ILOILO City – As May arrives, it marks the annual tradition of Flores de Mayo, where children and devout Catholics flock to churches daily to participate in the revered tradition.
Despite the challenges of modern distractions and intense summer heat, the devotion remains strong among the community, especially evident within the Archdiocese of Jaro.
Reverend Father Angelo Colada, director of the Archdiocese of Jaro’s social communication office, reported witnessing a significant turnout at various chapels in both Iloilo City and the province.
“In some chapels, even in urban areas, there are as many as 100 children participating, showing that despite technological advancements, the devotion to our traditions remains steadfast,” said Father Colada.
One of the main features of Flores de Mayo is the daily offering of flowers to the Virgin Mary. This often includes a procession where children carry flowers to adorn a shrine or altar dedicated to Mary.
The fervor is palpable, particularly when young participants gather in their local chapels, not just out of devotion but also as a cherished part of their childhood.
“It’s something the youth look forward to, perhaps as a vital part of their upbringing. Missing out on this could mean missing a significant aspect of their Catholic upbringing and spiritual growth,” Father Colada added.
This year, the Archdiocese of Jaro has not implemented specific guidelines for observing Flores de Mayo, leaving it to the discretion of individual parish priests and churches.
In Iloilo City, Flores de Mayo is typically held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., accommodating the school schedules, which do not include face-to-face classes in the afternoon due to the heat.
Churches in the province of Iloilo have the flexibility to schedule Flores de Mayo in the late afternoon or even during weekends, to avoid disrupting children’s classes.
Father Colada emphasized the spiritual importance of Flores de Mayo, pointing out that it fosters devotion to the Virgin Mary, which in turn strengthens the community’s faith in God and Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, he shared, “Flores de Mayo has been instrumental in teaching me about catechesis and the importance of praying the Holy Rosary. It’s more than a tradition; it’s a foundational aspect of our faith that leads us closer to Jesus through the Virgin Mary.”/PN
