The devotion of Lavezaresnons to Nuestra Señora de Salvación (Our Lady of Salvation) can be traced back to the time when Spanish missionaries established the Lavezares Church, even before it was formally established as a parish between 1894 and 1895. It is believed that this devotion was brought by Bicolano immigrants, who composed a significant portion of the early settlers of Lavezares. This is plausible, considering that devotion to Nuestra Señora de Salvación is deeply rooted in Bicol. She is, in fact, the official patroness of the Province of Albay and one of the most revered Marian titles in the Bicol Region, with the devotion prominently centered in Tiwi, Albay.
The feast of Nuestra Señora de Salvación was traditionally observed in Lavezares every August 15. However, in the 1970s, the Bishop transferred its celebration to August 22, as August 15 also coincides with the feast day of Our Lady of the Assumption in Palapag. This arrangement was made because the Bishop could not be present to celebrate Mass in both towns on the same day. It was also said that the change was prompted by the clamor of provincial politicians, as moving the celebration to August 22 would allow them to attend both fiestas in the two towns. At that time, the province had not yet been divided into two congressional districts.
There were two particularly popular images of the patroness among the people of Lavezares. The first was an old image depicting Our Lady dressed in yellow and blue, with her right hand extended toward a man seemingly drowning in a sea of fire, while her left hand held the folds of her garment. The image was a striking representation of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a compassionate intercessor and protector of those seeking salvation. It was traditionally placed at the center of the altar, with golden rays extending behind her.
The second was a smaller image, measuring more than a foot in height, depicting Mama Mary dressed in traditional white and blue garments and carrying the Child Jesus. The image weighed nearly a kilogram and was traditionally kept on a base and enclosed in a protective case. During devotional practices, it was customary to remove the image from its case and perform what the locals called “patamak,” a practice in which the base of the image was gently placed or passed over the body of a devotee, often tracing the sign of the cross. Devotees who underwent this practice would often testify to experiencing immediate relief from their ailments or even being healed of their sicknesses.
The practice was also commonly observed during birthdays. After offering a prayer and lighting a candle beside the image’s case, the celebrant would undergo the “patamak” as an expression of faith and devotion to Mama Mary.
Unfortunately, the image disappeared sometime around the year 2000 and was never seen again. Its disappearance remains a sad loss to the people of Lavezares, particularly to those who experienced and cherished the tradition surrounding the image.
