Chief Kepuha

Chief Kepuha

-  Guam’s first catholic chief.

-  He granted the lands where the Basilica stands.

-  Basilica first Catholic Church on Guam built in1669.

-  He gained prominence in the 17^th century because of his post of Maga’lahi of Hagåtňa,or high ranking male.

-  He had authority to make important decisions made with the guidance of the maga’haga.

- Kepuha died in1669 but his legacy had a tremendous impact on all Chamorro’s by allowing the Spanish to successfully establish a strong foothold and refuge in the Marianas for the Manila Galleon Trade.

- How he was buried angered many, because he was buried at the new church in Hagåtňa instead of the traditional custom that their dead be buried near their family’s residence.

Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores Lands on Guam:

-  In June 6, 1668 Padre San Vitores landed off shores at Hagåtňa.

-  In the Craft was a missionary, Padre Diego Luis de San Vitores, with other priests and soldiers.

-  They established a catholic mission in the Marianas.

-  Chief Kepuha was presented with gifts such as velvet hats and iron nails. The missionaries then told the chief their true intentions of teaching them the law of God and the way to heaven. Spanish accounts say Kepuha had favorable reactions, and make them welcome.

-  As was common strategy of the Jesuits they converted the Chamorro chiefs in order to convert the people.

- Kepuha allowed himself to be baptized by San Vitores as Juan Kepuha.

-  He was faithful to his religion and volunteered land for the church site. ( The maga’haga of his clan must’ve had some decision of granting land.)

-  He lived up to his appointed role as protector of the Hagåtňa mission.

- Spanish gave him the title of Don Juan Kepuha, naming him after St. John the Baptist who they had chosen as the islands protector.

Historical Perspective:

-  Chiefs did not understand that Christianity was going to change Chamorro social order and way of life so drastically. Once the chiefs realized that the class structure would be abolished by Christianity along with the Guma’ Uritaos and other customs, they changed their minds about accepting it.