Flores de Maria | Grand Culmination of Flores de Mayo at St. Francis Xavier Parish

Ave, Magpuri at Magsaya! Ave, Ave Purihin ang ating Ina! That’s the angels’ hymn during the grand culmination of Flores de Mayo. Saint Francis Xavier Parish wraps up FLORES DE MAYO 2022; makes history on the first parochial Santacruzan last May 31, 2022.

May is a month of flowers and religious devotion in the Philippines, as it is the month of the catholic festival Flores de Mayo (Flowers of May). It includes daily flower offerings to the Virgin Mary, also known as the Queen of May, and colorful processions that pass-through cities and villages. On the last day of May, The Parish conducts a living rosary within the vicinity of the Parish. After the Living Rosary, The Santacruzan follows. There are fourteen chosen ladies to portray the different titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Each Marian Title, There is a symbol that they will carry, and it will represent the meaning of the title. Here are the chosen ladies who portray the different titles of our Blessed Mother:

Reyna del Cielo (Queen of Heaven | Aira Marie A. Legwes) – She holds a flower, often accompanied by two children dressed as angels.

Reyna Luna (Queen Moon | Jennifer P. Samson) – She represents the moon, which serves as the footstool of Mary as the Woman of the Apocalypse.

Reyna Candelaria (Queen of Candles | Julien Reah Talingting) – She carries a long, lit taper, symbolizing the Purification of Mary.

Reyna de las Flores (Queen of Flowers | Jessa Mae Tapdasan) – The Queen of the Flores de Mayo. She carries a bouquet of flowers.

Reyna de los Profetas (Queen of Prophets | Krizia Mae Baudto) – She bears an hourglass.

Reyna de las Vírgenes (Queen of Virgins | Nicole Laurente) – She carries a lily, the latter signifying chastity, also escorted by two little angels.

Reyna del Santísimo Rosario (Queen of the Most Holy Rosary | Jessa Mae Bitoon) – She carries a large rosary.

Reyna de los Santos (Queen of Saints | Justine Gumapac) – She carries a golden wreath, symbolizing the Crown of the Saints.

Reyna de los Patriarcas (Queen of Patriarchs | Avveh Lhallaine Dalapatan) – She bears a wooden rod.

Reyna de los Confesores (Queen of Confessors | Regine Mae Senit) – She holds a scroll.

Reyna de la Paz (Queen of Peace | Eurika Labandero) – She holds a dove, real or otherwise.

Reyna de los Mártires (Queen of Martyrs | Ariane Mae Benial) – She bears the Crown of Thorns or a pierced heart as a second representation of the Mater Dolorosa.

Reyna de los Apóstoles (Queen of Apostles | Chainelle Kaye Bagood ) – She holds the Palm of Martyrdom.

Reyna Elena (Queen Helena | Marilyn D. Padenas) – is always the last member of the procession. She represents Saint Helena herself, whose discovery of the True Cross is symbolized by the cross or crucifix that she carries in her arms.

Earlier in this month, the Parish also culminated its first parochial Marian Exhibit, which welcomed various parishes, universities and families in Davao City and was initiated by the PYM Internal Vice President, Paul Angelo Gastanes, and the rest of the youth ministry. Moreover, the culmination was covered live by DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM Radio Station, started with a living rosary, followed by the Marian Procession (Santacruzan), which showcased 14 Marian titles from different zones, and the Holy Mass.

During Homily, Rev. Fr. Jun Gimeno extended his heartfelt gratitude to the catechists who nurtured the mind of the children in praying the Holy Rosary and the virtues and life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Also, he acknowledged and gave thanks to the youth apostolate in the Parish because of the remarkable and successful events that they conducted from the 1st Parochial Marian Exhibit and the 1st Parochial Santacruzan. Rev. Fr. Gimeno mentioned, “Sama ni Santa Maria ug ni Santa Isabel kita usab nakadawat ug kalipay sa pagtuo sa atong Ginoo sa dihang gidawat nato si Kristo sa atong kinabuhi. Maong isip mga binunyagang Kristiyanos atong dad-on sama ni Birhen Maria si Hesus ngadto sa uban.”

AD JESUM PER MARIAM! To Jesus through Mary!