San Antonio de Padua

(Saint Anthony of Padua)

📍 Address: Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 507 Chalan San Antonio, Tamuning, Guam 96913

ABOUT SAN ANTONIO DE PADUA

Dates: June 13, 2026

Location: Tamuning

Time: 5:00 PM

Finding Faith in the Commercial Center: The Fiesta of San Antonio

Tamuning is often known as Guam's bustling economic and commercial hub, but in June, the village pauses to celebrate its deep faith. The community honors Saint Anthony of Padua, the beloved Franciscan friar known universally as the patron saint of lost things and the poor. This fiesta reflects the vibrant and incredibly diverse community of Tamuning, blending deep CHamoru Catholic traditions with the multicultural fabric of the village.

For visitors, this fiesta is highly accessible due to its central location. It offers a wonderful contrast to the busy surrounding tourist district, providing a welcoming space to experience island hospitality and spiritual devotion.

THE HISTORY OF THE PARISH AND THE SAINT

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195 and became one of the most celebrated followers of St. Francis of Assisi, widely known for his profound preaching. On Guam, the devotion to him in Tamuning is rooted in the island's post-World War II reconstruction. After the war, the area of Tamuning saw rapid development and resettlement. The original village chapel, opened in 1946, was actually named St. Victor's. The church was later renamed to honor St. Anthony, though St. Victor remains the co-patron of the parish to this day. Today, Tamuning is one of Guam's most ethnically diverse villages, and the church serves as a unifying spiritual center for families of CHamoru, Filipino, Asian, and stateside descent.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: DEVOTION AND DIVERSITY

Because Tamuning is a heavily urbanized area, the fiesta has a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that brings the busy streets to a reverent halt.

The Village Procession

The highlight of the religious celebration is the procession of the statue of Saint Anthony of Padua touring the village. Devotees often pray for his intercession in finding lost items, healing, and protecting the poor. Walking along Chalan San Antonio, the faithful weave through the commercial heart of the island, physically demonstrating how faith remains central even in Guam's most modern districts.

The Village "Gupot" (Party)

Reflecting Tamuning's history as an ethnically diverse community, the fiesta table here is incredibly varied.

• A Melting Pot Feast: Alongside traditional CHamoru staples like Kelaguen and Red Rice, you will frequently find a heavy influence of Filipino cuisine, such as Pancit and Lumpia, highlighting the shared Catholic heritage of the island's communities.

• Central Hospitality: Because of the church's large congregation and central location, this is one of the more heavily attended fiestas on the island. The church grounds fill with local music, vibrant conversations, and a welcoming spirit that invites everyone in.