LOS ANGELES – The Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles will celebrate its 19th Marian SantacruzanMay Crowning on Saturday, May 11, at 2:15 PM at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels, located at 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.

Rev. Fr. Rodel G. Balagtas will be the celebrant, Priest Liaison of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and Pastor of Incarnation Catholic Church in Glendale.

The Santacruzan was first held in the 1800’s at Malolos, Bulacan in the Philippines.  It is a religious procession commemorating the quest of Queen Helena of Constantinople and her son, Constantine the Great, in finding the True Cross: the cross that is said to be the one upon which Jesus was crucified.  It has since become part of Filipino tradition focused on the youth and their devotion to emulate the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

The celebration will consist of the presentation of the “Sagalas”, young girls and women that comprise the Court of Honor for the procession of the Blessed Mary.  This is followed by a celebration of the Eucharistic Mass and thereafter the coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Fatima. The flower offering of youth participants concludes the celebration.

A catechetical formation orientation retreat is offered to Santacruzan participants at the Incarnation Catholic Church at 1001 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale 90202.

Devotional groups, cultural, civic, and non-profit organizations will join the procession with their banners and Virgin Mary icons. Recommended attire is Filipiniana.

For all inquiries including registration, souvenir program advertisements and tickets for the Casa Italiana dinner dance reception at 1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles Ca 90012 please call Santacruzan Event Chairperson Divina Rodriquez at 323 228 5265 | divrod12@gmail.com