Tamuning and Tumon

Padre San Vitores Shrine

April 2, 1672, marks an important date in Roman Catholic and Guam history. On this fateful day, Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, the first Jesuit to establish schools and churches on Guam, was killed by Chamorro chiefs Mata'pang and Hurao. Both chiefs opposed Mata'pang's daughter's baptism by the Spanish cleric
Commemorating the event is a very well maintained shrine set in a serene location behind a wrought-iron fence. Though sandwiched between a hotel and a restaurant, the shrine has an almost surreal calm to it, making it a pleasant place to sit and reflect. At the shrine's center stands a two-story altar used for periodic religious ceremonies. To one side of the altar is a bronze statue that depicts Padre San Vitores baptizing Mata'pang's daughter. In the courtyard in front of the altar, there are large plaques explaining the site's significance.

How to get there: Take Route 14 north and proceed to the sixth stoplight. Take a left down the hill. The road dead-ends at a restaurant. Park on the right side of the road and walk towards the restaurant. To your right you will see a walkway going towards the shrine. There is also a small sign indicating the site.

Time Factor: 5 minutes

Distance: 2 miles