Musician, leader, administrator
BELMONT — Mercy Sister Marian Arroyo passed away peacefully Oct. 24, 2026.
A beloved Sister of Mercy, pastoral leader, administrator, mentor and woman of deep faith, Sister Marian devoted her life to the service of God and God's people, especially in her beloved homeland of Guam.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Guam at noon on Nov. 5, 2026 – 10 p.m. Nov. 4, 2026, local time. The livestream of all parts of the celebration will be available via YouTube.
Born Sept. 26, 1954, in Agaña, Guam, Sister Marian received her early education at Cathedral Grade School and graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Guam. In 1973 Sister Marian went to Sacred Heart College and pursued a degree in psychology. After graduating, she followed her call to religious life and entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1976 in Belmont, North Carolina. She made her perpetual profession of vows in 1982.
Sister Marian later pursued studies in liturgical music at The Catholic University of America, preparing herself for a lifetime of ministry marked by compassion, wisdom and dedication to the liturgical and pastoral life of the Catholic Church.
For more than three decades, Sister Marian served the people of Guam with exceptional devotion. Beginning in 1996, she served as director of the division of pastoral ministries for the Archdiocese of Agaña, where she became widely respected for her leadership, pastoral vision and commitment to forming and supporting lay and ministerial leaders throughout the archdiocese.
Her gifts as a leader and administrator also found expression within the Sisters of Mercy. She held a variety of leadership positions, which she faithfully carried out until her death.
Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez of Agaña shared deepest condolences with the Sisters of Mercy and Marian’s family.
“On behalf of our entire Archdiocese of Agaña, we send our love and prayers to the Sisters of Mercy, Monsignor Bibi and the rest of the Arroyo family,” Archbishop Ryan said. “We share in the tremendous sorrow they are feeling at this time.”
The archdiocese shared that Sister Marian was "a dear friend to so many in our island community and a devoted religious servant of God who rejoiced in bringing Jesus Christ to others through the charism of the Mercy Sisters and her special love and talent for music."
Governor of Guam Lou Leon Guerrero also shared her condolences.
"On behalf of First Gentleman Jeff and Lieutenant Governor Tenorio, we join the people of Guam and the Catholic community in mourning the passing of Sister Marian Therese Arroyo," the governor said in a statement.
"Her gentle presence, wisdom, and enduring commitment to the community will be profoundly missed,” the governor continued. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Arroyo family and the Sisters of Mercy. We offer our love and prayers for her eternal rest and for comfort to all who grieve this immense loss."
Sister Marian's religious life was beautifully reflected in her ring motto, “Onus Meum Leve Est” – “My Burden Is Light.” Those who knew Sister Marian remember a woman of gracious presence, deep spirituality, gentle humor and unwavering dedication to others. She was a gifted musician, singer, liturgist, a trusted colleague, a compassionate mentor and a faithful Sister of Mercy.
— Patricia Guilfoyle