Across the Philippine archipelago, a tradition known as Flores de Mayo, a daily offering of flowers to Mary is observed throughout the month of May. Typically, the celebration culminates with a ‘Santacruzan’, a grand finale that, as its Spanish name implies, ties in a very different theological theme—the discovery of the True Cross by Reyna (Queen) Elena, or St. Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine. That day is celebrated with Mass in the afternoon, followed by a ritual wherein a number of young women designated as Flores de Mayo “queens” look for a hidden Cross, with the finder being designated as Reyna Elena.
The Church of St Michael and All Angels hosted members of the Havant Filipino Community on Sunday 5th May for the fourth time to celebrate Flores de Mayo. Filipino families with colourful floral bouquets joined the 10 am Mass and afterwards joined parishioners for the Procession of the Reynas to place flowers at Our Lady’s Grotto. Much of the car park was taken up with various stalls giving the worshipping community an insight into Filipino culture showcasing traditional celebratory dishes, music and dance.
Parish Priest Canon Gerard Flynn said: “Flores de Mayo is an occasion of great joy in our Parish. We welcome members of the Filipino Community who always bring to us a real sense of the importance of our faith. In our Parish we enjoy contributions from many groups who, coming from various parts of the world, remind us that we are part of a truly Universal Church.
The generous gift which we are given on such occasions is a great help with the work that we are striving to do. But most of all it’s the happy and colourful gathering in Christian love which we appreciate!”
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