| Inarajan, Talafofo, & Yona The eastern coast |
| I n a r a j a n Tomb of one of Guam's great heroes |
| St. Joseph's Church in Inarajan is the only other Catholic church to survive the war besides the San Dionisio Church in Umatac. This church also contains the tomb of Father Jesus D. Duenas, one of the great heroes of the occupation from 1941-1944. Father Duenas was one of only two Chamorro priests allowed to remain on Guam after the Japanese invaded. All other priests were shipped off, and the Japanese brought in Japanese Catholic priests. Father Duenas not only refused to have anything to do with these imported priests, he also boldly told them and the Japanese authorities that these interlopers were in the service of an evil empire. Father Duenas was a leader of the Chamorro resistance. As the Japanese became increasingly edgy and fearful when the American invasion became imminent, Father Duenas was taken into custody. He was beheaded on July 12, 1944, only nine days before the Liberation began. He is interred beneath the altar of St. Joseph's, which was his parish. |
The pre-war Inarajan School next to St. Joseph's. As late as 1998 this was an active
building, being used as a Youth Center and Senior Citizens center. By 2004, however,
recent typhoons have wrecked it, and, unless serious funding is put into a restoration, it
probably will not stand much longer.
building, being used as a Youth Center and Senior Citizens center. By 2004, however,
recent typhoons have wrecked it, and, unless serious funding is put into a restoration, it
probably will not stand much longer.
