Situated in the serene Barangay Joroan of Tiwi, Albay, the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Salvation stands as a beacon of religious devotion and a cornerstone of Bicolano culture. This Roman Catholic Church, declared an Important Cultural Property in 2019, is a revered pilgrimage site that houses the venerated cult image of Our Lady of Salvation. Carved in 1776 from a native kalpi tree, this miraculous image embodies enduring faith, symbolizing hope and protection for generations of Bicol pilgrims.

The shrine’s picturesque location, nestled between the gently flowing Bariis and Joroan Rivers and overlooking the vast expanse of the sea, adds to its profound spiritual allure. The tranquility of its natural setting amplifies the sense of peace and contemplation for those seeking solace. Thousands of devotees flock to this sacred place every third Sunday of August, drawn by the promise of blessings and the deep-rooted reverence for Our Lady of Salvation.

Nuestra Señora de Salvacion Shrine, Tiwi, Albay | Photo by Jhey Photography

The veneration of Our Lady of Salvation in Tiwi traces its origins to a Franciscan mission established in 1776 in the barrio of Joroan, then a part of Buhi. The image’s inspiration came from the Mary Most Holy Mother of Light, following visions reported in Palermo, Italy, in 1722. The transition of the devotion from Our Lady of the Light to Our Lady of Salvation symbolized the Bicolano’s plea for a guardian against the natural calamities and pirate raids that frequently threatened their coastal community.

Joroan’s evolution from a vulnerable seaside barrio to a parish in its own right in 1919 is a testament to the unwavering faith of its people. The original chapel, built to house the revered image, faced destruction by a typhoon in 1895, leading to the image’s temporary relocation to the Church of St. Lawrence the Martyr in Tigbi (present-day Tiwi, Albay). The current shrine, erected in 1967, was declared a Diocesan Shrine in 1976, marking the bicentennial of Marian devotion in Bicol, solidifying its status as a spiritual beacon.

The venerated original sculpture of Nuestra Señora de Salvación de Joroan, enshrined in the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Salvation in Tiwi, Albay, received a special honor. With the approval of Pope Paul VI, it was canonically crowned as the heavenly patroness of Albay Province on August 25, 1976. Adding to its significance, Pope John Paul II, later canonized as a saint, venerated the statue during his Papal Visit to Legazpi City on February 21, 1981.

The original image of the Nuestra Señora de Salvacion

Public Transport

Public transport provides an affordable and authentic way to reach the shrine while experiencing local life:

• Vans from Legazpi: Start your journey at the terminal in Legazpi City and take a van going to Tiwi. Vans usually drop passengers off at the Tiwi poblacion or at their final stop. From Tiwi, ask around for a tricycle or jeep to take you to Joroan

Driving

For those with a personal vehicle, reaching the shrine from Legazpi is a straightforward drive:

• Route: The journey from Legazpi City to Tiwi takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Once you reach Tiwi poblacion, continue north for about 2 km until you see signage directing you towards Joroan. From there, it’s another 5 km drive on a paved and winding road that leads directly to the shrine.
• Navigation Apps: Utilize navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates and directions. Simply input “Shrine of Our Lady of Salvation, Joroan, Tiwi” as your destination.
• Scenic Drive: The route to the shrine offers picturesque landscapes. Consider making stops along the way to appreciate the beauty of Albay and capture memorable photos.

Other Options

For those seeking alternative ways to visit the shrine:

• Ride-Hailing Apps: Check the availability of ride-hailing services in Legazpi for a direct trip to the shrine. Although this option may be pricier, it offers convenience and comfort.
• Joining Tours: Some travel agencies and tour operators in Legazpi offer trips to Tiwi, including the Shrine of Our Lady of Salvation, as part of their itinerary. This is an excellent choice for those looking to learn more about the site’s history and significance through guided tours.