Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo in Jerusalem

Santacruzan is a religious-historical pageant held in many cities, towns and even small villages throughout the Philippines during the month May. This is one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines, which depicts the finding of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. After the Holy Cross was found in Jerusalem and brought to Rome, there was a joyful celebration of thanksgiving.

Flores, from the Spanish for "Flowers" also known as Flores De Mayo (flowers of May) refers to the whole Flower Festival celebrated in the month of May in Honor of the Virgin Mary.

Nine days of prayer ( a novena ) in honor of the Holy Cross precedes the Flores De Mayo and Santacruzan. This Festival was introduced by the Spaniards in the Philippines and has since become part of Filipino traditions identified with youth, love, and romance.

Each year, this is a very successful event in the San Lorenzo Ruiz Community and Good Shepherd Filipino Catholic Community in Jerusalem. This year, the celebration took place on May 18, 2014 in the Ratisbonne Monastery in Jerusalem. The celebration started at 8:30 with the praying of the rosary at the Grotto and then the procession of all the Sagalas (the beautiful dressed queens) and angels to the Church. This was followed by the celebration of the Mass which was celebrated by Rev. Fr. James Oclarit, CP, with Rev. Fr. Joan Vernet, SDB and assisted by Deacon Rooney John Undar.

After the Mass, the procession of the Sagalas went towards the basketball court for the program. The event was attended by the different Filipino communities and also by staff of the Philippine Embassy. Everybody enjoyed watching the traditional dances and songs while having lunch together. The program ended at 14.00.