History of Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral Basilica

The first Catholic Church on Guam, the Dulce Nombre de Maria {Sweet Name of Mary} Cathedral Basilica was constructed in central Hagatna in 1669.

The original church was constructed in 1669-1670 by Chamorro’s under the direction of Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores on lands granted by Chief Quipuha, the ranking male of Hagatna at that time.

This structure survived until World War II when it was destroyed during the shelling of Hagatna in preparation for the American invasion. The present church was constructed on the original site in 1955-1959.

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