Santacruzan!

Who can miss the pageantry that Santacruzan brings every month of May? Young girls dressed in exquisite, colorful gowns represent various characters of the commemoration of the search of the Holy Cross by Queen Helena (Reina Elena) and her son, the newly converted Emperor Constantine. The Holy Cross was said to be found in Jerusalem and brought to Rome, where there was a joyful celebration of thanksgiving.

The festival was first introduced by the Spaniards, and has since become part of Filipino traditions. But what has become of Santacruzan to date? Does it convey the same meaning and purpose? Look at the entertainment world. Has it not been turned into a spectacle of sorts? Beautiful girls wearing fashionable and revealing gowns parading representing of all things, Marian virtues! Where is Marian modesty in that?

What is Santacruzan’s significance for us? It is our own search of the Holy Cross. And who will lead us to it but the Mother whose Son was nailed on the Cross. Mary received her mandate as our spiritual mother at the foot of the Cross. St. John says that, “When Jesus saw the Mother and the disciple; he said to the Mother, “Woman, this is your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “There is your mother”… (Jn 19:26-27).

Let us not lose the grace of this occasion. Mary is a true example of a follower of Christ. Her Son’s pain on the Cross became her own and she bore it with humility, obedience and love. And what better way to carry our own crosses but through Mary!

Santacruzan is a sacred event. Let us not stray from the original intent of the celebration: thanksgiving for the discovery of the Holy Cross. Our own participation in the Santacruzan, whether as sagala or spectator, is our own search and discovery of the holiness of our own crosses.