Flores de Mayo, Santacruzan in May

Cultivating Philippine religious traditions in New Zealand, Filipino Catholics in the Diocese of Hamilton, New Zealand kicked off the Flores de Mayo festival on May 6 in St. Matthew’s Church, Silverdale Road, Hamilton with Catechism for children, Rosary and the Ave Maria Procession. The May devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary has been conducted every Saturday for the entire month except on the last Saturday. On May 27 from 1:30pm, the traditional Santacruzan will be held in St. Columba’s Church, Dinsdale, Hamilton, to honor the finding of the True Cross by Helena of Constantinople and Constantine the Great.

Belen Soon, one of the organizers, said that they have received support from the community with parents volunteering their children to dress as angels for the Flores de Mayo. More than twenty-five (25) young ladies and women have signed up as Reinas for the Santacruzan.

A Holy Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Rico Enriquez on May 27 that will include the procession of the Reinas. To attain a Filipino fiesta atmosphere, the organizers request for all attendees to bring their favorite dish with rice and drinks to be shared with the community during the Salu-salo.

In Auckland, the ‘Santacruzan for a Cause’ will be held on May 27, 2023 from 2pm-5pm at the St Heliers Church and Hall in Auckland. Emma Baet Carreon, of Banyuhay Aotearoa, said that as a unique addition to New Zealand, a youth participant that will be chosen with the title of Reyna Flores de Aotearoa.