By Christina Hermoso
As various cities and towns hold the Santacruzan and the Flores de Mayo this month of May, a Catholic Church leader reminded the faithful of their significance, that is, being inspired to follow Mary’s example and virtues.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos said the Santacruzan and the Flores de Mayo are being held in honor and as a tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. More than admiring the beauty and the attire of the participants, “the processions must be seen as a reminder for us to strive to be like Mary, to follow her virtues, good example, and pure heart,” he said.
“We are fascinated with flowers in full bloom. We admire the beauties of the ‘sagalas’. But don’t forget the reason for these processions, it is God. Be grateful to Him. Share His blessings and kindness to all. The flowers of May are flowers for Mary. Focus on her virtues. Follow her examples and continue your life procession towards Heaven,” Santos said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
The prelate said each person has his own Santacruzan when he bears his personal cross and that of others in his journey. “Focus on becoming like Jesus and be a source of blessings to others. As we fulfill our ordinary, daily walks as our procession here on earth, let us take up His cross upon our life. Let us help bear each other’s cross. That is our own Santacruzan,” Santos said.
The Filipinos’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is deep and time-tested. There are now a number of cathedrals and churches placed under her various titles and patronage. More than 40 revered images of the Holy Mother have also been canonically crowned.
(MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos said the Santacruzan and the Flores de Mayo are being held in honor and as a tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. More than admiring the beauty and the attire of the participants, “the processions must be seen as a reminder for us to strive to be like Mary, to follow her virtues, good example, and pure heart,” he said.
“We are fascinated with flowers in full bloom. We admire the beauties of the ‘sagalas’. But don’t forget the reason for these processions, it is God. Be grateful to Him. Share His blessings and kindness to all. The flowers of May are flowers for Mary. Focus on her virtues. Follow her examples and continue your life procession towards Heaven,” Santos said over Church-run Radio Veritas.
The prelate said each person has his own Santacruzan when he bears his personal cross and that of others in his journey. “Focus on becoming like Jesus and be a source of blessings to others. As we fulfill our ordinary, daily walks as our procession here on earth, let us take up His cross upon our life. Let us help bear each other’s cross. That is our own Santacruzan,” Santos said.
The Filipinos’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is deep and time-tested. There are now a number of cathedrals and churches placed under her various titles and patronage. More than 40 revered images of the Holy Mother have also been canonically crowned.