Annie has been a techa since at least the 1970s. She is asked here and there to lead devotions in private homes, like this one, which prays the Nobenan Niño each year. The elderly lady in the bluish dress sitting in the very front is 97 years old! She lost her husband at the tail end of the Japanese occupation.
Tan Lourdes
Tan Lourdes is a retired techa now, but, back in the day, she was a techa All-Star. She lead the rosary and devotions before Mass DAILY (seven days a week) and was one of the singers (kantora) during Mass.
For many years, Tan Lourdes would go to a dozen or more homes each day in December to lead the Nobenan Niño. Her daughter, who accompanied her, enjoyed eating a little at the different houses and seeing the variety of food each had. From the start of the Nobena Season, Tan Lourdes basically spent the whole day leading the nobena in other people's homes. Only when Christmas was over was she able to get to know her own house all over again.
There's a special place in heaven for many a Chamorro techa.
Hello. We enjoyed your article very much. We would like to use your photograph portraying a techa for a school project and simply wanted to get clearance on the photographer's behalf to do so. If this is alright with the photographer, there is no need to respond any further to this message as I am sure you are busy.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for your consideration and information on techas.
De acuerdo!
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