San Dimas (Saint Dimas the Penitent Thief) & Our Lady of the Rosary

San Dimas & Nuestra Señora del Rosario

(Saint Dimas & Our Lady of the Rosary)

📍 Address: San Dimas Catholic Church, 134 Chalan San Dimas, Malesso, Guam 96916

ABOUT SAN DIMAS & THE ROSARY

Dates: April 18, 2026 Location: Malesso  Time: 4:30 PM

Journey to the southernmost tip of Guam for a celebration steeped in maritime history and unique devotion. The village of Malesso honors a rare pair of patrons: Our Lady of the Rosary and San Dimas, the "Good Thief" crucified alongside Jesus who asked for forgiveness in his final moments. This duality—honoring the purity of the Virgin Mother and the redemption of a sinner—reflects the deep, forgiving, and welcoming spirit of this seaside village.

Malesso is often considered the most picturesque village on Guam, bordered by the calm waters of the Cocos Lagoon. The fiesta here is less about urban hustle and more about the slow, rhythmic pace of southern life, offering visitors a chance to breathe in the ocean air and experience the island's Spanish heritage in its most preserved form.

THE HISTORY OF THE PARISH

Malesso is home to some of the most significant Spanish-era structures on Guam. The parish history is anchored by the Kampanayun Malesso (Merizo Bell Tower), built in 1910, and the Malesso Kombento, a parish house built in 1856 which stands as the oldest occupied building on the island. The devotion to San Dimas is particularly unique; it is one of the few churches in the world dedicated to the Penitent Thief, symbolizing that no one is beyond the reach of grace.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: HISTORY BY THE HARBOR

The celebration in Malesso is inseparable from its geography. The church sits just steps from the pier, blending liturgical solemnity with the village's fishing culture.

The Scenic Procession

The procession in Malesso is arguably the most scenic on the island. Devotees carry the statues of San Dimas and Our Lady past the historic bell tower and along the coastal road. The route offers stunning views of the lagoon and Cocos Island in the distance, creating a peaceful atmosphere where the prayers of the faithful mix with the sound of the ocean lapping against the pier.