Los Angeles, CA – The 17th Annual Santacruzan-May Crowning was recently held at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels on May 14, 2022, a celebratory Filipino Marian tradition that encompasses more than 222 years after the Spaniards landed in the Islands to colonize and spread Christianity. The Holy Cross became symbolic and focused on the youth and the devotion to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary. The theme for this year is Holy Mary, Queen of Peace as we asked for her intercession in praying for peace in the world especially Russia and Ukraine.
The Eucharistic Mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas, Liaison of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Pastor of Incarnation Church, with about 1,200 people in attendance. Deacon Ray Emnace assisted him. Concelebrants were Fr. Joy Lawrence Santos, Pastor of St. Genevieve Church and Fr. Joel Henson, Associate Vicar for Clergy. The presentation of the Reyna Elena with her Court of Sagalas and Ave Maria Angels led to the flower offering and crowning of the image of Virgen delos Remedios courtesy of the Kapampangan in Southern California and Devotees of Virgen delos Remedios. The participants-Reynas, Estrellas and Angeles went thru an immersive Catholic retreat and faith formation to qualify. This year’s top three Reynas are: 1) Reyna Elena – Erica Rose Madlangsakay of St. Genevieve Parish, Panorama City, 2) Reyna Emperatriz – Ariane B. Galino of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, 3) Reyna De Las Flores – Muriel Brown of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. Various religious, and civic organizations with the Philippine Consulate General staff attended the procession. Participants from various ethnic communities carried the most popular image of the Blessed Virgin Mary in their native countries through the collaboration of the Office of Ethnic Ministry.
All these would not have been possible without the financial and moral support of the generous Hermana Mayores: Rita Paraiso Guiamelon, M.D. and Rogeria C. Ruiz; Hermana Menores: Maria Edna Noel, Zeny de la Pena, Violeta San Juan, Elena de Jesus Souza, and Flordeliza Lecaros.
This annual event was followed by a special program with Awards, a sumptuous gala dinner and dancing held at the Casa Italiana in Los Angeles. The May festival sponsored by The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was the culmination of the painstaking efforts of the Santacruzan 2022 Committee headed by Arnel Bailon as Chairperson with the cooperation of the Cathedral staff with photo credits courtesy of Andy Tecson.
