I had mentioned before about FLores De Mayo in which part of our culture as devotees of Virgin Mary. It started on May 1 and lasted until the last day. Last week, after attending Mass, the Parish church announced that May 31 would be a special day. To honour Jesus's' mother, Mary, organized an event. It would be a flower offering, but also a fundraising effort effort for the current project. The front part, which was a gymnasium before, was under renovation, converting into (sorry, I forgot.)
All devotees are encouraged encouraged to participate and buy flowers for a minimum of $3. I don't need to think twice; of course, I'm glad to join.
That was yesterday, but since the mass was scheduled to start at three in the afternoon and it was still hot, we arrived at the church late. There was no vacant seat, and I was carrying Caleb. Others might ask, 'Why not leave my son?' Well, I am not comfortable; I prefer bringing him wherever I go,even it's tiring.
I felt my back ache, so I let him sit for a while here and gave him the roses. Don't worry, mother-in-law, get rid of the thorns.
As the mass ended, we stayed for a while, as the flower offerings would be led by the parochial priest, church members, Hermana Mayors, Muses in Santa Cruz, and others.
Colour and sizes of the roses varies by price. For us, we had pink. Others had huge orange, red, yellow, and other colours and could create a bouquet out of them.
I was in awe when the priest announced that the total collected amount was around $7,176.69 7,176.69, equivalent to P55.74 per $1. Considering it wasn't a huge town. I couldn't help but smile, knowing what we could accomplish if there were unity.
There were even young generations who chose to spend time serving rather than doing anything else.
Rarely the church was full of devotees, and my mother-in-law and I chose to wait until the crowd subsided. It's hard to fall in line, seeing it was this congested while carrying Caleb. Not only is it hot, but I was also thinking of the thorns.
Are you offering flowers? It wasn't that packed now; you may fall in line. One of the CWL - Catholic Women's League, told me. So I stood and joined the queue.
We always sat on the other side, so it was my first time seeing this barrel where you can drop in donations, even a few coins.
Both sides of the Virgin Mary statue were full of flowers, and I could even smell their fragrance. As much as I wanted to take a photo for a full view, there were many others taking pictures as well. So, I had only both sides.
After, we go home. There is still a procession, but we chose not to join it. I haven't bought my son a stroller, and carrying him while walking that long? That was too tiring.
Nevertheless, I was thankful. It's been a decade since I was detached from any religious activities due to my hectic work schedule. Now, I'm back.
Lead image was edited using Canva
Photos are mine