentions of Catholic Extension and its founders at our origin in 1905. This mission, this purpose, is grounded in the work of Mission America, in the end the reason for our work. To learn more, visit http://www.catholicextension.org/