Filipino Santacruzan Queen of Filipino Festivals A Celebration of Heritage and Faith St. Wendelin Church - Cleveland May 17 - 26, 2024
Mary Boustani shared this background information about Santacruzan.
"In the Philippines, May is not just another month-it's a time of unparalleled joy and beauty, marked distinctly by the fragrance of blossoms that fill the air, erasing the need to "stop and smell the roses." As the dry season gives way to refreshing rains, the landscape bursts into a riot of colors overnight.
As a predominantly Catholic nation, Filipinos celebrate these life-giving showers by honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary. Villagers gather an array of vibrant flowers to decorate their churches in an artistic celebration known as "Flores De Mayo" (Flowers of May). Each afternoon, communities unite to offer flowers, pray the rosary, and share in homemade delights. Dressed in their finest, both young and old dance and sing, welcoming the rains that promise to nourish their fields. The highlight is the Santacruzan-a week-long street pageant that parades the beauty of Philippine maidens and their chivalrous escorts under arches of bamboo and native flowers.
St. Wendelin Church
The entire month of May is also dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, turning each day into a tribute to her purity through the Flores de Mayo. This festival not only celebrates spiritual virtues but also seeks to instill them in the youth. Daily, children adorned with flowers parade through church aisles, laying petals in honor of Mama Mary-a gesture known as alay sa Birhen, or 'offering to the virgin.' They sing hymns at the altar, presenting their floral offerings to the Immaculate Lady.
The Rich History of Flores de Mayo
The term "Flores," derived from the Spanish word for "flowers," encompasses the entire Flower Festival of May, honoring the Virgin Mary. Central to this celebration is the Santacruzan, which commemorates the legendary discovery of the True Cross by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. According to legend, 300 years after Christ's crucifixion, St. Helena unearthed three crosses at Calvary. Miraculously, a sick servant healed upon lying on the True Cross, identifying it amongst the three. Though St. Helena is commemorated on August 8, the discovery of the Cross is celebrated on May 3 in the Philippines, incorporating elements from Mexico's Santa Cruz de Mayo.
In another inspiring tale from 312 A.D., Emperor Constantine, on the eve of a decisive battle, prayed for divine help and saw a glowing cross in the sky inscribed with "In hoc signo vinces" ("In this sign, you will conquer"). Motivated by this vision, he adopted the cross as his emblem, won the battle, and converted to Christianity.
The traditions of Flores de Mayo and Santacruzan began in the Tagalog region after the 1854 declaration of the Immaculate Conception and the 1867 publication of Mariano Sevilla's "Flores de Maria." These festivals have become a beloved part of Filipino culture, celebrated with historical pageants that span the archipelago, symbolizing love, youth, and the enduring faith of our people".
Thank you Mary.
The Cleveland Filipino community celebrated May 17 - 26, 2024 with a variety of services, gatherings, performances and a parade.
On Sunday May 26 there was a special day of celebration in the Church hall after Mass. There were information resources such as these.
The program MC was Joy Kouns Lewis from Dublin, Ohio.
MC Joy Kouns Lewis
The national anthems of the United States and the Philippines were sung.
Leading the US national anthem
Leading the Philippines national anthem
Here is a video of the prayer and national anthems.
Mary Boustani gave remarks.
Mary Boustani
The Reyna Elena was introduced - Kaella Aliling.
Kaella Aliling, the 2024 Santacruzan Reyna Elena
The Hermanos Mayores Joseph Boustani and Cassandra Brown were introduced.
Joseph Boustani
Cassandra Brown
Dr. Bernard Evenhuis was given a Special Recognition Award.
Joy Kouns Lewis, Mary Boustani and Dr. Bernard Evenhuis
Watch a video of the introductions and recognition.
Gabriel Kramer gave the keynote address. Watch a video of Gabe's keynote.
Gabriel Kramer
A blessing of the food was given and then a feast was served. And what a feast it was with two litsons (roasted suckling pig) that weighed 76 and 80 lbs.!
Fr. Ramon Owera
The day continued with dancing, performances and more camaraderie.
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