The beautiful churches of Guam

Guam is a predominantly catholic state, but before the advent of catholic religion in Guam, Chamorro makanas, or shamans, helped facilitate contact between the living and the spirits of the ancient known as taotaomo’na. During the second half of 17th century, Spaniards began settling in Guam and that is when the religion started developing roots in this island nation. The Chamorro culture which had developed over thousands of years underwent rapid transformation. Missionaries accompanying the Spanish brought new ways of worshipping and thus introduced Roman Catholicism to the island. The Chamorro culture, while retaining its original practices and beliefs, embraced catholic way of living as well.

Over 85 percent of Guam’s population is Roman Catholic and therefore, the island is home to over two dozen Catholic churches. There is atleast one church in every Guam villages and there are 19 villages in all. Considering the fact that the Spanish introduced the catholic religion in Guam, it is not surprising that most of these churches are excellent examples of beautiful Spanish architecture. The villages of Agana Heights, Upper Tumon, Tamuning, Dededo, Barrigada, Chalan Pago, and Mongmong house seven Baptist churches as well.

For all those interested in religious architecture and the beauty associated with buildings of worship, Guam churches are excellent pieces to admire study and research upon. Apart from the beautiful catholic churches, Guam also houses several other houses of worship like the multiple Episcopal and Bahai’i houses of worship as well as Presbyterian, Filipino Christian, Nazarene, Lutheran, and nondenominational churches. When you visit Guam, stay at Days Inn for a complete experience.