Flores the Mayo at the Missionaries of Africa Cebu During the month of May, the Filipinos have a peculiar

feast called Flores the Mayo. It is a month long celebration which is offered to our Mother Mary. The Philippines being a devout Marian country, takes the feast seriously. The Lay Associates of the Missionaries of Africa have been taking charge of bringing it into fruition for 3 years already. Kids from 5 to 13 years old from neighboring barangays of Paulton and Jasmin are invited, to be given catechism and lessons on the different virtues and values that should be practiced in our daily lives. The Flores the Mayo was introduced during the Spanish occupation like most feasts are in the Philippines. The feast is concluded in a procession with the kids and now joined by the Missionary of Africa scholars personifying the different religious figures or Sagalas as they are common called. Each Sagala holds a symbol that represents different titles of the Virgin Mary in the Litany. The Sagalas, prince and princess are dressed as part of a royal entourage, for they are the forerunners of the last person in the procession which is Reyna Elena or Queen Helena, the mother of the first Christian emperor Constantine. Reyna Elena was believed to have found the Holy Cross during her expedition to the Holy Land. The highlight of the activity was the procession of the new statue of Our Lady of Africa which was generously given to us by a dear friend. Kudos to him and his family. The month long feast is ended with a short program for the kids together with some snacks. Awards were given to kids who have shown exemplary work and dedication. With the closing of the month, we the Lay Associates believe that with these activities we are spreading the word of the Lord and is helping the Missionaries of Africa to be known in the society.