Saint Francis of Assisi | San Francisco de Asis

Saint Francis of Assisi ◾️ San Francisco de Asis

📍 Address: Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 1404 North Canton Tasi, Yona, Guam 

ABOUT SAN FRANCISCO DE ASIS

Dates: October 3, 2026

Location: Yona (Yo'ña)

Time: 4:00 PM

Faith in the Eastern Hills: The Fiesta of Yona

Located on the eastern side of Guam between the Pago and Togcha rivers, the sprawling municipality of Yona celebrates the feast of San Francisco de Asis (Saint Francis of Assisi). Yona is one of the island's largest villages by area and boasts a deeply rich, albeit sometimes tragic, history. This early October fiesta honors the universally beloved patron saint of ecology and animals—a perfectly fitting tribute for a village defined by its lush interior landscapes, waterfalls, and agricultural past.

For visitors, attending the Yona fiesta offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the scenic eastern coast and laid-back neighborhoods of the village. The event blends deep religious reverence with a community that has continually rebuilt itself from the ground up, showcasing undeniable resilience and traditional CHamoru hospitality.

THE HISTORY OF THE VILLAGE AND PARISH

The name Yona (pronounced Yo'ña) is derived from the CHamoru word iyo-ña, meaning to possess something material, personal, or spiritual. Prior to World War II, the village was a rich farming area with highly fertile soil, where people lived in scattered ranches largely comprised of thatched-roof homes. The village also holds profound historical weight; during the twilight of the Japanese occupation in WWII, thousands of CHamoru people were forcefully herded into concentration camps within Yona's jurisdiction, most notably at Manenggon Valley and Asinan.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi stands as a physical monument to the community's survival. Originally constructed in the 1930s, the church suffered massive damage during a 1936 earthquake and was later completely devastated by WWII bombardment. The resilient residents of Yona completely redesigned and rebuilt the structure into the beautiful mission-style church that stands today, officially rededicating it in 1954.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: NATURE AND RENEWAL

Because St. Francis of Assisi is heavily associated with the natural world, and because Yona is deeply connected to its sprawling environment, the celebration beautifully honors both faith and nature.

The Afternoon Procession

At 4:00 PM, the procession of San Francisco de Asis begins. The faithful weave through the central areas of the village, navigating streets that were entirely redesigned by urban renewal projects following the total devastation of Typhoon Karen in 1962. Walking through these historic neighborhoods, devotees offer prayers of gratitude for the island's natural beauty and the endurance of their families.

The Village "Gupot" (Party)

Following the spiritual honors, the "Gupot" brings the massive, spread-out community together.

• Agricultural Roots: Honoring Yona's pre-war history as a bountiful farming area, the fiesta table often features local staples like taro, yams, and fresh local produce, alongside generous portions of Kadon Pika (spicy chicken stew) and classic island barbecue.

• Enduring Unity: The atmosphere reflects a laid-back, community-driven vibe. Despite the village's vast size and distinct residential sections (like Baza Gardens and Windward Hills), the fiesta serves as a central reunion point. Visitors are welcomed with traditional warmth, enjoying live local music and storytelling that honors the village's remarkable survival through wars, typhoons, and modern development.