In the spirit of Novena during May Flower Devotion precedes the “Flores de Mayo”, the church celebrated blessed rains through giving tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This celebration commemorates the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena and her son, and this festival originated by the Spaniards who became part of Filipino tradition associated with youth, love, and romance.
Last 1st of May, the aisle all the way to the altar of the Parish church was decorated with colorful flowers. There were selected eight girls all wearing white dresses. Each one of them carries a letter to complete the word “A-V-E M-A-R-I-A”. On the other hand, the honoring beautiful maidens – Ms. Jhoanna Mae M. San Pedro (Hermana mayor for Flores de Mayo 2017) together with Ms. Bianca A. dela Peña (Hermana Menor), and Ms. Lia Andrea Salamat (Hermana mayor for Santacruzan 2017) who will pass the reign to Ms. Therese Marie D. Linco (Hermana Menor) congregated in the afternoon to pray the rosary after which they offer flowers to the Virgin Mary at the main altar. This year we still have 31 homes coming from Parish ministries and organizations, individuals and non-government group that will sponsor the flower offerings to our Virgin Mary. This happens every 5:00pm in the afternoon.
The “Santacruzan” procession held last 7th of May was the final part and the highlight of “Flores de Mayo”. There were chosen town belles embodied traditional feminine participated in the said parade under the hand-carried arcs decorated by fragrant native flowers. The devotees walked the procession with lighted candles in their hands and with their prayers. (Michaela Acilo)
