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Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan
Sunday | May 10
Experience the beauty of Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan,
a Filipino Catholic tradition!This event tells the story of the search for the Holy Cross by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. The celebration will start with a Mass, followed by a Procession, then a Reception at the Lake House.
We invite you to bring a single flower of any type and color to the event.
Event Flyer -
Event ScheduleRosary1:30 PM | Worship SpaceThe Rosary will be prayed in five different languages (English, Tagalog, Spanish, Polish, and Tamil).
Mass
2 PM | Worship Space
Santacruzan Procession
Following Mass | Outdoors
(starting from the Church entrance going to the Lake House)
Reception
3 PM | Lake House & Picnic Pavilion
Refreshments will be served. Entertainment, including line dancing. -
Queens/Angels & Share a Dessert
Participate as a Queen or an Angel (Procession)
The women in the procession represent the titles or virtues of the Blessed Mother (e.g. Queen of Angels, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Charity). There are also Biblical characters like Ruth, Naomi, and Queen of Sheba.
Interested in Participating as a Queen or an Angel?
Attire is a long dress or gown. A small tiara is optional.
All the Queen and Angel roles have been filled.- Queen (Youth: 14 Years Old & Up | Adults)
- Angel (Girls: 4 - 11 Years Old)
Note: For students, community service hours are available for participation.
Contact Dr. Maria Cielo Sinsioco, Director of Richmond Pilipino Class and member of the parish Intercultural Council, for more information.
Email
Share a Dessert!
You are welcome to bring a dessert (any kind, nut-free) to share.
Food will be provided by the Richmond Pilipino Class and the St. Michael Filipino community and friends.
Dessert Dropoff
12 PM - 1 PM
Lake House -
History of Santacruzan
Flores de Mayo/Santacruzan is a Filipino tradition introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines in 1854. Flores de Mayo is a monthlong celebration in the Philippines honoring the Blessed Mother with prayers and floral offerings. On the last day, the Santacruzan is held, which commemorates the search for the Holy Cross by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. The tradition continues to be celebrated in the Philippines and in cities in the United States during the month of May.The women in the procession represent the titles or virtues of the Blessed Mother (e.g. Queen of Angels, Queen of Martyrs, Queen of Hope, Queen of Justice). There are also Biblical characters like Ruth, Naomi, Veronica, and Queen of Sheba.The procession starts with Reyna Banderada, a queen wearing red, carrying a yellow banner representing the coming of Christianity to the Philippines in 1521. The very last queen in the procession is Queen Helena or Reyna Helena, with her son the Emperor Constantine.
Santacruzan at St. Michael ParishThere will be 47 queens in this event at St. Michael Parish, accompanied by angels.A special highlight during the Mass is the enthronement of the Blessed Mother, with the participation of the Knights of Columbus as honor guard. A floral offering and incensing of the image of the Blessed Mother will take place after Communion.After the Mass, there will be a procession of the image of the Blessed Mother and the Crucifix with all participants (queens, escorts, angels, and the Filipino Choir singing the traditional Dios Te Salve). A Reception with Filipino food will take place at the Lake House Social Hall after the procession. -
Contact
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Dr. Maria Cielo Sinsiocorpcrichvagmail.comDirector | Richmond Pilipino Class
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