Divine Mercy Church (DMC)
By Ms. Cheryl Sevegan
It’s the first time in 6 years that DMC (Divine Mercy Church) held a Sta. Cruzan. Sta. Cruzan is the procession on the last day of the May Flower Festival (Flores De Mayo, offered to the Virgin Mary) in honor of Reyna Helena. In the year 326 A.D. she and her son left Rome and searched for the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. They found the Holy Cross and brought it back to Rome, the capital of their empire.
On this occasion beautiful young women parade in appropriate theatrical costumes sporting biblical and historical characters which are commonly called ‘sagalas.’ Almost all ‘sagalas’ symbolize queens from the past. Each sagala is dressed beautifully looking like a real “Reyna” (Queen).
The celebration took place at the new Divine Mercy Chapel located at Tzivat Zion St. # 33, Tel Aviv. It began with a Holy Mass with Father Michael Grospe as the celebrant priest. Procession immediately followed with the parade of dashingly beautiful queens or ‘salagas.’
Mary Magdala – Lourdes Poserio
Mother of Christ – Arcey Velasco
Mary, Mother of James – Zeny Mariano
Divina Pastora – Amy San Juan
Reina de las Estrellas – Patrick Tolentino
Rosa Mystica – Delle Arnaldo
Reina de las Propetas – Helen Austria
Reina Paz (Queen of Peace) – Arsenia Doton
Reina del Cielo – Vicky Remitar
Reina de las Virgenes – Lourdes Poserio
Reina de las Flores – Milagros Isik
Reina Elena – Anita Ragucos
Constantine – Jeremiah Israel Aquino
The bearer of the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was Ms. Glo Visaya. Ms. Bra Tabuso did the honor of crowning the Blessed Virgin Mary. Praying of the Holy Rosary while people offered flowers atop the Blessed Virgin Mary was led by Sister Regina Cobrador, SPC, Rosa Illesca and Fe Austria. The enthronement of the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary was done by Fr. Michael Grospe.
Delicious Filipino foods prepared by Bhea Tabus, Lourdes Poserio, Lourdes Evangelista and Marlyn Baldonado were shared to all for dinner.
Different dances and performances followed in the program. Ms. Dyesebel Cabande and Mr. Anthony Jaramillo became the night’s Masters of Ceremony.
The Friday Choir Group danced the classically illustrious Filipino cultural dance ‘Pandanggo sa Ilaw’ whilst the Saturday and Sunday Choir Groups gracefully performed the renowned Muslim dance ‘Singkil.’ Ushers and greeters group also did their part.
Our Lady of Woman of Valor Church and the Divine Mercy Community would like to thank all the people who participated and shared their talents. Also, to the churchgoers who gave their support and generosity to the community, most of all to our chaplain, his Most Rev. Father David Neuhaus, SJ.
Their gratefulness also goes to the following persons: to the Agro students for the flowers, Ms. Dang Austria for the letter cuttings for the decorations, Ms. Ghing Rambayon’s and May Serano’s choirs, Ms. Fe Austria Lector and the Sri Lankan Sisters.
Lastly, to the very special and generous priest, his Most Rev. Father David Neuhaus, SJ, who did everything he can to help the Filipino community build their own church in South Tel Aviv through his persistent effort in collecting benefactors all over the world.
