NATIONAL CITY — Filipino Catholics are commemorating the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. Locally, they are incorporating this celebration, with its theme of “gifted to give,” into their events this year and next.
In May, they collaborated on an event called “Flores de Mayo,” one of their most important traditions, which includes the faithful offering flowers to the Blessed Mother.
St. Mary’s Church in National City organized the May 29 event, in collaboration with the Diocesan Commission for Filipino Catholics.
The celebration began with more than 200 faithful walking in a procession through neighborhood streets. They included a diminutive king and queen, priests, and a platform on wheels bearing the image of the Blessed Mother.
Afterward, Father Michael Pham celebrated a Mass, accompanied by Father Nemesio Sungcad, St. Mary’s pastor, and Father Romeo Gel Supnet, who delivered the homily.
Future events to celebrate the 500th anniversary include the San Lorenzo Ruiz Fiesta on Sept. 11 at Santa Sophia Church and the Simbang Gabi Vigil Mass on Dec. 14 in a location to be announced.
More information is available at sdcatholic.org/culturaldiversity.
