Holy Family Church’s Flores De Mayo
Photos by Reniel Torres | www.rgtphotography.com
Photos by Rick Idak
The Frankston Filipino community and friends held the traditional Flores de Mayo (Spanish for “flowers of May”) last 21 May 2017 at the Holy Family Church in Frankston North.
The Flower Festival is held the entire month of May in the Philippines and is considered one of the May devotions to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The festival’s ritual pageant is called Santacruzan (from the Spanish santa cruz, “holy cross”). Lulu Lorenzo was the Hermana Mayor.
A Mass was conducted by Rev. Monsignor Litoy Asis with the Holy Redeemer Wantirna providing songs.
During the Mass, some Filipino-Australian families were recognised for their contribution to the Church’s 25th anniversary. The first generation of Filipino family who started attending and participating in the Church’s activities and Masses was Ernie and Remy Ermino. The second and third generations were: Narciso and Mariata Brinas, June and Evelyn Torres, Ivor and Vangie Philipps, Martin and Vergie Kobe, Romy and Rina Deveza, the Binghay Family, Jake and Tita Pineda, Gorge and Nila Ortiz, Ariel and Minnie Bernardino, Salih and Vima Basic, Peter and Joy Harris, Grace Edward, Nelson and Sonia, Dinah Edillor, Christy Maxwell, Nick and Lourdes Tadena, Fe Gillies, Manny and Edith Reyes, Nowel Drill, Alex and Boots De La Paz, Jean and Ramon, and Himig Silangan group.
After the Mass, lunch was provided and there were presentations from various groups. PEASER members danced the traditional Muslim Dance. Sagalas were from the Australian Multicultural Seniors Support Group.
Anna Templin serves as Head of the Church’s Filipino community group.
