Where have all the flowers gone?

Ibalik ang FLORES DE MAYO!

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Summer used to be all about making the best out of it with Christ. With the unending games, colorful flowers, marvelous singing and dancing, delicious champorado, benignit and many more, what else would you ask for? Where else would you look for such enjoyment all in one?

Nowadays, there are still children who participate; however, there is no longer consistency so where have all the flowers gone?

It has been observed that there is a diminishing number of participation of children week after week during the Flores de Mayo. The unforgettable event, which supposedly produces blazing hearts and sparkling smiles yearly, is now struggling to pull children drowned in computer games.

Eula Faye Caalim, an upcoming grade 9 student of Holy Cross College of Malita, is a former active participant of the Flores de Mayo due to the influence of her grandmother who is head of their Gagmay’ng Kristohanong Katilingban (GKK). Now, she is a catechist teaching young kids ages 7-12 years old. She observes that the attention of children nowadays is diverged to the high technologies we have right now. Another factor that is hindering children from participating is the summer workshops. Unlike the Flores de Mayo, parents have to pay to send their children to summer workshops.

Julito Languita of Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish, Malalag, Davao del Sur, expressed his concern that there is only an average of 20 children participating in the Flores de Mayo in their Parish. The situation we are in today is far different from what is used to be. He suggested that parents should guide their children more and make them understand deeply the true essence of the Flores de Mayo.

Flores de Mayo, translating literally to “Flowers of May”, is celebrated in the Philippines since the height of Spanish rule and Catholic influence in the country in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This month-long tradition in the Philippines is best known for unforgettable highlights such as the Santacruzan, the Palaro, the Luglugan (nightly novena), and the Tapusan or Katapusan (conclusion or culmination).

Bishop George Rimando reminds the faithful, “Flores de Mayo is thanking Mama Mary.” So, as GKKs open this year’s annual tradition, we salute all our committed catechists (Pangulo sa Pagpanudlo), supportive parents, and active kids. Let us all together bring Flores de Mayo back to its shape. (Cheryl Vilog & Teresa Marie Dumandan, with report from Jonn Mangrobang|Diocese of Digos)