A fitting end to the month dedicated to our blessed Mother Mary was the Quincentennial Santacruzan arranged by the Archdiocese of Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu (with the support of the Cebu City Tourism Commission and Clothes For Life) as part of the celebration of 500 years of Christianity in our country.

The happy occasion was a twin celebration of the Santa Cruz de Mayo and the Flores de Maria traditions. At the helm of the activity from the church end were Fr. Mhar Balili, Secretary General, 500 Years of Christianity, who asked Marian devotee Louie Narcorda to write the script (he came up with 11 pages) and Msgr. Ting Ancajas, the chaplain of the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, where the Holy Mass presided by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma was held. It was also there where the Santacruzan Emperatriz/Reina Elena Cindi Chan was crowned. Her escort was husband, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ahong Chan.

Thirty-four beautifully garbed zagalas (by Cebu’s talented fashion designers) representing the different Marian titles and Santacruzan characters marched from the chapel to SM Seaside where the festivities culminated.