Have you ever heard of one of the titles of the Blessed Mother as “Queen of May”? Every month of May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. Flores de Mayo means “Flowers of May” and it lasts for the entire month. In our parish, near the altar, there is a beautiful awe-inspiring image of the Blessed Mother holding flowers with buckets of it upon her feet. Anytime, just for this month, we can offer flowers to her through this image signifying our devotion to our Blessed Mother. Above anyone else, it is God who honored her first, by making her the Mother of His Only Begotten Son. As said by the renowned Marian saint, Saint Maximilian Kolbe, “Never be afraid of loving the Virgin Mary too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did”. So, we offer our flowers to Mother Mary along with our prayers and obedience to her Son, Jesus as it pleases her. For her will is always the will of His Son, Our Lord Jesus.

One of the most anticipated events during Flores de Mayo is a pageant called “Santa Cruzan” which aims to honor Mary and several Marian titles. It is also a commemoration and a symbol of Saint Helena, the Empress who searched for the True Cross of Jesus. Hence the title “Santa” which means “Holy”, and “Cruzan” from the Spanish word “Cruz” meaning “Cross”. It was never only about the ladies and their outward beauty or the grand parades, but it is truly about imitating Mary, not only in physical beauty but more so in the inner beauty found in true devotion to God and exuding virtues. This must aim to embody truly beautiful Filipina women with the holy fear of the Lord. Moreover, it is also about the Holy Cross, whose original feast day was May 3 before it was moved to September 14, as the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

It was in the spectacular plan of God to interweave these festivals we have during Easter wherein we celebrate Christ’s resurrection mostly through the month of May. So, we must also take courage and endeavor to be new persons in Christ by kindling our devotion to the Blessed Mother who will help us love Christ fully and to carry our Cross daily. Amidst the busyness of rituals and traditions, it is still the disposition of our hearts that matters most. May we be reminded to offer to God all we do for the love of Him. This is the one eternal and true devotion that never fades whatever we do because it comes from the heart.

Marga de Jesus | OLA Social Communications