A Tale of an Image

In about 1840 or so, Ramon Galindes who hailed from Tabaco, Albay and who was later elected Capitan del Pueblo of Irosin, married Emeteria Ramos-Pura of Gubat, Sorsogon. This union resulted in the somewhat miraculous birth of Rosa -- an only living child. Rosa was the thirteenth child and all the twelve who preceded her died at childbirth.

The story goes this way: When Lola Teria conceived Rosa, the priest-brother of Capitan Ramon, upon contemplating that the twelve births died at childbirth, advised the couple to adopt and profess a religious devotion to Dolorosa, the image of the grieving mother of Christ. The couple did as told and even adorned the image of the Blessed Mother with fresh flowers to join the Holy Week's procession. In answer to the devotion of the couple, the thirteenth child was born and survived. They named her Rosa, in honor of the image of the Mater Dolorosa.

Thus, the end of the couple's sorrow and being childless was Rosa, the thirteenth and last birth. And she was also the beginning. She became the saving grace of the family. Were it not for her, Sabiniano, Maria, Glicerio and their siblings could not have possibly seen and enjoyed life. And they could have not possibly offered this world many sons and daughters and grandchildren.

To honor the Dolorosa and somehow imprint its role in the history of the clan among the hearts of every member, the image is traditionally honored in the processions during Lent where all members of the clan are invited to join the procession.

Faith in God and in Mater Dolorosa won and saved the clan.


Nota bene: The image of the Mater Dolorosa is currently under the care of Papa Tentoy (Judge Jacinto Tagum) who has dutifully allocated a parcel of riceland for the expenses usually incurred for its maintenance and especially for the processions held during the Lenten season.