Ada’s Trust and Investment purchases holy land in Tumon
by ALTHEA ENGMAN Journal Staff
On Jan. 4 the Ada family through Ada’s Trust and Investment celebrated the purchase of the $4.3 million Blessed Diego Saint Pedro Shrine through a blessing at the property.
Diego Luis de San Vitores became a priest in 1651 and set sail to the Philippines on a mission.
The Ada family at the celebratory mass for the Blessed Diego Saint Pedro Shrine. (From left) Jennifer Ada; Peter P. Sonny Ada, president of Ada's Trust and Investment Inc. and husband of Jennifer; Patricia Ada, vice president of Ada's Trust and Investment Inc. and sister of Sonny; and Maria Ada Bonnie, sister of Sonny and Patricia. Photos by Althea Engman According to the Archdiocese of Agana website, “In 1662, en route to the Philippines, his ship stopped off at the Marianas for food and water. He immediately felt an attraction to the islanders, and he knew then that these were the people he was called to serve. Diego and his companions established their headquarters in Hagatna, where he soon built the first church Dulce Nombre de Maria and opened a school for boys known as Colegio de San Juan de Letrán.”
Unfortunately, Diego was killed but it did not stop the Catholic church from thriving and being established on the island.
In 1985, Diego Luis de San Vitores was beatified by the Church.
The Blessed Diego Saint Pedro Shrine is located behind the Guam Reef hotel. According to Tony C. Diaz, director of communications for the Archdiocese of Agana, “The property was listed as part of the Archdiocese of Agana sale due to the bankruptcy.”
Diaz said, “Vicente Paulino deeded the property to the catholic church and the deed conveyed that the intention of the monument and chapel remain on the site.”
Peter P. “Sonny” Ada, president of Ada’s Trust and Investment Inc. said archdiocese leaders “understand that we have a balance of making this property commercially viable and preserving it as stewards of this sacred property.”
He said the ceremony and blessing was in celebration of a successful bid and knowing not only is this a commercially viable purchase but a property of great significance.
Ada told the Journal that “although the Blessed Diego Saint Pedro shrine is now private property, there are plans for opening this land to the faithful because this land is very important especially to the Filipino community.” He said it will be “open to the public but in an organized way.”
Ada’s Trust and Investment also owns the land that the Guam Reef Hotel and Nana’s Café sit on. According to Journal files, a further lease of 50 years was signed on July 7, 2017 between the Ada family and H.I.S. Hotel Holdings Co. Ltd., which manages the Reef.
Diaz said because the land is tied to the Catholic Church’s legacy, “We are glad that the Ada family purchased the land and committed to preserving the shrine.” He said although it was painful to give up the land, “Nothing is as painful as the men and women who suffered abuse at the hands of the clergy.”
The Archdiocese of Agana filed for bankruptcy in January 2019 after individuals alleged sexual assault by clergy members and sued for compensation, according to Journal files. Chief Justice Frances Tydingco-Gatewood approved a settlement plan in October 2022, which included the sale of various properties. mbj
