ILOILO City – The Archdiocese of Jaro is calling on churches and local government units (LGUs) to ensure the proper observance and organization of Santacruzan and the culmination of Flores de Maria (commonly known as Flores de Mayo) based on their true essence and storyline.
Reverend Father Angelo Colada, director of the Archdiocese of Jaro’’s social communication office, lamented that some churches and LGUs have started merging Santacruzan and the culmination of Flores de Maria, resulting in a diluted and unclear message for devotees.
Father Colada emphasized, “The Santacruzan centers on the storyline of Queen Helena’s search for the cross of Jesus. It’s a celebration honoring women but fundamentally portrays the quest for the Holy Cross.”
He added, “The Santacruzan can be held on any day in May. Meanwhile, the Flores de Mayo is a tribute to Mama Mary, the Queen of Flowers, typically culminating on May 31 in most churches.”
“Flores de Mayo honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Queen of Flowers, which is why we have flower (offerings),” Colada explained.
He acknowledged that some churches merge the Santacruzan and the culmination activity of Flores de Mayo to save time and resources.
To provide guidance on the celebration of these events, Father Colada suggested that everyone seek assistance from Reverend Father Rex John Palmos, director of the archdiocese’s Commission on Catechesis and Catholic Education.
“While parishes may follow their cultural practices, there are regulations to ensure proper observance,” Colada said.
He observed that sometimes, while organizing the Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo, additional elements are included to make the events more attractive to audiences, but these can distort the message or storyline.
“This is why the Commission on Catechesis provides guidance to maintain the proper focus,” he said.
In an interview with Panay News last year, Father Palmos lamented that the Santacruzan was becoming a “festival of beauties” where fancy, colorful, and expensive clothing were paraded.
“Santacruzan is about the triumph of our Christian faith over paganism. It’s the story of Queen Helena that highlights the significant role of the cross as a symbol of victory,” Palmos said.
He stressed that Santacruzan is not merely a visual spectacle.
“Hopefully, it will be emphasized that Santacruzan is a very beautiful story to be told. No matter how tough and problematic life is, the cross of Jesus continues to lead us to victory,” Palmos added./PN
