Saints Louis & Zélie Martin

📍 Address: Santa Teresita Catholic Church, 192 Vietnam Veterans Highway (Route 10), Mangilao, Guam 96913

ABOUT STS. LOUIS & ZÉLIE MARTIN

Dates: July 12, 2026

Location: Mangilao

Time: 6:00 PM

Honoring the Holy Family: The Fiesta of Saints Louis and Zélie

In the vibrant and diverse village of Mangilao, the community gathers to celebrate a truly unique feast honoring Saints Louis and Zélie Martin. As the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Santa Teresita)—the primary patroness of the village's main Catholic church—this mid-summer fiesta is a profound celebration of family, marriage, and everyday holiness. Since Mangilao is widely known as the educational capital of Guam, home to both the University of Guam and Guam Community College, this celebration naturally emphasizes the spiritual education and foundation of the family unit.

For visitors, attending this evening fiesta provides a beautiful glimpse into a highly family-oriented and modern celebration. Unlike some of the older, purely historical village fiestas, this event highlights the living, evolving faith of a growing, dynamic community.

THE HISTORY OF THE SAINTS AND THE PARISH

Saints Louis and Zélie Martin were canonized in 2015, making them the first married couple to be declared saints together in the history of the Catholic Church. They are celebrated not for martyrdom or grand historical deeds, but for their unwavering faith through the ordinary struggles of marriage, parenting, and illness. Their most famous daughter, St. Thérèse (Santa Teresita), is the beloved patroness of Mangilao's parish. Honoring her parents on July 12th—their wedding anniversary and official feast day—serves as a natural and deeply meaningful extension of the parish's devotion.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: FAITH AND FAMILY

Because Mangilao is a bustling, central hub with a large student and residential population, the evening scheduling allows families to gather after the workday.

The Evening Procession

At 6:00 PM, as the island heat begins to subside, the faithful begin their procession starting from Santa Teresita Catholic Church. The route typically moves near the busy Route 10 (Vietnam Veterans Highway), serving as a public witness of faith amidst the village's commercial and educational centers. It is common to see many young families and couples walking together, honoring the Martins as role models for modern marriage.

The Village "Gupot" (Party)

The "Gupot" in Mangilao is incredibly diverse, much like the village itself.

• A Diverse Table: While you will absolutely find the essential CHamoru fiesta staples like Red Rice and Barbecue, Mangilao's diverse demographics often mean the fiesta table reflects a wider cultural influence.

• Family Fellowship: The atmosphere is heavily focused on community and youth. The parish grounds become a lively gathering spot for students, local families, and visitors, filled with music, laughter, and a welcoming spirit that perfectly embodies the loving household of Saints Louis and Zélie.