Santa Teresita | Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Santa Teresita

(Saint Thérèse of Lisieux)

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

ABOUT SANTA TERESITA

Dates: October 1, 2026

Location: Mangilao

ime: 6:00 PM

The Little Flower in the Educational Capital: The Fiesta of Santa Teresita

Located in the bustling central village of Mangilao, the community gathers to celebrate the feast of Santa Teresita (Saint Thérèse of Lisieux). Widely known as the "capital of education" on Guam because it houses both the University of Guam and the Guam Community College, Mangilao is a vibrant and diverse municipality. This early October evening fiesta is a profound celebration honoring the "Little Flower," a saint known for her "little way" of everyday spiritual humility and kindness.

For visitors, attending this evening fiesta provides an excellent opportunity to experience the warmth of a highly active and modern island community. Situated right along Route 10, the celebration at the beautiful, traditionally designed church offers a peaceful yet lively retreat from the busy commercial and educational hubs surrounding it.

THE HISTORY OF THE PARISH AND THE SAINT

The history of Mangilao is one of growth and transformation. The village name originates from the CHamoru word ilao, which means "to look for something," referencing its ancient history as a site where hunters and fishermen sought out wild pigs, deer, and crabs. While it was heavily farmed during a "back-to-the-soil" movement in the 1920s, the village experienced a massive population boom following World War II to accommodate military construction workers.

Santa Teresita Catholic Church was established in 1951 to serve this newly expanded, diverse population. The parish has deep devotion to Saint Thérèse, a French Carmelite nun famous for her promise to "let fall a shower of roses" from heaven. The community's dedication is so strong that the church has even hosted the actual holy relics of Saint Thérèse during their global tours in 2002 and 2009. After the church was destroyed by Supertyphoon Pongsona in 2002, the resilient community rebuilt it into the beautiful architectural landmark it is today.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: DEVOTION AND FELLOWSHIP

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

The Evening Procession

At 6:00 PM, the faithful begin their procession from the church grounds. Devotees often carry or wear roses—the universal symbol of Santa Teresita—as they walk the route. Given the church's proximity to the busy Vietnam Veterans Highway, the procession serves as a beautiful, public display of faith, bringing a profound sense of tranquility and reverence right to the center of the village.

The Village "Gupot" (Party)

The "Gupot" in Mangilao beautifully reflects the village's agricultural history and its modern diversity.

• A Spicy Harvest: Mangilao is famously known on the island for its agriculture, particularly the cultivation of the donne' (hot pepper). The fiesta table often highlights this local flavor alongside traditional favorites like Red Rice, hearty stews, and roasted meats.

• Community Unity: The parish grounds, featuring a serene courtyard, become a lively gathering spot. The atmosphere is heavily focused on community fellowship, bringing together longtime local families, university students, and visitors to share a fantastic meal and celebrate the enduring faith of the village.