SCULPTURE OF SANTA MONICA OF HAMTIC

The Statue of Santa Monica in Hamtic is a revered wooden sculpture, with a black gown and gold lace design estimated to be over 150 years old. It was said to have originally been brought to Hamtic by a missionary priest, who entrusted its care to the Javier family. Exelino Delgado Javier, the original owner of the saint, passed it to his youngest daughter, Blesilda A. Javier, who then passed it unto the current caretakers, her nieces and nephews, Mary Jane, Jocelyn, and Exelino Javier Jr. The image is associated with a miraculous event in the 1950s when a woman in black, believed to be Santa Monica, calmed a raging tidal wave during an earthquake, which led to her being named the town’s patron saint. Santa Monica is widely venerated as the patron saint of wives, mothers, conversions, and victims of abuse, and her image plays a key part of the town’s annual religious celebrations and processions. Its importance extends beyond religion, as it also plays a major role in the social cohesion of the community, drawing devotees from nearby towns. The image suffers from minor wear and tear, but the family ensures to preserve and protect it through regular cleaning and maintenance.