SCHERERVILLE – An atmosphere of excitement filled the air as young girls wearing formal dresses, some adorned with tiaras, arrived at St. Michael the Archangel on May 17, to participate in a cultural tradition known as Santacruzan.
Santacruzan is a Filipino tradition that combines Catholic devotion and cultural pageantry. Held at the end of May, it honors the Virgin Mary and St. Helena through a procession of faith, beauty and symbolic grace. The Santacruzan is not a standalone event – it is the culminating celebration of Flores de Mayo, or “Flowers of May,” a Catholic devotion introduced by Spanish missionaries in the 19th century.
Maureen Germany, a member of the Diocese of Gary’s Filipino Ministry Advisory Team, said the Santacruzan is about community and inspiring goodwill in addition to cultural education.
“It honors St. Helen, which dates back to where we came from,” Germany said. “Traditionally, in the Philippines, we would select young women and invite them to participate, and they would serve as a role model for the community.”
Maricris Martin arrived with her daughter, Anastasia, 5, to participate in the spring tradition. It was the first time the family had taken part in the festivities while in the United States of America. She was excited to see the girls enjoying the chance to wear sashes representing particular saints and others dressed as angels.
“I want to teach my daughter the Filipino culture and also the American culture here,” Martin said. “I also want to guide her, with the help of the Church, to know the right things to do and learn about religion.”
Glenda Bakalar, of Highland, helped to line up and guide the young men and women through the Santacruzan. While she admitted some of the younger children may not fully understand the reasoning behind the activities and details, they still enjoy being able to dress up, walk together in the procession, and have fun doing it.
Bakalar explained that she shared several YouTube videos with her husband and daughter to provide an understanding of how Santacruzan is celebrated “back home.”
“It’s our culture, and I think it’s important to always remember where we came from,” she said.
May-Lyn Hayward, 13, of Gary, was also one of the young girls who participated in the event. She said it was an opportunity to show honor to the saints and the Blessed Mary, and also faithfulness in God. She stated that she said some extra prayers before taking part in the Santacruzan event.
“I wanted to participate to show the gift of God and what he’s done for us,” she said.
The Santacruzan held at St. Michael began with a procession into the sanctuary, where those gathered recited the Rosary led by the children. Flowers were then brought forward to the altar in reverence to Mother Mary. Attendees then moved outside, processing through the parish’s Mount Calvary area, and stopping at a statue of the Virgin Mary. After pausing for picture opportunities on the sunny day, families headed back to the parish hall to enjoy a potluck lunch.
Mindy Carlay, president of the Filipino Professionals Association, noted that Santacruzan shows respect for the Blessed Mother, pointing out the statues depicting Our Lady of Consolation, Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of the Philippines that accompanied the children throughout the procession.
“Everyone is enjoying it and looks forward to this,” she said. “The kids also like it, so hopefully we will continue to do it.”
Dr. Claudia Sadowski, diocesan coordinator of intercultural ministry, shared her appreciation, thanking the members of the Filipino Ministry Advisory Team and all families who took time to participate in the day’s activities.
“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity to gather on this beautiful day,” she said. “We are so blessed to be here and blessed to be part of this community.”
The Diocese of Gary hosts regular Filipino Masses in Tagalog on the second Sunday of the month. The Filipino Mass takes place at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs’ North Campus, 801 W. 73rd Ave., Merrillville.
