Today is the 29th day of the month. Two days left before this month ends. At least I would be able to write an article on how this month is significant to many people especially to Christians.

Here in our place or even in other area of the Philippines, the month of May is considered as a month of joy, happiness and faith. This month is full of church activities like fiesta, Flores de Mayo, SantaCruzan and many more. These three major activities are done in the honor of the saints, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and most of all in honor of JesusChrist.

Saint Isidore Laborer

Isidore Laborer became a saint in Catholic Church through his faith in God. He is known also as patron saint of the farmers. He was working on wealthy family in his place. Before he went to the farm, he regularly visited first the chapel. Everyday, he prayed first to God before he worked. But he was complained by the other farmers that Saint Isidore went late to the farm. One time, his boss monitored him and checked the reason why he came late at work. At the chapel, he found out that Saint Isidore was talking to some angels.

According to the story, everytime when Saint Isidore went to the chapel, he asked God to bless the farm abundantly.

The feast of Saint Isidore was held every 15th or 16th day of the month of May. Part of the celebration, there were novena prayers happened for nine nights. During Vespers Day, a procession from the faithful was held also. And what is most important is to join and participate the holy Mass. You can still celebrate the fiesta even without foods as long as you would be able to attend the mass seriously and solemnly.

Blessed Virgin Mary

Flores de Mayo is very known activity in the month of May. From the first day until the end of the month, some religious people together with the children went to the church or chapel to offer flowers to Virgin Mary everyday. This is the expression of love for many Catholic to Virgin Mary as mother of Jesus. Aside from flowers, the devotees offered also prayers to God through Mary. A prayer for the peace in the community and healthy relationships of all families.

However, in the catechism, the children were taught that the best thing that Christians could offer to Mary is the good value to be shown to other people. That's why in the daily devotions, children were taught to show respect elders, to be obedient to their parents and to be good Christians and good citizens in our country.

Another, Mother Mary is deserved to be praised because she also played an important role or part in salvation. Jesus loves His mother. So.why can't we? Mary is believed that she was in heaven now and reigned as queen of heaven and earth. Mary became a good daughter of God the Father. She became the mother of Jesus, Son of God. She became also the temple of the Holy Spirit.

JesusChrist

Santacruzan, from Spanish word, Santa Cruz or holy cross in English is a ritual pageant of some women held on the last day of the month as culmination of the Flores de Mayo. This event honors the finding of the true cross of Christ by Helena of Constantinople or known as Reyna Elena. Reyna Elena and her child, King Constantine were representing Mary and Jesus.

To make this feast colorful, it was done through a procession or parade of many queens. These queens were believed as companions of Reyna Elena in finding the true cross of JesusChrist.

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Thank you for reading!