The Two Jubilees of 1976: A Diocesan Milestone and a Marian Celebration

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Diocese of Legazpi and 200 years of Marian devotion in Albay.

In 1976, the Diocese of Legazpi marked a unique moment in its history—a double celebration that brought together the faith of a people and their enduring love for Nuestra Señora de Salvación, lovingly called Inâ.

25 Years of the Diocese

That year, the Diocese of Legazpi celebrated its Silver Jubilee, commemorating 25 years since its establishment in 1951, after being separated from the mother Diocese of Nueva Caceres (now the Archdiocese of Caceres).

Under the leadership of Bishop Teotimo Pacis, CM, DD—a native son of Tiwi—this milestone became more than an administrative landmark. With a shepherd’s heart deeply formed by Marian devotion, Bishop Pacis envisioned this Jubilee as a chance to renew the spiritual life of the local Church.

200 Years of Marian Devotion

Coinciding with the diocesan jubilee was another momentous occasion: the Bicentennial of the Devotion to Our Lady of Salvation (1776–1976). This devotion, rooted in the small village of Joroan, Tiwi, had blossomed over two centuries into a beloved spiritual tradition across Albay and beyond.

In a pastoral letter dated December 8, 1975, Bishop Pacis officially proclaimed Nuestra Señora de Salvación as the Heavenly Queen of Albay and Patroness of the Diocese. This marked the beginning of a historic year of Marian-centered faith renewal.

Church Renovation & Coronation

As part of the preparations, the Joroan Parish Church—home of the original image of Inâ—underwent renovation, with the vision of its eventual elevation to Diocesan Shrine status on August 21, 1976.

Four days later, on August 25, before a crowd of over 20,000 pilgrims and all the bishops of Bicol, Jaime Cardinal Sin, Archbishop of Manila, led the Canonical Coronation of the miraculous image of Our Lady of Salvation. This was a historic first for the diocese—and a deeply emotional affirmation of the people’s trust in Mary’s maternal intercession.

Rome Affirms the People’s Faith

Behind this crowning event was an outpouring of devotion from the people. Bishop Pacis invited parishes, barrios, and towns to support the petition to Rome with resolutions, financial support, and prayer.

The Vatican, through various offices—including the Secretariat of State and the Sacred Congregation for the Sacraments and Divine Worship—responded favorably. Finally, Pope Paul VI himself confirmed the bishop’s petition in the apostolic letter Quam Altas, formally recognizing the canonical coronation of Nuestra Señora de Salvación as Patroness of Albay, carried out by Cardinal Sin.

Keeping the Story Alive

To deepen historical awareness and preserve the narrative, Bishop Pacis republished a short history booklet: Kasaysayan kan Ladawan ni Birhen de Salvacion sa Joroan, Tiwi, Albay—written by Fr. Lamberto Fulay, the first parish priest of Joroan (1919–1924).

This gesture ensured that future generations would know the origins of the devotion, and the miracles attributed to the image of Inâ.

Pastoral Guidance in a Jubilee Year

Throughout 1976, the diocese released a series of Pastoral Bulletins to guide the faithful during the “Year of Two Jubilees.” These included seven bulletins dedicated to the Marian Bicentennial and one focusing on the diocesan Silver Jubilee (Bulletins Nos. 8, 10, 27, 36, 39, 40, 42, and 54—issued from February to December 1976).

One Heart, One Faith

Together, the two jubilees of 1976—one diocesan, the other Marian—were not only historical milestones, but grace-filled moments that deepened the faith of the people of Albay. They honored the past, celebrated the present, and set a clear path for the future: a Church rooted in devotion to Inâ, their Mother, Queen, and model in discipleship.