CEBU, Philippines - With one more week left before the Santacruzan, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma calls on the faithful not to turn this month’s Flores De Mayo festivities into a fashion show or treat it as a mere venue for merrymaking.Palma, also president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), also strongly discouraged the third sex from participating in the Santacruzan parade or “sagala.”
Palma recently reminded the flock that the festivals of May are meant as offerings of prayers and flowers to the Blessed Virgin Mary and a time for reflection. He called on the people to let the Blessed Virgin Mary be the center of the celebration.
The procession is held in honor of St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine the Great who was said to have found the relics of Christ’s cross in Calvary, according to Palma.
“It is a beautiful tradition and I pray that the Santacruzan will not be reduced to a mere parade of pretty young women and the third sex. It must be an expression of prayer and faith and the gift of the cross,” said Palma over Radio Veritas. Referring to gays, Palma said they also do not want to distract the people from their devotion and from the important roles of Mama Mary that the people would like to honor.
“We should respect tradition… It’s a sign of faith and an event to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary,” stressed Palma.
“I hope the people would refrain from staging parades for popularity’s sake or to showcase lewd clothing especially among women and even the gays because it doesn’t look good,” added Palma.
Aljin Abaquita, play director of the Santacruzan for the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe of Cebu Parish, said for 11 years he has been abiding with the Church’s call.
“I always abide to what is modest kay ako mismo is a Marian devotee,” he said.
The parishes will hold the Santacruzan on May 31. —(FREEMAN)