Santacruzan, a Philippine procession and celebration that traditionally takes place on the streets of small villages, was celebrated by local Filipinos after Sunday-morning Mass at Victor’s St. Patrick Church May 1. The procession, which honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, includes prayers, songs of praise and symbolic pageantry.
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Two-year-old Kayla Lippold holds her mother’s sash before the start of the Santacruzan pageant.
Rowena Simons (left) helps Anna Lynn Atmosfera with her sash before the start of the Santacruzan pageant.
Anna Reep (from left), Benny Malijan and 10-year-old Mikiel Malik join hands during the Mass that preceded the Santacruzan procession.
Four-year-old Natalie Mariano (center) and other children hold signs spelling out “Ave Maria.”
Arminda DeCapria (center) kneels to pray with other parishioners during the Mass that preceded the Santacruzan procession.
Arminda DeCapria and 4-year-old Natalie Mariano walk through the arches of flowers inside St. Patrick Church during the procession.
Eleven-year-old Lula Dalupang walks under arches of flowers during the Santacruzan procession.
Women place flowers at the foot of the statue of Mary after procession through St. Patrick Church.
Thirteen-year-old Adrianna Atmosfera carries a crucifix during the procession.
Father Edison Tayag lifts 7-year-old Anna Reilly so that she can place a crown on the statue of Mary.
