25/07/2025
The History of the Holy Image of St. James the Greater of Sasmuan (Apostol Santiago El Mayor)
The sacred devotion to Señor Apostol Santiago El Mayor in Sasmuan, Pampanga is not only a story of deep faith but also of resilience, sacrifice, and love passed down through generations.
It all began in 1951 when the first holy image owned by the family—Our Mother of Perpetual Help—was introduced to their household, inspired by the devout faith of Virginia Sibug Yap and Felicidad “Feleng” Maninang. These two women, pillars of devotion, kindled a family tradition rooted in Marian and apostolic piety.
Years later, when Msgr. Diosdado G. Victorio became parish priest of Sta. Lucia Parish Church in Sasmuan, he noticed something missing in the lineup of the eight traditional pasos (holy images) during the Holy Week procession: among Jesus’ three closest apostles—Peter, James, and John—only San Pedro and San Juan were represented.
This observation became the spark. A family friend, Apung Peping Miranda, approached Lola Feleng and said, “Feleng, why can’t you have the holy image of St. James made so the trio of Jesus' closest apostles will be complete?” Lola Feleng, known for her wit and humility, replied, “Do you think only the dirt in the church is shameful? All the other carosa are made of silver—ours is just made of wood.” To which Apung Peping encouragingly said, “Those silver carosa were only inherited. You are even better because your wooden carosa is the result of your own labor and devotion.”
Encouraged, Lola Feleng turned to her daughter Ma. Ligaya “Maria” Maninang Salenga, an elementary school teacher earning only ₱86 a month at the time. In 1972, Maria began the journey to bring the holy image of St. James the Greater to life. After much searching, she found the perfect sculptor: Apung Isidro Algabre, whose workshop stood across from Chevalier School in Angeles City. A skilled artist who also worked with the famed Talleres de Maximo Vicente in Manila, Apung Isidro accepted the commission.
Due to the massive flooding during those years, the progress of the sculpture was delayed, but eventually resumed in 1973. With quiet dedication, Maria made small installment payments of ₱20, stretching her modest salary for a greater purpose. Finally, in July 18, 1975, the image of Apostol Santiago El Mayor was completed and brought home to Sasmuan.
The image was solemnly blessed by Msgr. Diosdado G. Victorio on July 25, 1975, marking the beginning of a new spiritual legacy. The image joined the Holy Week procession for the first time in 1976, filling the gap and completing the visual representation of Christ’s inner circle of apostles.
Now, July 25, 2025, marks the 50th anniversary of the blessing of the image, and the upcoming Holy Week 2026 will commemorate its 50th salida—a golden milestone of enduring devotion and family legacy.
Today, the image of Señor Apostol Santiago El Mayor continues to inspire reverence not only among the descendants of its founders but among the faithful of Sasmuan and beyond—a living testament to the power of faith, community, and tradition.
