All Souls’ Day in Guam
Guam law lists All Souls’ Day on November 2 as one of the holidays of Guam. For many Catholics on the island, it is a day of prayer and remembrance for the dead, marked by church services and cemetery observances.[1][3][4]
A fixed date in Guam’s holiday law
The Guam Code Annotated names All Souls’ Day as a holiday on November 2. It also says that when a listed holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the Government of Guam follows the federal government’s practice for that holiday.[1]
The Judiciary of Guam includes All Souls’ Day in its holiday schedule, and the University of Guam’s academic calendar marks it as an observed day. These calendars show that the holiday affects public institutions, though individual offices and schools may publish their own schedules.[2][5]
Prayer and remembrance
The day’s religious focus is prayer for the departed. Guam’s Office of Veterans Affairs describes All Souls’ Day as dedicated to prayer and remembrance, reflecting the Catholic belief that prayers by the living help the faithful departed.[4]
The Archdiocese of Agaña has documented Masses and prayers for departed loved ones at parish churches. Its notices also describe remembrance candles and photographs at the Cathedral-Basilica, and cemetery Masses as part of the island’s observance when conditions allow.[3]
Churches and cemeteries
Observances can take place in parish churches as well as at cemeteries. Archdiocesan announcements refer to parish Masses with prayers for the dead and to cemetery Masses; the arrangement may differ from one year to another, so check with a parish or cemetery for its current schedule.[3]
All Souls’ Day is a time for Mass, prayer and remembrance in Guam.[3][4]
What to expect for services
Court services are listed as closed for All Souls’ Day on the Judiciary’s holiday calendar. The University of Guam also marks the holiday in its academic calendar. Check opening hours with the bank, shop, workplace or transport service before you go.[2][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is All Souls’ Day in Guam?
It is listed in Guam law on November 2 each year.[1]
Is All Souls’ Day a public holiday in Guam?
What happens if November 2 falls on a weekend?
The law says the Government of Guam follows the federal government’s practice when a listed holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday.[1]
Are offices, schools, shops and buses open?
Are cemetery visits and Masses part of the observance?
Archdiocesan notices document prayers for departed loved ones at parish Masses and cemetery Masses as part of Guam’s observance. Check local church and cemetery announcements for current arrangements.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for All Souls' Day in Guam:
- 1 GCA General Provisions, Chapter 10: Holidays, Festivities, Time, etc.- Supreme Court of Guam, Compiler of Laws
- Judiciary Hours & Holidays- Judiciary of Guam
- Archdiocesan News Releases- Archdiocese of Agaña
- Citizen-Centric Reporting FY 2023- Guam Office of Veterans Affairs
- Academic Calendar- University of Guam