Palapag Municipal e-Library

THE LEGEND OF THE VIRGIN OF DE LA LUZ IN PALAPAG

The Virgin of De La Luz was brought to Palapag about the middle of the seventeen century on board the vessel "Adiong." The Virgin was owned by a devotee named Donia Juana Bolarte, a beautiful heiress and daughter of an Admiral who was the onwer of the said vessel. The image of the virgin of De La Luz was a copy of the picture painted by Raphael, a well known italian painter. The father of Donia Juana had secured the copy from the Chapel in the Convent of Messina.

The voyage from that place was pleasant passing the Indian Ocean, the china Sea and the Pacific Ocean, The vessel dropped anchor at Manila where the ruler came from Spain. From Manila they left for Borongan passing the Northern part of Samar. Pangpang is the port of Palapag, near the three islands of Laoang, Batac and Cahayagan. When the vessel was nearing Cahayagan the weather became calm and the vessel could not move as it was propelled by wind power. The vessel slowly drifted to Talolora Bay between Cahayagan and Binay where the vessel was stranded in that place for about three months. At last they had no more water to drink. Driven by necessity several members of the crew were sent ashore to fetch water for drinking. Luckily hear the shore at Mapno the crew met natives of the place who informed them that the place was a town and there was a parish priest, When the crew returned to their vessel they told the Captain about it. Admiral Bolarte and Doña Juana disembarked and went to the town to meet the priest in the convent. They told the priest, Rev. Fr. Antonio Sellez, about their trip and how they were stranded in the place. They desired that a Thanksgiving Mass be said whereby they would bring to church the image of the Virgin of De La Luz. They further requested that the Virgin must be met by the people. Their request was granted by the priest.

Donia Juana and her father went back to the boat to get the image. They were escorted by a guide to enter Sabang into Palapag River.

The town of Palapag was with much delight upon the expected arrival of the Virgin. The people from the mountains and all nooks and corners of Palapag came to town. The Virgin landed at Bañadero. She was met with prayers and songs of praise. "Dios Te Salve" was sung accompanied by musical instruments of the flute, the drums, and the harp owned by Andres Camacho. A Holy Procession was made from Bañadero to the church where the Virgin was placed on the Main Altar.

The first mass for the Virgin of De La Luz was held June 2, 1771. After the Thanksgiving Mass was said, Admiral Bolarte and Donia Juana were extremely happy to learn from the crew that the vessel could now continue with her voyage as the wind that blew was favorable for their route to the East. Doña Juana, believing that it was all Gods will that the Virgin should stay in Palapag, heartily offered her precious image of the Virgin of De La Luz.

Such is the history of the Virgin of De La Luz in Palapag as handed down from generation to generation. Up to this day, the devout Catholic honor this Virgin by taking turns in continuously lighting her altar day and night.

- HISTORICAL DATA OF PALAPAG
- NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES