Padova, Italy –The annual Filipino celebration of Santacruzan here continues every May for many years.
The May 27th event proved that the meaningful, colorful, joyous celebration of honoring the Virgin Mary during the flowery month is still at majority’s heart.
Thousands of Pinoys flocked to Basilica del Carmine in Piazza Petrarca for the Eucharistic celebration led by Bishop Precioso Cantillas, Chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines – Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI).
The Holy mass was followed by the long walk of the sagalas from Basilica del Carmine to Parrocchia Nativita di Maria and the procession of the image of Virgin Mary and other saints.
The weather was good, the walk was long but at every sagala’s face was a smile that seems to confirm happiness. Everyone looks pretty in their gowns, extravagant or simple.
Even the children sagalas were happy unmindful of the heat of the sun, proud to be walking in their gown and later offer flowers to the blessed Virgin Mary.
The event was participated by Filipinos from different parts of Veneto region and some from Spain. Two buses from Milan also came to be part of the tradition the Filipino love every May.
The coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary showed the very strong Filipino Catholic faith while the offering of flowers was a sign of gratitude to her unselfish love to humanity and for all that she did to mankind.
This year’s Hermana was Malveda-Guevarra family. (by: Zita Baron – photos by: United Pinoygraphers Club)
