The Meaning Behind Our Traditions
Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo Festival
Santacruzan is a religious commemoration of the finding of the True Cross by the Emperatriz (thus, Reyna Elena) mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine who, in the Edict of Milan in 313, legalized Christianity. This paved the way for its spread throughout the world. But it is also the celebration of the Spanish springtime tradition of Flores de Mayo dedicated to the Blessed Mother with offerings of flowers and festive processions.
In the Filipino way of brightening solemn events into joyous ones, the two feasts were merged to form what is now known as the “Queen of Filipino Feasts”, the Santacruzan. It is held on the 9th night of the novena honoring the Holy Cross. The novena procession includes the Reynas, Sagalas (muses), Flower Girls, Angels, their Escorts and a display of biblical figures, characters of beauty, purity and fancy, and symbols of attributes to the Virgin Mary. The relic of the True Cross, used to lead Santacruzan procession is present. Catholic Action of Mary (CAM) will hold the 47th Santacruzan and Flores De Mayo” in Jersey City on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at St. Mary's Church (Second St./Erie St). CAM's mission is to preserve our heritage by celebrating and sharing the meaning behind our Filipino religious and cultural traditions. CAM's celebration is the largest and longest running Santacruzan here in the East Coast.
ORIGIN
Catholic Action of Mary’s “Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo” is the largest and longest running “Santacruzan or Santakrusan” celebration in the entire East Coast, USA. The “Santacruzan Procession” was first held in May of 1978 in downtown Jersey City, NJ along Manila Ave. in the heart of its thriving first generation Filipino-American community. The celebration of the “Santacruzan Procession” is yearly participated by over 500 families. The most beloved Filipino Religious tradition is now joined by three generations of Filipino-Americans from all over the East Coast.
ABOUT CATHOLIC ACTION OF MARY
CAM is the Filipino lay organization in Jersey City, NJ. It was originally started in 1978 as an organization at St. Mary's Church. CAM's parish fundraising activities, continues to preserve the celebration of several Filipino-Catholic Religious traditions including: Block Rosary, Pabasa, Easter Salubong, Divine Mercy Pilgrimage, Santacruzan & Flores de Mayo and Simbang Gabi. Misang Pilipino is held every 1st Sunday of the month at St. Mary's Church. Everyone is welcome to experience a celebration of the Holy Eucharist in our Tagalog language. After the Holy Mass in Marian Hall, join the fellowship and breakfast.
Our Reynas and Hermanos
The highlight of the day is the celebration of the Sanatcruzan Mass and traditional Religious Procession with the Hermanos y Hermanas Mayores, the Reynas & Sagalas. A Marian Procession with the many icons of the Blessed VIrgin Mary process with the BVM Float. The Reynas and Hermanos are chosen by the Executive Chairperson of the Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo. In 2025, Mr. Freddy Burke is honored to be the Executive Chairman and President of the Catholic Action of Mary.
Check out the latest news on our Social Media/Press Releases for the incoming Reynas and Hermano y Hermana Mayores!
